Recent MEP, fire protection, IT cabling and security infrastructure work on Shutterstock's new offices in the Empire State Building remind us why we love what we do at Lilker. The 66,000 sq. ft. of high tech workspace in one of New York's most beloved buildings offers the best of the modern and classic to the electronic stock photo company's 300 employees. The notable project was covered in Business Insider with a feature-length article and pictorial spread. (Click here for the story and many more amazing images.)
Occupying the building's 20th and 21st floors, Shutterstock's new headquarters features large open areas, a multipurpose space, dual-use cafeteria/town hall meeting arena, a yoga room, a game room, a hidden library and outdoor terraces. A grand scale, art deco-inspired staircase connects the floors, topped by a super-high-tech 4K TV. Massive media walls with rotating images adorn the lobby area.
Behind the Scenes
Subject to exterior review and approval by the City's Landmarks Preservation Commission, the project also posed several interior design obstacles. The offices' 20th floor location, where the building's footprint transitions to a smaller size, created specific fit-out challenges and necessitated offsetting critical building infrastructure. A modern, open ceiling design required close planning among Lilker's MEP engineers, Technology Solutions Group (TSG) and the architect to ensure proper placement of the HVAC duct work and the IT cabling.
Lilker's TSG also designed and installed Shutterstock's large Data Center, and was responsible for cabling of all Wireless Access Points (WAPs) and placement of security cameras, including those located on the building's terraces. Lilker engineers provided coordination and design work for the electrical and cooling needs for the high-tech media walls.
"Projects for companies that are technology driven, like Shutterstock, keep us on our toes and push us to the next level, challenging us to find solutions that are flexible enough to withstand rapid corporate growth and to serve clients' needs well into the future," says Lilker TSG's Director John Hassett.
