JRS Brochure

Helen Keller Services – Corporate Headquarters (25,000 sf) Seeking to maintain their Brooklyn roots, Helen Keller Services identified the former A&S’s back office, shipping and warehouse building for their corporate headquarters and children’s learning center. HKS’ objectives included flexible space promoting communication and collaboration; an inviting fun environment, easy navigation for the sight impaired and consolidation of space. Creativity is obvious as soon as one arrives. A braille-inspired tactile wall in the entrance projects a sense of joy and optimism to inspire not only students and staff, but also visitors. The reception area and entire space is bathed in natural light, one of JRS’ primary design objectives. Windowed offices with interior glass walls, classroom clerestory windows and vision panels help distribute natural light especially to interior workspaces and classrooms. Tactile floor tiles and high contrast flooring materials were selected especially for HKS’ visitors, students and staff allowing them to navigate the facility independently. Tactile wall panels, textured wallcoverings and brightly colored acoustical wall panels also aid in their navigation while creating an inviting and whimsical atmosphere. Yet, the overall color palette alludes corporate. To address their heightened noise and light sensitivity, JRS’ design includes dimmable lighting, NRC highest rated ceiling materials, acoustical textured wallcoverings and padded flooring. The space also includes a “learning kitchen/pantry”, an eye examination lab and a reconfigurable, multipurpose conference center.

Sophisticated while budget sensitive tele-communications and videoconferencing allow staff to collaborate efficiently within HKS’ space as well as remotely with parents and colleagues.

JRS ARCHITECT, P.C. I LONG ISLAND I PRINCETON I WWW.JRSARCHITECT.COM

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