Praxair Incubation Center

The objective of this project was “to create an Innovation Center with a variety of flexible meeting spaces that encourages collaboration to problem solve, review and grow ideas.”

This would be done by converting an industrial laboratory space at Praxair’s Tonawanda, NY facility into an exciting, flexible and inspiring space showcasing state-of-the-art technology, appealing to users and facilitating collaborative teamwork.

The 8,000 sf Innovation Center celebrates the building’s heritage with exposed structure and utilities, juxtaposed with modern elements introduced through the use of color and texture.

To meet the client’s vision for this space, blue and red are primary colors utilized in several elements. Blue to create focused areas of serenity and peace, promoting a relaxed, soothing atmosphere. Red to stimulate and excite, creating zones of movement and energy. Wall and carpet materials strategically locate color nodes, with segments of color reaching out to draw people into these flexible collaboration zones.

Flexibility is a key priority, achieved with movable furniture, planters and white boards. Furniture selections provide variety for different meeting sizes, privacy requirements, formality and technological needs. The space can rapidly be configured for large town-hall style presentations with full AV capabilities. Programmable, color changing LED lights are incorporated to allow ambiance flexibility in the space.