A desire to create a venue for community interaction, along with an interest in the city center and its revitalization, led ArchitectureWorks to invest in the old Birmingham Publishing Company Building in downtown Birmingham. Originally built in the 1920’s, the brick and wood structure was separated from a similar building mid-block by an open lot. In the 1950’s, a terra-cotta tile and bar joist infill building was constructed to house the press room for the expanding printing company, effectively creating a single building.
Acquiring the buildings in 1999, ArchitectureWorks sought to establish an environment that would encourage the community to become exposed to and engaged in the practice of architecture. Conceived of as a complex of inter-related spaces, the studio and a multi-function space each open to and are connected by an open-air courtyard, which, in turn, opens to the street. The large open design of the studio, with movable furniture and low partitions separating the individual workspaces, emphasizes the collaborative nature of design that is core to ArchitectureWorks’ process. The importance of sustainable design was also articulated through the use of natural light and reclaimed materials.