Efficient. Adaptable. Purposeful.
A Flexible Workspace for a Growing Vision
Lilly Architects transformed the fifth floor of Tulsa’s City Hall into a dynamic, cost-conscious workspace for 36° North, an entrepreneurial hub designed to support startups, remote workers, and growing businesses. Intended as a temporary solution while the organization consolidated its locations into a single innovation hub, the 44,500-square-foot build-out prioritized flexibility, efficiency, and impactful design interventions that maximized functionality without unnecessary cost.
A Practical and Adaptable Approach
Understanding the project’s temporary nature, the design focused on strategic modifications that elevated the user experience while maintaining budget-conscious solutions. The reception area was reconfigured to be accessible from multiple sides, featuring a carefully detailed wood finish, integrated seating, and a living green wall that subtly reinforced branding. Meeting spaces were refined to support a range of professional interactions, from formal gatherings to impromptu conversations, while balancing transparency, privacy, and security through movable glass partitions.
Defined Spaces Within an Open Floor Plan
To break up the expansive office floor without extensive construction, Lilly Architects introduced elements that created distinct zones of activity while preserving openness. A central circular seating installation—formed by a suspended ring with woven rope—established an implied enclosure without adding visual or physical barriers. The east-facing curtain wall was transformed into a lounge area, leveraging natural light to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
Balancing Economy with Experience
The design team worked closely with 36° North to ensure that every intervention aligned with the project's financial constraints while still enhancing the work environment. Materials, furnishings, and layout adjustments were chosen for their ability to deliver long-term durability and functionality with minimal investment. By introducing warmth and texture to the previously neutral office setting, the build-out provided a welcoming and professional space without extensive structural changes.
A Workspace with a Defined Lifespan
Completed in 2021, the 36° North City Hall workspace served as a transitional home for the organization as it worked toward consolidating its locations into a singular, long-term hub. While its future remains uncertain following the organization’s rebrand and relocation, the project stands as an example of how thoughtful design can create meaningful, high-performing workspaces—even within a temporary framework.
