US architecture practice Fogarty Finger has updated portions of a 109-year-old office building in Manhattan with glazed meeting rooms, skylights and Scandinavian-style pale woodwork.

The project ? named after its address, 31 West 27th Street ? is located in the NoMad district, between Broadway and Sixth Avenue. Dating back to 1910, the building rises 12 storeys and encompasses just over 126,000 square feet (11,706 square metres).

Local studio Fogarty Finger was tasked with overhauling the top floor and ground-level public zones. The goal was to create "warm entrances capable of serving the growing number of tenants, while also transforming some of the office floors to attract young companies in search of modern design".
The team sought to preserve original elements where possible, such as high ceilings, wooden flooring and ornate detailing.
On the 12th floor, the team created an office containing a lounge, a conference room, an open-plan work zone, a bathroom and a kitchen. New skylights usher in natural light, helping the space feel fresh and bright. Pale wood and streamlined decor are intended to evoke a Scandinavian feel.

Throughout the office, white-walls are contrasted with dark elements, such as black window frames and black light fixtures. Potted plants offer "a subtle splash of colour" to the pared-down space. Wooden slats cover portions of the ceiling, helping dampen noise while adding visual interest.
In the public zones, the team retai...