Case Studies Distinctive Design that matters Division1

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	Distinctive Design that matters Division1

Distinctive Design that matters Division1

Technology Category	Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Visualization Functional Applications - Product Lifecycle Management Systems (PLM) Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
Applicable Industries	Construction & Infrastructure
Applicable Functions	Facility Management Product Research & Development
Use Cases	Building Automation & Control Building Energy Management Smart City Operations
Services	Software Design & Engineering Services System Integration
Challenge	Ali Reza Honarkar faced conservative college professors in the 1990s who emphasized the importance of honoring architecture’s past in his designs, which he found confining. This conflict led to his desire to stretch the limits and do things differently, a trait that remains central to how he and his team approach projects today at Division1 Architects in Washington, DC. The firm was co-founded in 1994 as a response to a failing economy and stagnant design culture in the Washington metropolitan area. Honarkar's approach to design, which often involves defending his work and anticipating client questions, has led to a wide-ranging portfolio that includes single-family and multi-unit residential buildings, commercial spaces, and more. The firm aims to make its mark on the staid and predictable architecture of the DC area by using materials in innovative ways and creating designs that are both functional and dramatic. Read More
About Customer	Division1 Architects, co-founded by Ali Reza Honarkar in 1994, is a Washington, DC-based architectural firm known for its innovative and provocative design approach. The firm was established as a response to a failing economy and stagnant design culture in the Washington metropolitan area. Honarkar, who faced conservative college professors in the 1990s, developed a desire to stretch the limits and do things differently, a trait that remains central to the firm's philosophy. Division1's portfolio is extensive, covering single-family and multi-unit residential buildings, commercial spaces, restaurants, nightclubs, and even branding and apparel. The firm is known for its ambitious and pioneering projects, often using materials in unexpected ways to create bold statements. Honarkar's approach to design involves anticipating client questions and presenting concepts through detailed drawings, renderings, and other visuals. The firm also emphasizes the importance of living a balanced life and ensuring that design work feels fulfilling rather than burdensome. Read More
Solution	Division1 Architects employs a unique and innovative approach to design, often using materials in unexpected ways to create bold statements. For example, the firm extended a white granite surface across the bar at DC hotspot Barcode, up the bordering walls, and over the ceiling, creating a dramatic and theatrical focus. Another example is Honarkar's use of reclaimed wood to create a three-story floating wall beside a fountain at Lima, a DC restaurant and nightclub. The firm also uses sustainable materials like Viroc, a cement composite board from Portugal, to create striking features such as floating staircases and fireplaces. Division1's work on The Lacey, a high-end 26-unit condominium building along DC's U Street corridor, earned industry recognition for its transparency and industrial elegance. The building features concrete walls, solid steel framework, and transparent glass panels, creating an intriguing structure with an interior atrium where hallways seem to float. The design embraces an open plan, providing freedom and flexibility for better living through architecture. The firm's first sustainable design project, the Church Street Property, features an impressive lineup of green elements, including a graywater system, solar roof panels, radiant-floor heating, and an energy-efficient geothermal system. These elements create a truly sustainable result while maintaining a great design. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Visualization

Functional Applications - Product Lifecycle Management Systems (PLM)

Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems

Applicable Industries

Construction & Infrastructure

Applicable Functions

Facility Management

Product Research & Development

Use Cases

Building Automation & Control

Building Energy Management

Smart City Operations

Services

Software Design & Engineering Services

System Integration

Challenge

Ali Reza Honarkar faced conservative college professors in the 1990s who emphasized the importance of honoring architecture’s past in his designs, which he found confining. This conflict led to his desire to stretch the limits and do things differently, a trait that remains central to how he and his team approach projects today at Division1 Architects in Washington, DC. The firm was co-founded in 1994 as a response to a failing economy and stagnant design culture in the Washington metropolitan area. Honarkar's approach to design, which often involves defending his work and anticipating client questions, has led to a wide-ranging portfolio that includes single-family and multi-unit residential buildings, commercial spaces, and more. The firm aims to make its mark on the staid and predictable architecture of the DC area by using materials in innovative ways and creating designs that are both functional and dramatic.

About Customer

Division1 Architects, co-founded by Ali Reza Honarkar in 1994, is a Washington, DC-based architectural firm known for its innovative and provocative design approach. The firm was established as a response to a failing economy and stagnant design culture in the Washington metropolitan area. Honarkar, who faced conservative college professors in the 1990s, developed a desire to stretch the limits and do things differently, a trait that remains central to the firm's philosophy. Division1's portfolio is extensive, covering single-family and multi-unit residential buildings, commercial spaces, restaurants, nightclubs, and even branding and apparel. The firm is known for its ambitious and pioneering projects, often using materials in unexpected ways to create bold statements. Honarkar's approach to design involves anticipating client questions and presenting concepts through detailed drawings, renderings, and other visuals. The firm also emphasizes the importance of living a balanced life and ensuring that design work feels fulfilling rather than burdensome.

Solution

Division1 Architects employs a unique and innovative approach to design, often using materials in unexpected ways to create bold statements. For example, the firm extended a white granite surface across the bar at DC hotspot Barcode, up the bordering walls, and over the ceiling, creating a dramatic and theatrical focus. Another example is Honarkar's use of reclaimed wood to create a three-story floating wall beside a fountain at Lima, a DC restaurant and nightclub. The firm also uses sustainable materials like Viroc, a cement composite board from Portugal, to create striking features such as floating staircases and fireplaces. Division1's work on The Lacey, a high-end 26-unit condominium building along DC's U Street corridor, earned industry recognition for its transparency and industrial elegance. The building features concrete walls, solid steel framework, and transparent glass panels, creating an intriguing structure with an interior atrium where hallways seem to float. The design embraces an open plan, providing freedom and flexibility for better living through architecture. The firm's first sustainable design project, the Church Street Property, features an impressive lineup of green elements, including a graywater system, solar roof panels, radiant-floor heating, and an energy-efficient geothermal system. These elements create a truly sustainable result while maintaining a great design.

Impact #1	Division1 Architects' innovative approach to design has led to a wide-ranging portfolio that includes single-family and multi-unit residential buildings, commercial spaces, restaurants, nightclubs, and even branding and apparel.
Impact #2	The firm's use of materials in unexpected ways, such as extending granite surfaces to ceilings and creating floating walls with reclaimed wood, has resulted in bold and dramatic designs.
Impact #3	Division1's work on The Lacey, a high-end 26-unit condominium building, earned industry recognition for its transparency and industrial elegance, featuring concrete walls, solid steel framework, and transparent glass panels.

Impact #1

Division1 Architects' innovative approach to design has led to a wide-ranging portfolio that includes single-family and multi-unit residential buildings, commercial spaces, restaurants, nightclubs, and even branding and apparel.

Impact #2

The firm's use of materials in unexpected ways, such as extending granite surfaces to ceilings and creating floating walls with reclaimed wood, has resulted in bold and dramatic designs.

Impact #3

Division1's work on The Lacey, a high-end 26-unit condominium building, earned industry recognition for its transparency and industrial elegance, featuring concrete walls, solid steel framework, and transparent glass panels.

Benefit #1	The Lacey, a high-end 26-unit condominium building, spans 24,000 square feet and features an interior atrium where hallways seem to float.
Benefit #2	The Church Street Property, Division1's first sustainable design project, includes a 2,790-square-foot early 20th-century row home remodeled with green elements.

Benefit #1

The Lacey, a high-end 26-unit condominium building, spans 24,000 square feet and features an interior atrium where hallways seem to float.

Benefit #2

The Church Street Property, Division1's first sustainable design project, includes a 2,790-square-foot early 20th-century row home remodeled with green elements.

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Overview

Distinctive Design that matters Division1

Operational Impact

Quantitative Benefit