New York, NY — USM and Alexander May Studio announce The Architecture of Work, a spatial exploration of the relationship between design and architecture, offering a modern perspective on the workplace environment. The project presents six modular officescapes, designed by May, that reinterpret the logic and proportion of the workplace through the adaptable USM Haller system – the iconic modular furniture system was designed in 1963 by Paul Schaerer and Fritz Haller. Each officescape is a functional workspace that reflects May’s consideration of spatial typologies and working behaviors, demonstrating how the versatility of the USM Haller system meets the needs of modern professionals.

Conceived after May’s relocation to New York City last year, the project takes inspiration from the architectural and intellectual density of the city, as well as the site it was designed within – WSA’s 161 Water Street building where May has established his own studio. WSA’s space reflects a distinct mid-century corporate optimism when architecture and labor were integrated. Originally designed by Emery Roth & Sons as the AIG headquarters, this historical framework shaped May’s approach – questioning the relationship between spatial design and work today. As a result, The Architecture of Work is a direct response to the space and city it occupies, interpreting work through the lens of local professionals and the environments they occupy.

Leveraging the USM Haller system as an architectural language, May developed six distinct officescapes representing an archetype of working intelligence within a physical manifestation: the Collector (curiosity and reference), the Strategist (structure and restraint), the Editor (precision and rhythm), the Maker (experimentation and tactility), the Archivist (accumulation and order), and the Observer (contemplation and perspective). Each configuration emphasizes proportion and adaptability, and underscores USM’s capacity to create flexible, functional, and inspiring workspaces.

“The needs of modern work are fluid, constantly redefined by technology, geography, and personality,” shares May. “Using the adaptability of the USM Haller system, my approach was to create environments that are not prescriptive – spaces that can adapt to the evolving patterns of creative and intellectual life. Each officescape is designed to encourage clarity of thought, calm, and self-definition – qualities that, to me, define the new architecture of work.”

The officescapes were designed and photographed within WSA’s glass-fronted third-floor offices, using the neutral architecture of the building as both context and subject. Each measures between eight and twelve linear feet, designed to function independently or as part of a connected spatial network.

The Architecture of Work is conceived as an ongoing, global investigation of typologies of work through local architectural and social contexts. Following its debut in New York, May and USM will explore future iterations of the project, considering how spatial design responds to the ways communities work across the world.

Get in touch with a USM Design Specialist or one of our authorized retail partners.

Alexander May is a New York–based creative director whose practice operates at the intersection of art, design, and architecture. His work explores how spatial systems shape culture and identity, spanning architecture, interiors, collectible design, and brand environments. Through his curatorial platform SIZED, May produces exhibitions and site-specific installations that merge cultural production with spatial design. Recent collaborations include USM, SKIMS, and Pierre Augustin Rose.

www.alexandermay.ltd
@alexander____may

WSA is a creative hub located at 161 Water Street in downtown New York City, reimagining the traditional office building as a multidisciplinary destination where work, culture, and community intersect. Bringing together studios, event spaces, food and beverage concepts, and creative offices under one roof, WSA provides an immersive environment for artists, designers, and innovative companies to create, collaborate, and connect.

wsa.nyc
@wsanyc

Photographer: Billal Taright, @billaltaright

We offer complementary design services by video, phone or in person. For international inquiries please contact your local USM specialist: www.usm.com/where-to-buy