May 2024
by Principal Steve Petracek
Thinking outside the box… By Starting with One
The Basic ” box isn’t usually considered good architectural design. It’s commonly associated with warehouses, grocery stores, or home improvement centers — all built for pure function and efficiency. But maybe there’s more to it that that.
This blog is here to suggest that by rethinking how we approach the box, we can unlock new opportunities — especially when it comes to entertainment renovations and remodels. A few simple structural choices early on can go a long way toward making these spaces more adaptable down the road.
Planning for Possibility, Not Just Purpose
Instead of always letting function dictate the design, what if we allowed form to guide the function? A wide, open space — especially one without columns — gives you the most flexibility. Of course, most buildings still require columns, but they can be positioned intentionally to keep the space open, usable, and easy to adapt.
When the building’s lateral systems (the parts that resist wind or seismic movement) are handled with concrete, CMU, or steel frames placed around the perimeter, you reduce the number of interior obstacles. That means fewer headaches when the space eventually needs to change. We’ve seen plenty of projects where structural demising walls caused major issues — making renovations far more difficult and expensive than they need to be.
The Strength of the Box
Think of the box as a clean, open structure. Add columns only where necessary — just enough to carry the lid. The fewer, the better. These columns can define areas of the space (intentionally or not), so placing them with purpose is important. Once done right, that open plan becomes multifunctional. It can be repurposed, subdivided, or expanded with far less effort.
Elevating the Ordinary
A plain box might not sound attractive, but think or it like building blocks — they don’t all need to be the same size or shape. you can introduce depth and interest by stacking or staggering different volumes. When done thoughtfully , the very systems that hold the structures up —lateral frames, columns, etc. — can become architectural features instead of nuisances.
By placing those elements in key locations (along the exterior or in areas that are less likely to change), the design becomes more resilient. It’s a small move with big long-term benefits.
Design for What’s Next
The truth is, no one wants to design for change — but preparing for it is smart. The more flexibility you build in now, the easier (and more affordable) future upgrades will be.
So yes, let’s think outside the box — but maybe the smartest first step… is starting with one.
Principal Steve Petracek
