Arrowstreet is the architect and interior designer for CIC’s newest location in the Historic Jewelry District of Providence, RI. Tapped to design a three story fit-out in a new building, Arrowstreet and CIC created a campus for “Providence’s most promising minds.” Since 1999, CIC has provided space, resources, connections, and support to the world’s most promising innovators in six U.S. cities and Rotterdam. In return, their clients have created jobs, spurred economic growth, improved communities, and solved some of the toughest challenges facing our world. Arrowstreet’s design for this co-working space has synergy with Brown and other universities, adding richness to Providence’s emerging tech community. Working to augment the organization’s collaboration-driven mission, the space has been designed to attract like-minded innovators by providing more than just office space for sublet. Arrowstreet’s design for CIC Providence is a thoughtfully programmed blend of amenity spaces, outdoor space, and work space that is rented either on an exclusive-use or shared-use basis.
Arrowstreet realized CIC’s focus on the opportunities they provide for entrepreneurs by creating a distinct, architecturally exciting environment. Members can choose from different sizes and configurations of space to work in, and amenities have been designed to create the opportunities for interaction and collaboration. With 52,000 SF spread over three floors, it was important to create smaller “neighborhoods” within CIC Providence that each have a distinct identity, giving entrepreneurs a sense of ownership and community. The Arrowstreet team worked through a complicated code and permitting process to ensure the success of the project’s roof deck, understanding that this outdoor space was not just another amenity, but a unique point of connection. By designing with a deep understanding of CIC’s mission, Arrowstreet was able to use architecture to create opportunities not just for innovative work, but for the gathering, eating, drinking, training, pitch sessions, and other activities that contribute to successful start-ups.
