USC - Wallis Annenberg School for Communication
The key to providing the faculty and students with all the different spaces desired was to specify furniture that was flexible, easily reconfigurable and complemented the aesthetic of the architecture.
Understanding what drives the need for change
The Wallis Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at USC holds a prestigious position as one of the nation's most respected programs in its field. Yet their physical environment wasn't living up to their academic reputation. The school's leadership recognized that their world-class faculty and students deserved a workspace that matched their caliber of work and innovation.
The fundamental challenge went beyond aesthetics. Traditional academic environments often create silos between departments, limiting the spontaneous interactions that spark breakthrough ideas. The school envisioned something radically different: a 'village square' atmosphere where journalism students might collaborate with communication researchers, where production teams could seamlessly work alongside editorial staff. Inspired by Wallis Annenberg's values of openness and transparency, they needed a design that would physically eliminate barriers and encourage the unexpected conversations that drive innovation in modern media.
How we brought the vision to life
Tangram's design partnership with Harvey Ellis Devereaux centered on creating flexibility without sacrificing functionality across 88,000 square feet of diverse learning environments. Rather than designing static spaces, the team focused on adaptability, selecting furniture systems that could transform with the evolving needs of communication education.
The five-floor transformation required careful consideration of how different user groups would interact. Faculty offices received Steelcase Flex Frame systems and Leap task chairs to support focused work while maintaining visual connections to the broader community. Student classrooms featured Akira tables and Kart chairs that could be quickly reconfigured for different teaching styles. Throughout collaborative areas, the team deployed Campfire tables, FrameOne benching, and SW-1 furniture collections, creating multiple gathering points that naturally encourage cross-pollination of ideas. The newsroom and production areas received specialized Cachet seating to support the intensive, technology-driven work happening in these spaces.
4 solutions from 1 manufacturers
Leap
A perfect fit with an exceptional range of adjustments, the Leap office chair delivers full support for various body shapes and sizes.
Campfire Personal Table
Work anywhere with Turnstone's mobile Campfire Personal Table. With a work surface large enough for your laptop, this modern table works as hard as you do.
Leap
A perfect fit with an exceptional range of adjustments, the Leap office chair delivers full support for various body shapes and sizes.
Campfire Personal Table
Work anywhere with Turnstone's mobile Campfire Personal Table. With a work surface large enough for your laptop, this modern table works as hard as you do.
3 professionals brought this vision to life
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