SIBA HEADQUARTERS NYC.

Midtown Manhattan

2019-2021

SIBA Corporation and Property Management is founded and managed by the Abram family for Four Generations. The current President of the company Edward Abram strives to preserve and grow the Legacy of his late father & grandfather both known figures in the Diamond Industry, Real Estate, and Property Management. Sam Abram, was a prominent buyer on the Sotheby’s-Christie’s auction circuit, and was considered a pioneer in the colored-diamond market. Sam was also an art collector with collages and silk screens from artist such as Louise Nevelson, Josef Albers & Ellsworth Kelly installed on the walls of his office.

Upon Passing of his father Edward Abram asked Hariri & Hariri Architecture to create a new headquarter accommodating Siba’s different businesses from Diamond & Jewelry, Real Estate investment & Property Management from one place. Each entity had a different requirement, clients, and safety measures making this project both challenging and interesting.

Architecture:

Our focus here was to create a coherent whole with 3 independent businesses in a distinctive architecture & brand. Upon arrival at the Elevator Lobby, one is greeted by a linear “installation” of light & a remarkable system of aluminum slats, starting on a wall then turning into a suspended ceiling above you. This introduction is not only dramatic & artistic, it is also environmentally green and sustainable. A transparent reception area with a facetted, diamond shaped reception desk in wood pays homage to the SIBA’s diamond business and the Abram family’s history.

A New York Interstate 95 graffiti art by Hektad on the wall and a “Puzzle Man”, Metal Sculpture by Phillips Collection guarding the glass Entrance door welcomes the visitors to SIBA.

After entering the private space, a Gallery-like hallway takes you to the Guest- Waiting-Lounge while exhibiting both Sam & Woody Abrams collection of Modern & Pop Art work such as Ellsworth Kelly, Josef Albers & Alexander Calder. In the Waiting Lounge Space, the exhibition continues SIBA with art works by Louise Nevelson, Andy Warhol, and Victor Vasarely. Sculptural “Lilypad” seating by Bernhardt design and VIBIA-Halo Circular lighting, make waiting in the lounge to become a pleasure.

Adjacent to the Waiting area and behind a Glass doors is the “Jewelry Viewing” Lounge with high security measures, comfortable sectional sofa in blue leather, stunning views of the City and a Large Painting by Shayna La, titled “Snowfall”.

Architecturally, the plan of main office area is organized around a central open-space with series of private offices & meeting rooms on the perimeter. These offices are for the mainly used for the Real Estate, accounting and the CEO. Natural light enters the private offices with large windows, filters thru the translucent glass doors into the central open-space dedicated to the property-management team. This bright, airy, and tactile central space is inspiring, dynamic, and comfortable work environment with a high ceiling system continuing the entrance slat composition and a series of linear lights. Contemporary art works are exhibited both in the central space & the perimeter offices. Hand painted bronze “Emoji” sculptures by Matthew Lapenta sit in a row above filing cabinets while Warhol’s iconic Greta Garbo ”The Star” is exhibited on the main wall.

The CEO‘s office is a large corner space adjacent to the assistant office and next to the conference room. This office has a custom desk with a Cockpit-like millwork & a “Marilyn Monroe-Diptych” by Russell Young is on the wall behind the desk and a Keith Haring’s “Red Tongue” is on another wall.

Mr. Abram also has started collecting figurines based on Keith Haring’s “Andy Mouse” series exhibited on a the cabinet behind his desk. Large windows framing New York’s Skyline act as the other artworks in the office with a Large TV screen on the back wall allowing for monitoring all the different spaces and properties.

A conference room with wood shelving exhibits the jewelry catalogues and art books. Abstract art work by the Modernist Josef Albers and Kenneth Noland are on the walls and a VIBIA chandelier above the table completes the dynamic geometric composition of the city and the art.

The office kitchen opens to an outdoor terrace space with landscaped planters and seating. A separate dining space provides the employees a quiet area for taking a break in addition to the terrace seating and fresh air while eating their lunch. The wrap around terrace is a treasure and a reminder of importance of outdoor space and access to fresh air, specially at the time of COVID pandemic.

Finally, creating a timeless, healthy, and inspiring environment to work in and to be surrounded by art and architecture is our gift to SIBA.