2019 Annual Review: Victor Vizgaitis of Sasaki

What was your greatest professional accomplishment in 2019?
The design of the A2 parcel in the Seaport has advanced in a wonderful direction this year, with incredible guidance from BGI and Massport. One of our design goals is to use the site to knit the Seaport back together. The building was conceived as the gateway to the Seaport featuring a grand vaulted space that connects the site. The site has many vertical challenges that we have used to our advantage to connect the Summer Street level back to the harbor level. Part of the site sits on the other side of the highway off ramp which could be a barrier but we have created a public place that is another connection from the high side to the low side of the site. The goal is to create a dynamic experience for everyone in not just the Seaport, but the surrounding communities as well. 

What was your most notable project, deal, or transaction in 2019?
The results of our collaboration with Akamai have finally been realized with the opening of their office this past November. This 19-floor workplace interior project was an opportunity for the client to reconsider their priorities as an organization, be deliberate about how they work and socialize, and create a visual identity for their business. Mixing work space and social space is an issue in the open office because the conversations disturb people around those who are still working. Our big design move, the Akamile, connects everyone in the building with amenities, social spaces, and meeting rooms—not only to encourage movement through the building but also to separate working and social functions—leading to a quieter workspace.

What are your predictions for commercial real estate in 2020?
Regardless of the pace of activity in the market, there is an important strategic, creative opportunity to layer over new infrastructure. Neighborhoods will have the continued opportunity to push to differentiate ? to make sure that places are experiences, not just inward-facing boxes to work or live in. Design, identity, and brand will all matter greatly as opportunities flex with the market, not to mention strong movements toward community placemaking that support vibrant, diverse neighborhood missions.