Downtown Silver Spring Launches Pop-up Outdoor Office Designed by Montgomery College Architecture Students

A first-of-its-kind outdoor workspace called OUTBOX, will open on Ellsworth Drive in Downtown Silver Spring on June 6. Similar to the popular retail trend for "Pop-Up Shops", OUTBOX will pop-up in the plaza at Downtown Silver Spring June through October. Seating up to 20 people, OUTBOX is a colorful, modern open room where workers can plug in their laptops, access free WiFi, or meet with colleagues while enjoying the fresh air. The concept for OUTBOX was brought to life through a partnership with Montgomery College's Department of Applied Technology. Under the direction of Professor Shorieh Talaat, four teams of students competed during a semester long course. The students made presentations to the Peterson Companies and visiting architects throughout the process to receive feedback on their designs. The winning team, Catalyst, earned the satisfaction of having their design realized. The team of Ayite Ayivi, Barbara Caponiti, Colleen Sagers, and Thabang Nyondo created a design that met all the technical standards while integrating Silver Spring's funky, colorful, artistic whimsy. "OUTBOX was designed to invigorate a typical retail street and arts and entertainment district. We see it as a place where collaboration and creativity can foster in an enclosed, yet outdoor environment," remarked Dan Figueroa, regional manager with Peterson Companies. "We anticipate all types of individuals using the space including techies, telecommuters, executives, entrepreneurs and artists." In addition, Downtown Silver Spring has partnered with Adventist HealthCare Adventist Medical Group to be the presenting sponsor of OUTBOX. Adventist HealthCare, the first and largest healthcare system in Montgomery County is a comprehensive healthcare system including acute and specialty care hospitals and is focused on a mission of improving the health of people and communities through a ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing. As part of Adventist HealthCare, Adventist Medical Group encourages a healthy work environment that includes outdoor breaks which can result in improved productivity and moral for employees. OUTBOX exemplifies an alternative workspace that helps achieves this mission. OUTBOX is free and open to the public and will be available Monday - Friday from 10 a.m.to 7 p.m. Special events will be held throughout the summer season. For more information, please visit: http://www.downtownsilverspring.com.