Organized around the work of the USACE, the open and flexible “oxbow” building form is part of an integrated strategy to provide a completely unified and flexible footprint while creating a collective identity for all departments and the 700 employees who occupy the building.
Open-plan workstations surround the central “commons” which forms the social heart of the building and houses all shared resources, including conference rooms, kitchenettes, the library and informal seating areas to encourage interaction and create a sense of community.
The workstation cubicle height of 50 inches provides virtually everyone with a view to the outside. The narrow 60 foot floorplate of the office bar optimizes daylight penetration to reach nearly all workstations and reduce the need for artificial lighting and associated energy costs.
Atrium bridges and stairs clad in reclaimed timber decking connect people throughout the building and are adjacent to informal seating and “touch-down” work surfaces to encourage impromptu collaboration.