Interior Design Award
Jury Comment
This systematic approach to the reuse, reassembly and reimagining of existing furniture from a previous office is highly commendable; the more so because this facilitated the creation of a flexible and collaborative workspace to support employee wellness. The educational materials this process has generated are exemplary, as is the reduction in embodied carbon compared to new furniture. This project sets an example future clients will be encouraged to emulate.
After more than 20 years at its previous location, the Vancouver studio of Perkins+Will sought a new space that would allow it to embrace evolving workplace trends, and create an environment that would foster collaboration, flexibility, and employee wellness. To meet its goal of minimizing the embodied and operational carbon of the project, the team chose to rehabilitate space within and existing building.
An ideal solution was found in the iconic 26-storey Arthur Erickson Place tower, whose owners had recently retrofitted the building to CAGBC Zero Carbon Building Performance Standard™ and LEED Platinum certifications, consistent with P+W’s own green operations plan.
The challenge was to reorganize the program in a space that was 40% smaller than the previous studio; and only a single floor rather than multiple levels. Within these constraints, the aim was to maximize functionality, promote social interaction, collaboration and creativity.
The interior layout reinforces Erickson’s concept of ’two towers joined by a core,’ with the studio divided into two zones. The floor plan respects the 10-foot structural rhythm, giving the space an organizational rigour while allowing for areas of expression.
The social heart of the studio is the “living room”, a large open space that serves as café and kitchen, as well as a venue for casual meetings, lunch and learn sessions or weekly all staff seminars. The space also functions as a dynamic venue for events, gatherings, and meetings with community groups, industry organizations, and others.
The social heart of the studio is the “living room” which serves as café, kitchen and meeting venue. Wrapped acoustic wall panels by Decoustics reduce sound transmission.
PROJECT CREDITS
- Architect Perkins+Will
- General Contractor Turner Construction
- Mechanical/Electrical Engineer Smith + Andersen
- Structural engineer RJC Ltd
- Fire Protection MFPE
- Photos (Interiors) Ema Peter Photography
- Photos (Exterior View) Michael Elkan
SUBSCRIBE TO THE DIGITAL OR PRINT ISSUE OF SABMAGAZINE FOR THE FULL VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE.
