AS+GG Offices
Chicago, Illinois
Architect: Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture
Adrian Smith, Design Partner
Gordon Gill, Design Partner
Robert Forest, Management Partner
Jorge Soler, Director of Technical Design
Deborah Saad, Project Architect
Completed: 2007
Photography: © James Steinkamp Photography |
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The offices of Adrian Smith + Gordon
Gill Architecture provide a dynamic, collaborative workspace
in the heart of downtown Chicago.
The office is centered around two interior courtyard spaces.
The courtyards, which both feature working fountains and
greenery, function as central gathering spaces for staff
and guests. This close integration of the outdoor courtyard
spaces promotes a reflective environment and supports the
exploration of the balance between the built and natural
environments, central to the firm’s work.
The office embraces the clarity of the modernist era, highlighting
‘found gems’ including the existing green marble, stainless
steel columns, and courtyard and terrace spaces. These elements
are integrated with state-of-the-art technical systems and
flexible work areas to create an optimal 21st century workspace.
The warm color and tactile nature of the red fabric paneling
and red color theme utilized throughout the office provide
a dynamic visual contrast to the existing green marble walls
and the modern, white work stations.
The fluid environment adapts easily to the changing needs
of design teams. A series of panels for pin-up and review
slide the entire length of the studio space, supporting
the office’s collaborative, team-based environment. The
central meeting space between the courtyards serves as the
primary location for design discussion and review. The ceiling
area above the space was left unfinished to allow for the
installation and testing of various ceiling systems, models
and mock-ups for both interior and exterior building elements,
supporting the space’s role as a ‘working lab’ for the design
teams.
The office is designed to maximize daylight and city views
in all interior workspaces, conference rooms, and the reception
area. The space’s interior walls were removed from the exterior
windows to maximize view corridors for staff; the abundant
natural light also increases the space’s energy efficiency,
which is further augmented by the use of dimmers and a radiant
heating system.
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