NBBJ DESIGN PORTFOLIO

ALASKA NATIVE TRIBAL HEALTH CONSORTIUMSOUTHCENTRAL FOUNDATION, PCC IIAnchorage, Alaska, in association with ECI Hyer

This project dealt with symbolic accessibility, multi-culturalism, and campus making -- issues important to the Capitol project.

This project is a 55,000-square-foot addition to an existing 40,000-square-foot medical office building for a non-profit group benefiting the Alaskan native people. It includes a 5,000-square-foot lobby and is intended to significantly transform the approach to clinic care practiced there.

Design Objectives• To promote connections within native Alaskan traditions and environments that strengthen family and community• To achieve connections between building and nature through rhythm, light and materials• To create an experience of dynamic change by providing a “living” space -- places to sit, talk, gather and reflect

Project Approach and ResultMaintaining visual continuity with the entire campus, the building form is articulated to create an approachable scale; gathering spaces are highlighted and the brick façade incorporates a pattern suggestive of the stitching on native garments. At the same time, variances in scale -- from sweeping high ceilings in the lobby to small niches within reach that display native artwork -- give the addition a familiar feel that offsets anxiety in first-time visitors.

The entrance lobby, linking the two clinic buildings, is the project’s main gathering place and focal point of the design. Alluding to the circle of life, the curvilinear geometry of two sweeping arcs of wooden timbers defines this space. A sense of nature flows into the lobby between their graceful curves, and honors the significance of the natural world in native life. Open views, all the way through, further promote a feeling of connection between the two buildings and accentuate this project as part of a campus for native healing.

The structural frame of the SCF Primary Care Clinic embodies the project vision through a variety of dimensions reflective of native customs. The lobby is constructed from wooden timbers, but in a new manner that respects native tradition while moving forward. Many native metaphors are evident in the design: the pairing of the columns reinforces the fundamental importance of our relationships with each other; the size and repetition of the timbers show the strength and comfort of the forest; the curving forms of the columns suggest the skeletal structure of a whale; the overall framing of the lobby conveys the frame of a boat. The timbers that support the lobby roof rise up in two balancing curves to capture daylight. The south portion of the lobby reaches out for morning light; the north reaches out for afternoon light. The ceiling is stretched taut across the roof beams like the skin on a traditional boat, the better to reflect daylight into the lobby. Others see the ceiling resembling a soft, floating cloud gently reflecting light. As a result, the building becomes a living, breathing organism, constantly changing with the movement of daylight and of the seasons.

The furnishings in the lobby promote traditional talking circles. The reception desk is easily seen from both entries and suggests the form of a bird ready to take flight. Health information is readily available at the resource center and further reinforces the circle of life. Food is readily available at the café. As a part of the healing process, native art is integrated throughout the space, including native performances in the lobby. The lobby is now the premier venue for Alaska Native celebrations.

ALASKA NATIVE TRIBAL HEALTH CONSORTIUMSOUTHCENTRAL FOUNDATION, PCC II

ALASKA NATIVE TRIBAL HEALTH CONSORTIUMSOUTHCENTRAL FOUNDATION, PCC II

ALASKA NATIVE TRIBAL HEALTH CONSORTIUMSOUTHCENTRAL FOUNDATION, PCC II

ALASKA NATIVE TRIBAL HEALTH CONSORTIUMSOUTHCENTRAL FOUNDATION, PCC II

Awards

Honor Award, AIA, Alaska Chapter (2003)

Publications

Interior Design, Feature: Healing Properties (2004)

Healthcare Facilities (2004)

Design Monograph

Healthcare Spaces No. 2, Visual Reference Publications (2004)

REEBOK WORLD HEADQUARTERSCanton, Massachusetts

This project dealt with interaction, inclusiveness, sense of pride and place -- all issues important to the Capitol project.

This project is a 522,000-square-foot new corporate headquarters and product development center located on a 44-acre site about 15 miles south of Boston, surrounded by woods, parklands and the rolling New England hills. The building houses all aspects of the company’s corporate and international operations for a capacity of 1,600 employees.

Design ObjectivesFor Reebok, designing their new World Headquarters presented the opportunity to re-focus their identity -- an identity that had, over time, become fragmented and diffused. The new headquarters connects all aspects of Reebok’s business together; its people and their activities with its products and their intended uses. The headquarters complex embodies a sports and fitness culture: physical activity, access to nature, daylight and fresh air, food and daycare for children.

A principal design objective was to create a design that would inspire explosive creativity and innovation at Reebok and unite its people with the activities that inspire their products. Reebok wanted a place to unify the company’s activities and set a benchmark for the future.

Design Approach and ResultsArchitecturally the concept is expressed in an undulating circulation spine that celebrates the motion of people, allowing for accidental encounters and exchange of ideas.

This spine doubles as an expansive atrium, a structure that ascends four stories with an arena-like view, surrounded by seven outdoor athletic fields and activity areas of various types.

Supported by a structural core of pre-cast elements anchored in the ground, the curving spine floats above the site, branching into four sections housing company offices. The branching plan embraces the large outdoor field and connects activity areas surrounding the complex. The curtain wall along the spine tilts from 15 degrees near the base to a more dramatic 43 degrees near the top. The tensioned cable system supporting the wall of glass references the taut tendons and muscles of an athlete poised for action. The entire glass window wall curves and flexes back on itself with gravity-defiant energy.

Throughout the day, the interior and exterior athletic facilities hum with the activity of Reebok employees whose firsthand knowledge helps hone innovative solutions for the equipment they design. The unexpected squeak of a basketball shoe in the distance provides sudden clarity – this place is where the people, the products, and the essence of Reebok converge. This space connects design studios with collaboration spaces with product showrooms. A terrace provides views of the outdoor play fields and the indoor basketball court and running tracks below, bringing activities normally left outside inside constantly reinforcing the purpose and identity of Reebok. In the spine, retailers organize parties, athletes work out, designers collaborate, interacting by intent, by chance or vicariously. It is a place to test and celebrate what they design.

Of the result Paul Fireman, Reebok CEO said: “I view this as a renaissance, a complete regrouping, a complete rebirth.”

REEBOK WORLD HEADQUARTERS

REEBOK WORLD HEADQUARTERS

REEBOK WORLD HEADQUARTERS

REEBOK WORLD HEADQUARTERS

Awards

Boston Society of Architects (2001)

Office Building of the Year, BOMA (2001)

Honor Award, Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts (2001)

American Architecture Award, Chicago Athenaeum (2000)

Award of Commendation AIA, Seattle Chapter (2000)

Publications

Architectural Record, Desks, Phones, a Basketball Court (1999)

Architecture, Fast Companies (2000)

Athletic Business, Sports and Fitness Center at Reebok (2002)

Boston Globe, Rebuilding Reebok (2000)

Brand Strategy (2003)

Building Design & Construction, Sports Spectacular (2001)

Business Facilities, Field of Dreams (1999)

Contract Magazine, “Dream Team” (7/1/03)

Interior+Design, 100% Office magazine (2005)

Métropolies, Reebok Redoux (2001)

Steel Case 360 e-zine, Space as Brand Experience (2004)

Structures, Fast Track to Company Culture (2000)

Design Monographs

Reebok World Headquarters, Introduction by Joseph Giovanninni, Images Publishing (2003)

21st Century Office, Laurence King Publishing (2002)

GLOBAL GATEWAY MIXED-USE COMPLEXChangwon Korea, in association with Samoo Architects

This project dealt with the integration of multiple public functions, creation of ceremonial space, and stakeholder convenience -- all issues for the Capitol project.

The project is a mixture of six programmatic components: retail, education/fitness, office, hotel, culture/entertainment, and product exhibition, supported by below-grade parking.

The functions include high-rise and mid-rise office and hotel towers, the Future Dream World Entertainment Center, swimming pool, indoor golf course, bowling alley, education center, conference center, financial plaza, auto showroom, retail including restaurants, sports and fitness center, a large outdoor plaza, and five levels of below-grade parking.

Design ObjectivesLocated in Kyong Nam Province, the center of the Great-sphere City comprised of Jinhae, Masan and Changwon in southern Korea, this mixed-use project is the physical embodiment of the client’s corporate philosophy of encouraging the intellectual, cultural, health and recreational development (Synergy, Unity, Humanity) of Samsung’s employees and their families. Samsung’s CEO wanted to broaden Korea’s perspective and enable integration into a global culture.

Design Approach and ResultRather than viewing this project as a collection of six separate programmatic elements, we designed an environment that seamlessly integrates this broad mix of uses into a unified project experience.

The architectural character of the five structures balances the traditions of Korea with an expression of technology appropriate to the nature of Samsung’s business and the dawning of a new internationalist millennium.

Global Gateway integrates these contrasting elements as complementary components of a seamless, unified environment. Stone columns and beam frames define the lower levels and convey the strength and enduring spirit of Samsung and Korea. As the high- and mid-rise towers rise from this solid foundation, they assume a more open character with glass and silvery metal that looks out to the surrounding mountains and the world beyond. The Entertainment Center, which is a form that rises through a water surround from below-grade, is clad in Titanium,

The integration of the natural environment is fundamentally important to this project. Terraces and gardens are located on many levels, creating a major civic gathering space at ground level and outdoor spaces above grade, a sky garden on the lower tower and Windows to the World at the top of the high-rise tower.

The major gateways to the project reinforce the urban pedestrian and bicycle pathways along the adjacent river.

GLOBAL GATEWAY MIXED-USE COMPLEX

GLOBAL GATEWAY MIXED-USE COMPLEX

GLOBAL GATEWAY MIXED-USE COMPLEX

Awards

Winner, Invited International Design Competition

TELENOR WORLD HEADQUARTERSFornebu, Norway

This project deals with transparency, interaction, public ceremonial space, community access, relationship to the fjord, importance of daylight in a northern climate, and many other issues germane to the Capitol project.

Telenor is a new 1,582,000-square-foot world corporate headquarters for a telecommunications company on a site overlooking Oslo Fjord.

Design ObjectivesThe leading provider of telecommunications in Scandinavia, and one of the largest suppliers of mobile satellite communications in the world, Telenor had recently undergone a period of rapid growth, moving into privatization, becoming one of the largest publicly-traded companies in Norway, and acquiring numerous subsidiaries. Realizing the need for a new solution to current and future demands, the idea was to move 8,000 employees from 40 separate offices into a new headquarters with 6,000 workstations – and accomplish an open, nomadic workplace on a grand scale.

Signifying an investment in creativity, the project’s democratic ideals and goals for innovation are rooted in a desire to enhance employee well being. The vision to create Scandinavia’s leading innovation center focused on three equally important issues: organizational flexibility, technology integration, and environmental sensitivity.

Design Approach and ResultThe branching nature of the complex fosters several of these goals. Nestled into the open landscape of an old runway at the former Oslo International Airport, the structure’s eight wings each provide workstations with maximum daylight and views of Oslo Fjord. The two curving glass boulevards connecting them are comprised of activities suggesting a village street, such as cafés and shops, that encourage chance meetings and communication. Atriums within the wings link workstations vertically, but also extend movement from the boulevards and popular open-air central plaza into other parts of the building.

Organizational FlexibilityBased on powers of ten, the building presents a balanced variety of “zones” where people can work as needed, informally or organized, alone or in groups of three, thirty, 300, 3000. At the same time, the design brings the project’s massive scale to a personal level. Working units are arranged individually or in modules of two or three, and are connected via local atriums which become prime areas for interaction. Based on variations in the number of floors, orientation, and views, the unique character of each unit encourages employees to explore and interact.

Innovative Technology IntegrationAn open floor plan, casual meeting places, and social amenities facilitate the exchange of ideas, as one-by-one employees unplug and come together as a dynamic collective of significant proportions. Hot desks, laptop computers, and mobile devices enable work to go on wherever and whenever needed. Electricity, telecommunications, and computer cables are laid in the floor with easily accessible connection points (four per employee – much higher than the average), ready to adapt to changing needs. Flexibility is the key. And although these strategies are not new, the scale at which this project achieves them is notable.

Environmental SensitivityFirst adaptively reusing a defunct airport next to Oslo Fjord, the project consistently pursued an aggressive “green” agenda. Water from the fjord serves as a heat exchanger providing eighty percent of the building’s heating and cooling, while the façade and interiors incorporate sustainable and non-toxic materials. To allow daylight to reach almost all corners of the building, floor plates are never more than sixteen meters wide. Additionally, natural ventilation is available at all points along the structure’s façade while individual control of louvers provides screening from Norway’s intense summer sun.

Eighteen months after moving in, the client has declared the project a success with measurable results across all performance areas:• Annual technology-related operational savings: NOK 200 million.• Annual reductions in housing costs: NOK 70 million.• Floor space per employee reduced from 38 to 21.4 square meters.• Informal collaboration between employees increased by 47%.

TELENOR WORLD HEADQUARTERS

TELENOR WORLD HEADQUARTERS

TELENOR WORLD HEADQUARTERS

TELENOR WORLD HEADQUARTERS

Awards

National AIA Honor Award, Architecture (2004)

Best Office Building in Norway, FIABCI [International Real Estate Federation] (2004)

Best Lighting Design in Norway, National Light Culture [Norway] (2003)

Best Technology Implementation, Bentley Systems (1999)

Publications

Architectural Record, Feature: Telenor World Headquarters (2003)

Architectural Review, Office of the Future (2003)

Architecture China (2004)

Architecture Today (2004)

Brand Strategy Magazine (2004)

Building Design (2003)

Building Design & Construction, International Corporate Designs (2004)

Contract (2003)

Finestra Brasil (2004)

Interior+Design, 100% Office magazine (2005)

Journal of Facilities Management, Controlled Transparency in Workplace Design (2003)

Metropolis, Wireless Evolution (2003)

Projecto Brasil (2004)

Seattle Times (2004)

Urban Land (2003)

World Architecture Review (2000)

Design Monographs

Contemporary World Interiors, Phaidon Press (2006)

Reinventing the Office, Laurence King Publishing (2005)

Wireless Workplace: Telenor World Headquarters, Introduction by Joseph Giovanninni, Edizioni Press (2005)

KODIAK FISHERIES RESEARCH CENTERNear Island, Kodiak, Alaska

This project dealt with many of the climate, public participation, multi- stakeholder and public purpose issues inherent in the Capitol project.

Kodiak Fisheries Research Center is a 125,000-square-foot marine biology laboratory owned and operated by the Borough of Kodiak. One of the only raw seawater pumping, storage and research facilities in the United States, the facility brings together the United States Park Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and the University of Alaska, Fairbanks in common support and stewardship of the North Pacific Fishery. Kodiak, home of one of the largest commercial fishing fleets in the country, connects by bridge to Near Island. A downturn in Alaska’s commercial fishing industry led the Kodiak Island Borough to fund the Research Center, not only to protect the marine resources from which they make their livings, but also to encourage the economic development of Kodiak as a center for scientific research. In addition to research the facility houses an Interpretive Center to educate the children of Kodiak about the scientific underpinnings of their economy.

Design Objectives Create a research environment that encourages and enables cross-pollination between multiple disciplines in research, encourages learning for local children and demonstrates respect for the environment.

Design Approach and ResultWhen approaching Near Island, an uninhabited island off the coast of Alaska, the lantern-like forms of the Kodiak Fisheries Research Facility rise like beacons from the forest wilderness.

The concept of the building supports the communal nature of its scientific mission. Repetitive modules of laboratory and office space are arrayed with the natural contour of the site. Between the modules are shared meeting spaces which encourage scientific collaboration and act as lanterns marking the progression of the building across the site. The reverse slope of the windows in these rooms recalls the pilothouse of a fishing boat. At a natural bend in the site, the building opens to invite access to a two-story lobby with the Interpretive Center, used by hundreds of school children and adults every year, and the main conference room which is shared with the local town council for meetings in the evenings.

Sited on a rock ledge 80 feet above the water’s edge, the site was carefully defined to not disrupt natural drainage systems or require massive site overhaul. Design features, such as a gangway-like bridge, avoided any unnecessary back fill or site reconstruction, leaving the natural vegetation and topography undisturbed.

The building’s concrete is made of aggregate from the island. Other materials were chosen for their availability within Alaska. While the roughness of the concrete work draws inspiration from the natural rock outcroppings, the walls push outward, in marked contrast to the descending slope of the site. Metal panel cladding references the ready-made technology of Kodiak’s processing buildings. The Kynar finish of the panels reflects the ambient color of the surrounding site. The Rheinzink finish of the seam metal draws in the subtle blues, purples and grays of the Alaskan sky.

The repetitive modularity of the building reinforces the multi-disciplinary nature of the scientific pursuits, and the flexibility required for change. There is a sense that nothing needs to be added or taken away.

KODIAK FISHERIES RESEARCH CENTER

KODIAK FISHERIES RESEARCH CENTER

KODIAK FISHERIES RESEARCH CENTER

KODIAK FISHERIES RESEARCH CENTER

Awards

Honor Award, AIA, Alaska Chapter (1999)

American Architecture Award, Chicago Athenaeum (2001)

Award of Merit, AIA, Northwest and Pacific Region (2000)

Publication

Anchorage Daily News, Architects Win Praise (2000)