Design Matters
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CONTENTS design as a differentiator [3] creating a landmark [5] learn from our cities [7] Make it New [9] taking care of what’s ours [11] above all: timelessness [13] a future made stronger by the past [15] Our Work [17] THE BARE ESSENTIALS [65] Services And Offices [67]
Club Industrial de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
design as a differentiator Even as the economy has floundered, the value of design has soared. No longer an afterthought, design increasingly is recognized as a powerful force in building opinion and solving complex problems. Today’s most remembered, most celebrated places are positioned above the fray not only for exceptional functionality, but for what they say—about the environments they inhabit, the people they serve and the time in which they exist.
Together, contemporary architects, developers and designers are ensuring the future of well-designed government buildings, hotels, shopping centers and public spaces. And at the core of every well-designed place, there’s a master plan that takes a holistic approach to urban design. Transcending the walls of buildings, urban design looks at the spaces between them and how they work within their environment. It takes large, empty spaces and infuses them with vibrancy and personality. It exploits the innate treasures of even the smallest, most difficult plots. But in the end, architecture reigns. It defines us as much as we define—it elevates the soul and offers new ways of thinking about old things. From specialized museums to the new World Trade Center site, the public is taking a renewed interest in places designed with architectural exuberance and imagination. This book represents a small portfolio of RTKL’s work. We hope it captures our passion for great architecture and illustrates our talent for expressing our vision and our clients’ vision for the future.
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Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, Shanghai, China
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creating a landmark Architecture in the 21st century should reflect the fluidity and development of society, the arts and government. It should reveal, as much as foster, the culture in which it exists. It should represent the future without losing sight of the past. And, most importantly, it should provide landmarks, sources of pride and national flavor that are both highly relevant to their locales and easily communicable to the world.
Architecture happens from the inside out—and the outside in. The extension must express the vitality and spirit of a place and offer a glimpse of what awaits within. And no matter how prominent a building is in its skyline, it must also be functional, providing the space, technology and a mix of amenities integral to its daily operation.
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Príncipe Pío, Madrid, Spain
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learn from our cities After 50 years of flocking to the suburbs, people are returning to cities. They want the convenience and vibrancy of urban life. They want animated streets and populated parks, shops on the doorstep and communities made up of retail, office and residential buildings. As this trend continues, planners are taking note, garnering the best lessons in high-quality, long-lasting design from urban settings and applying them to new downtown hubs, suburbs, neighborhoods and corporate campuses.
At the heart of today’s high-quality, holistic urban design lie strong connections between people and places. These links are achieved with pedestrian-friendly frameworks of streets, open public spaces that emulate traditional town squares, busy public transportation hubs and a mix of uses that logically interact. By establishing these connections, developers can achieve goals beyond the daily functions of their projects: cutting back on sprawl, lowering pollution levels, providing a spectrum of housing and jobs, and ensuring an everlasting, cooperative bond between a project and its surroundings.
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717 Olympic, Los Angeles, California
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Make it New Like music, architecture can define a generation. Our buildings can echo our beliefs, express what we think is important, and mirror our aspirations.
As we progress into the new millennium, we stand at a cusp, armed with the challenge of finding a clear voice and elegant style that captures our moment in time, respects the past but also passionately embraces a timeless quality—a curiosity for what’s next. With all we know, we must make it new.
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Bond Street Wharf, Baltimore, Maryland
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taking care of what’s ours For far too long, building has continued at the expense of the environment, endangering the needs of future generations and the capacity of our resources. Today, sustainable design means taking responsibility for our planet through the implementation of practices that will make the best use of energy, physical resources and land.
Building “green” is increasingly providing public and private developers with financial and productivity paybacks. In addition to a growing number of government-sponsored programs, businesses are paying premiums for spaces that connect with nature and take additional measures toward comfort and flexibility. Mixed-use and smart-growth projects are reaping profits from synergistic uses and established infrastructure. And alternative building products and practices, like better insulation, solar shading, natural lighting and waste control, as well as reused materials, buildings and sites promote sensibility based on stewardship. Responding to the challenge requires careful consideration at every step of the design process. The overall design should reflect not only a “green” awareness, but should also encourage environmentally responsible decisions from its users. The final solution should be a formula that best fits your project without impeding function and aesthetics.
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U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Washington DC
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above all: timelessness Timelessness sets great architecture apart from good architecture. Though it might flawlessly capture the essence of its environment, influences and even its past, a highly effective design is only as strong as its future. By reflecting universal themes, inherently understood concepts and the desires and beliefs of humanity across space and time, a truly significant place will work and inspire and captivate a century down the road, even if its role in that environment changes.
With accessibility to technology and travel, the world is ever-changing and truly getting smaller. Ideas flow freely among cultures, challenging products and places to reinvent themselves in order to stay relevant. But by reaping the best of global innovation, local tradition and a responsible grasp of budget, we can create a design that can withstand—and even anticipate— changes in the world. With the integration of functional amenities such as flexible spaces, multiple uses and authentic public settings, and aesthetic considerations such as high-quality, natural materials, a design will appeal to the intrinsic integrity of generations to come.
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Westfield San Francisco Centre, San Francisco, California
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a future made stronger by the past By extending the useful life of a building through the sensitive modernization or adaptive reuse of a structure, we can preserve the urban fabric, while also increasing the site’s diversity and function. Historic preservation uses the old building’s emotional connection to the community, the nation and the world as a foundation for modernization.
Effective preservation requires continuous collaboration with residents and agencies, archival research to assemble all pertinent historical and architectural information, state-of-the-art documentation methods and a commitment to preserving the historic character of the site. The result often means better space utilization; a safer, healthier and more comfortable working environment; and a new public place infused with the past.
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New Jiang Wan Cultural Center, Shanghai, China
Our Work
Your business thrives on what you know. Similarly, our success thrives on knowing your industry, your goals and your back-of-house issues. And we go further. Like good anthropologists, we dig deep to places where different ideas and influences mingle and fuel something original, something potent, something vital. It’s what drives our passion for the industry and adds to your project’s profitability.
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Ambassador’s Residence at U.S. Embassy in Kuwait [Bayan, KUWAIT] Following initial construction of the RTKL-designed U.S. Embassy compound in Kuwait, the design team set to work on the project’s second stage: the ambassador’s residence. RTKL faced the challenge of creating a comfortable, 11,000 SF home in the middle of a desert. Reflecting a mix of American house planning and vernacular Islamic architectural themes found elsewhere in the complex, the building was designed to be compatible with the embassy but still evoke residential scale and atmosphere. Organized by a long linear pedestrian walkway based on Middle Eastern market streets known as “souks,” the ambassador’s residence is distinct from the chancery with brick, verandas, and rich details. On the street side, along a busy thoroughfare linking the airport and the downtown, stand two-story-high verandas and exaggerated mechanical penthouses that give the residence a frontage and an “address.” A variety of courtyards and landscaped gardens provide an identity, visual interest and depth, and relief from the barren desert landscape.
Client U.S. Department of State, Office of Foreign Buildings Operations Services Architecture, Interior Architecture, Structural and MEP Engineering, Landscape Architecture
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Ariel Rios Federal Building Phase II Modernization [Washington, DC] As the new headquarters building for the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ariel Rios Federal Building in Washington, DC’s Federal Triangle needed to be repositioned as a place that encapsulates the ideals of its agency. RTKL was brought on board to renovate the north half of the building by incorporating sustainable design concepts that would demonstrate the EPA’s commitment to the environment, while maintaining the historic quality of the nationally listed site. This project included sensitive integration of modern systems and features into the historic fabric. Sustainable design measures included life-cycle costing, energy analysis, recyclability and sustainability, recycling of construction waste, fuel choice and pollution implications, daylighting, gray water use, energy envelope efficiency, materials selection and indoor air quality. Substantial preservation work included replacement of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and the recreation of original design features—all within the parameters of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
Client General Services Administration Services Architecture, Structural and MEP Engineering, Interior Architecture, Historic Preservation
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British Embassy, Rabat [Rabat, Morocco] RTKL has been appointed by the Foreign andCommonwealth Office (FCO) to design the new £6 million British Embassy in Rabat. The primary aim is to provide a functional and attractive building, while reinforcing and assisting the British Embassy’s role in Rabat. RTKL’s winning design responds both to the cultural and climatological advantages of vernacular forms and to the technical and security requirements of a 21st Century diplomatic center. RTKL carefully studied buildings in North Africa and the Mediterranean and took inspiration from the traditional courtyard house. That said, RTKL designed the embassy to also be enjoyed from the outside. The outer walls give a sense of protection and privacy, but openings, cutaways and slots through the mass of the building maintain the advantages of the vernacular courtyard, while avoiding a fortress-like feel. RTKL incorporated local craftsmanship into the design to demonstrate the FCO’s desire to embrace the culture of the host country while retaining a British identity. For example, the traditional “zellij” mosaic artists creates the British coat-of-arms in green stone.
Client Foreign and Commonwealth Office Services Architecture, Interiors Architecture
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China National Film Museum [Beijing, China] Like the nation itself, China’s film industry has evolved dramatically over the last century. To honor this formidable history and the accomplishments of Chinese filmmakers, the Beijing Radio, Film and Television Bureau organized an international design competition to find the best design for the country’s first film museum. RTKL, in a joint venture with the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design and Research, took the prize and the honor of designing the museum, the crown jewel of a planned entertainment district near Beijing’s airport in anticipation of the 2008 Summer Olympics. RTKL’s design applies a synthetic
museum itself is a simple black
approach that elevates the art of
rectangular box symbolic of the
film by restructuring a mixture of
attribution of film industry. Chinese
the basic characteristics of film and
gardens, which are celebrated
architecture. Local experience also
for their fixed vistas and spaces
plays heavily on the concept, as does
for improvisational viewings are
flexibility, environmental friendliness
reinterpreted to showcase film. Four
and, in a place without an immediate
levels of exhibition halls featuring
urban setting, self-sustained integrity.
film history, film technology and
Taking its cue from a universal cinema
temporary exhibits; a cinema complex
icon, the production clapboard, giant
including an IMAX theater; and
translucent glass walls covered in
research and administrative offices
projected images are angled toward
are among the on-site offerings.
the main public access, while the
Client China Film Museum Project Committee Services Architecture
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Club Industrial [Monterrey, Mexico] The mountainous locale of Monterrey, Mexico, almost demands ambitious architecture. RTKL responded with the design of Club Industrial, an exclusive club offering a variety of meeting and dining options for public and private functions—and exciting panoramic views of the mountains and cities. Injecting indigenous but updated architectural forms, colors and materials into a rugged mountaintop setting produced a multi-level clubhouse with a contemporary Mexican image. The desired feeling of exclusivity and privacy is achieved with a series of simple geometric volumes and planes that build into a single composition as they grip the steep slope of the terrain. These elements intersect perpendicularly at the entrance hall, which defines the connecting axis of the facility. A periscope window forms the end of this wedge-shaped element, which frames a view of Saddle Mountain and dominates the mountain range beyond.
Client Club Industrial de Monterrey Services Architecture and Interior Architecture
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CSC European Headquarters [Aldershot, United Kingdom] Computer Sciences Corporation, a global technology leader, recognized a need to consolidate its 10 UK locations as a way to increase efficiency and enforce a single corporate culture. In bringing scattered employees and consultants under one roof, promoting communication was essential to ensuring the dissemination of intellectual capital. The new complex, a series of buildings in a historic woodland setting, serves as a cultural, learning and research hub that promotes teaming and collaboration. To create a buzz of human interaction for the largely project-based company, RTKL created a series of collaborative spaces that meet a variety of needs. Upper-level office space is easy to reconfigure to accommodate changing groups. Lower-level meeting areas, including a central podium that serves as the heart of the campus, house a cafeteria, training center, innovations laboratory, exhibit area, business center, juice bar and cyber cafĂŠ. Each space is not only functional but also fun and inspiring, taking advantage of the dramatic outdoor setting. The resulting high energy levels create a true community feeling.
Client Computer Sciences Corporation Services Master Planning, Architecture, Interior Design
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The Gateway [Baltimore, Maryland] In a heavily trafficked location bordering one of Baltimore’s main highways, MICA was looking to create a new student residence that would serve as an exciting gateway to the school and highlight the northern edge of campus. Conceived as the result of an RTKL interoffice design contest, the 100,000-SF structure uses an unconventional format to address the spatial challenges of the small site. A distinctive structure composed of a rectilinear studio tower conjoined with a residential drum surrounds a private central courtyard, accommodating small-site constraints by breaking down scale. Built to house more than 200 students, the drum features a modern exterior of streamlined glass panels varying in transparency and reflectivity. The 11-floor fritted glass tower serves as an anchor, partially shielding noise from the highway while functioning as a billboard-style showcase for the artistic work occurring in its 56 studios. A wall wraps the base of the building along the street, grounding the structure in human scale. First story amenities further the link to the local community, fusing public and private space in a cafÊ, black box theater and gallery area.
Client Maryland Institute College of Art Services Architecture
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Honor Award AIA Maryland Design Award AIA, Baltimore Chapter Merit Award Residential Architect Design Awards
Photo Credit: Tom Fox, SWA Group
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“We’ve found that every time we do a new building, the artistic environment we create changes the art created in that environment. With this building, I am certain the work will change, but there is no way of knowing how.” [Fred Lazarus, President of MICA]
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Mandarin Oriental Hotel [Miami, Florida] Mandarin Oriental, one of Asia’s premier hotel chains, selected the city of Miami as the location for its first U.S. hotel—and RTKL as its architect. The hotel is a six-star facility that includes 329 guest rooms and suites, two restaurants, two lobby-level bars, a fitness center, spa and meeting facilities. The owner/operator wanted a modern image that would speak to the vibrancy of Miami yet whisper of the Orient. The hotel is sited to maximize views of the water and the downtown skyline. The strong horizontal arcs of the balcony structure and the curved mass of the structure itself characterize the distinctive exterior. Details occurring at the base of the building suggest Asian culture. In addition to a prominent profile and a contextual fit with the city, Mandarin Oriental also wanted an affordable building. The liberal use of glass and stucco provides an answer that conforms to both the architecture of Miami and the budget of the owner.
Client Mandarin Oriental Services Architecture
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Public Building of the Year AIA Maryland Honor Award AIA, North Carolina
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Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture [Baltimore, Maryland] As part of a major African American tourism initiative in Maryland, the city of Baltimore planned a Museum of African American History and Culture with the expectation that it would draw a significant portion of the 20 million annual visitors to the adjacent Inner Harbor and the city’s emerging “Museum Row.” As a joint venture with the Freelon Group, RTKL created a bold architectural statement that combines 80,000 SF of exhibit areas, interactive learning centers, meeting rooms, offices, a 200-seat auditorium, an information resources center, a shop and a café. The project was guided by pervasive concepts of African American identity and complex history. The design reflects the common threads of experience of African Americans in Maryland, while embracing the larger dichotomies of celebration and disappointment, flight and perseverance, joy and pain. Designed around an atrium, the building is defined by a bold red wall that splices through a basic black granite box. Images of African Americans who have contributed to Maryland’s history are portrayed on the President Street façade, creating both a welcoming presence and a distinctive identity among other landmarks in downtown Baltimore.
Client Maryland African American Museum Corporation Services Architecture, MEP and Structural Engineering, Interior Architecture, Environmental Graphic Design, Telecommunications
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LA Live [Los Angeles, California] As the centerpiece of the city’s sports and entertainment district, the new L.A. Live mixed-use development is set to revitalize downtown Los Angeles with exciting, 24-houra-day attractions. Boasting two mixed-use anchor buildings composed of retail, restaurant, office, museum and entertainment space, a 720-seat theatre, a 1,000-room condominium hotel and the west coast broadcasting headquarters for ESPN, L.A. Live underscores the city’s reputation as one of the world’s most dynamic entertainment hubs.
Emphasizing a pedestrian-focused landscape, RTKL’s design scheme for the two anchor buildings orients the development around a 40,000SF public plaza. The open-air plaza serves as a central meeting spot and boasts state-of-the-art lighting, LED-screens and signage displays. The technology-enhanced accents captivate audiences and decorate building facades. Additionally, RTKL’s design offers convenient groundlevel access from the plaza to a wide selection of shops, restaurants and leisure activities. L.A. Live, utilizing a phased delivery, creates a vibrant urban community catering to visitors and city denizens alike.
Client L.A. Arena Company, LLC Services Planning and Urban Design, Architecture and Environmental Graphic Design
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Civic buildings finalist World Architecture News
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New Jiang Wan Cultural Center [Shanghai, China] Shanghai’s latest and most comprehensive urban development, New Jiang Wan Town, is a model for a sustainable community for the 21st century. The area’s cultural center, located in a central park, was designed to celebrate and showcase the environmental sensitivity and community-oriented feel of the new town. With 6,000 SM of exhibition, education, performance, leisure and entertainment facilities across two floors, the cultural center provides a fluid interaction between interior and exterior spaces. Inspired by a rootstock tangled with pieces of rock, the horizontal building is highly integrated with the landscape and nature. The building encourages and stimulates public access and interactions within its dynamic spaces. Organic and inorganic material palettes contrast to celebrate the fusion of man and his environment.
Client Shanghai Chengtou Corporation Services Architecture and Interior Design
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Ritz Carlton Palm Beach Eau Spa [Manalapan, Florida] Known for its beauty and sublime setting, The Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach hotel is a luxury destination boasting an exclusive new amenity, the Eau Spa. Designed to evoke a garden paradise, the 42,000-SF spa invites guests to engage in a journey of the senses, abandoning notions of reality and indulging in personal rejuvenation. RTKL’s design responds to Ritz-Carlton’s charge for a sensory experience that allows guests to pause, play and perfect. It combines modern interpretations of Baroque elegance with the serenity of the outdoors to create an environment of whimsical delight. At the heart of the project is an
rooms with color-changing LED lights;
open-air garden punctuated with
12 Villas with private gardens; locker
water features, fragrant plantings,
rooms and saunas; steam facilities;
and social and quiet enclaves for
communal bath space with heated
guests to seek respite. The design
lounge chairs and a central rain ring;
team paid particular attention to
hair and nail salon; fitness center;
circulation and layout, ensuring
and wishing-well Rotunda featuring
that spa-goers could move through
a copper-lined basin. Scrub and
the facility’s public and private
Polish Bars managed by a resident
areas with the appropriate levels of
mixologist enables guests to create
intimacy and privacy. Attention to
personalized blends of aromatic
detail is evident in all aspects of the
herbs, soothing oils and gritty sea
design, creating touch points that
salts. Spa materials selected for their
surprise and enchant, and ultimately,
durability serve functional purposes
ease the guest experience. Color
while maintaining a lavish and
palettes inspired by an earth, water,
elegant aesthetic that speaks to the
fire and ice design concept drive the
Ritz-Carlton brand.
look and feel of the spa’s treatment
Client Hardin Construction Services Interior Architecture and Design
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Honorable Mention for Hotel Design SOFHIE Awards
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Design Award Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), International Design and Development Winner - Renovated or Expanded Enclosed Center Retail Traffic SADI Awards The Jury Award MIPIM
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Príncipe Pío [Madrid, Spain] In bustling downtown Madrid, the $130M Príncipe Pío retail centre offers an exciting new way of thinking about the convergence of urban transit and retail. The original, historic train station stands at a critical junction of regional train lines, two subway lines and one of the largest bus stations in Madrid. The demanding program of Príncipe Pío was to fully operate all transit lines while creating a 110,000 SF destination-based retail center within a dense urban setting. The first challenge was integrating
level of retail. It was then possible
the new modern-style retail elements
to create a central glass dome as a
with the existing train station. By
main entranceway and connecting
moving several of the train tracks,
node between the renovated
it was possible to enclose in glass
train station, and an entirely new
the station canopy covering the
entertainment wing anchored by
old tracks, preserving the station’s
a multi-screen cinema. Dramatic
original aesthetics while infusing
outdoor lighting and restoration
the newly created retail area with
of elements such as windows
modern upscale flourishes. Innovative
and cornices add to the dynamic
engineering techniques allowed
commercial environment, and the
designers to suspend the original
centre has enjoyed 100 percent
canopy while excavating four levels of
occupancy rates since its opening.
earth below for parking and a sunken
Client Grupo Riofisa/Patrimonio Renfe Services Master Planning, Architecture and Environmental Graphic Design
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Shanghai Science and Technology Museum [Shanghai, China] In the midst of booming development in Shanghai, China, Shanghai ScienceLand Development Company held an international design competition for a new science center. RTKL’s winning 950,000-SF museum/center is an educational institute that encourages continued investment in technology as a vehicle for the city’s economic success. With its futuristic, highly symbolic design, the new civic place teaches, entertains and inspires.
Driven by complex—and at times
landscape. To this end, a monolithic
contradictory—dialogues between
flying roof captures man’s continuing
traditionally Western and Chinese
quest to reach for answers beyond
cultures, RTKL captures both
earth and into the universe.
the significant role of science in
Translucent glass windows create
Shanghai’s revitalization and its
a fluid, open environment, while
history and culture by exploring
traditional materials harmonize the
the relationship among man,
structure with nature. The hall and
nature, science and technology. The
its cinema represent an egg and its
design team determined that the
yoke, an incubator for technological
five essential elements of Chinese
advancement. And a central civic
culture—metal, wood, water, fire
plaza provides a highly interactive,
and earth—should be carried out
open place that encourages
in the museum and its surrounding
boundless curiosity and imagination.
Client Shanghai ScienceLand Development Co., Ltd. Services Architecture and Interior Architecture
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Best Architecture Design of Shanghai 2003
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“We felt strongly that the design needed to be contemporary enough to reflect the 21st century, marking this moment in time, while also melding with the rich history of the Capitol building.� [Rod Henderer, RTKL Vice President] 52
U.S. Capitol Visitor Center [Washington, DC] As the seat of the nation’s legislative branch, the U.S. Capitol building is a highly recognizable and much frequented tourist stop in Washington, DC. RTKL designed a 580,000-SF visitor center to better showcase the significance and history of this symbolic building, and accomodate the growing space needs of Congress. With knowledge garnered from prior work for the Architect of the Capitol, RTKL made strengthened security with a respect for free public access a design priority. The building was fitted with state-of-the-art technology to deliver adequate security measures, material protection and multimedia use. Located under the East Plaza, the facility preserves views of the Capitol and provides a congregating space. Public events and Congressional meetings are held in the secure 450-seat auditorium, outfitted for high-quality multimedia displays. Connected to the heart of the project—a great hall with high ceilings and skylights—is a museumquality space with environmental controls for displaying historical documents. The project also includes a cafeteria, multiple orientation theaters and unassigned space to provide flexibility to the site and prevent the problems of earlier additions.
Client Office of the Architect of the Capitol Services Architecture, Structural and MEP Engineering, and Telecommunications
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U.S. Embassy Kampala, Uganda [Kampala, Uganda] Responding to the complexities of creating both a secure and physically appealing building, RTKL designed the U.S. Embassy compound in Kampala to both represent the United States and embrace the culture and character of Uganda. Divided into main areas for both offices and the future location of USAID, the interior spaces distinguish between public and private functions, providing security without sacrificing elegance. Outside, Uganda’s traditional agricultural hill plantings influence the site design. A series of low walls run parallel to the building and perpendicular to the slope of the site. A canopy of trees, a pool and plantings at the embassy’s arrival court greet visitors. Inside, loggia evoke the strong and memorable form of the Acacia, consistent with the client’s wishes that the architecture reflect the landscape of East Africa. Local wrought iron is a part of the central atrium and is repeated throughout the compound. A rubble wall extends through the building while large glazed walls and gardens anchor the building at either end.
Client U.S. Department of State, Office of Foreign Building Operations Services Architecture, Programming, Interior Architecture, Structural and MEP Engineering, and Landscape Architecture
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Preservation Achievement Award Preservation Dallas Adaptive Reuse Finalist Multi-Housing News
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Gables Republic Tower [Dallas, Texas] Originally constructed in 1954 as the headquarters of the Republic National Bank, the Republic Tower, with its ornamental facade and “rocket ship” spire, is one of Dallas’ most recognizable buildings. After a series of takeovers, the building landed in the hands of Gables Residential, developers focused on turning the 36-story office tower into a new luxury apartment building. Located in the most vibrant part of downtown Dallas, at the junction of the Arts District, the Central Business District and the Main Street Corridor, the newly redesigned building will feature 225 units offering over 275,000 SF of immaculately designed residential space. In addition to the units’ well-appointed furnishings, such as wood floors, granite countertops and an average unit size of 1,150 SF, residents have easy access to the street-level retail shops conveniently located at the base of the building. The reinvention of the Republic Tower will not only bring more people into city life, but also breathe more life into the city.
Client Gables Residential Services Architecture
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717 Olympic [Manalapan, Florida] Serving as an anchor to the highly-anticipated LA Live sports and entertainment district, the new 717 Olympic residential tower stands 26-stories tall and fills a niche for upscale housing in the city center. Challenged by the project’s compact site, RTKL developed a scheme that sensitively addresses mass, rhythm and organizational structure to create architectural balance with the cityscape. The tower achieves a sense of layering and texture by articulating deep setbacks and shadow lines. Residential levels, boasting private balconies, are raised above the podium to provide views of the entertainment district and surrounding downtown area. Oneand two-bedroom apartments contain high ceilings, open floorplans and top-of-the-line finishes. Carved out areas on the 8th and 26th floors provide space for high-end tenant amenities including a pool deck illuminated by south sun, a fitness area, gourmet kitchen, outdoor grilling area and theater. To create an engaging street level experience, the team paid careful attention to scale, creating touch points of comfort and style at every turn by wrapping the base of the building with 7,500 SF of retail and commercial space.
Client Hanover R.S. Limited Partnership Services Conceptual Design, Architecture, Interior Architecture and Design, and Site Planning
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American Trucking Associations [Arlington, Virginia] The American Trucking Associations (ATA) reaped many benefits by moving from a stand-alone suburban facility to a leased space in an urban high-rise. Nevertheless, the transition also spurred new challenges. Chief among these challenges, the national trade association for the trucking industry worried that the more dense urban site—and the resulting absence of some of the social spaces present in their former suburban building—would deviate from their corporate culture. As a result, ATA commissioned RTKL to shape their new workplace in a way that reinforces and strengthens ATA’s identity. To replicate the sense of arrival provided by the base-building lobby atrium at the former headquarters, the design team removed an extra floor in the reception area. The new two-story foyer instills a feeling of ownership among employees and members and helps to distinguish the organization from other building tenants. Integrated conference and dining areas foster a sense of activity, and nearby, more formal conference areas can be customized into smaller rooms to accommodate space and privacy needs. Throughout, the design scheme focuses on the idea of “goods in motion,” a concept that drives the company brand.
Client Hanover R.S. Limited Partnership Services Conceptual Design, Architecture, Interior Architecture and Design, and Site Planning
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Best Commercial Project over 10,000 SF Mid-Atlantic International Interior Design Association
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THE BARE ESSENTIALS
Since our origin as a two-man office in Annapolis, Maryland in 1946, RTKL has grown into an internationally recognized planning and design firm with over 1000 professionals, 10 offices worldwide and projects in over 65 nations. But whether we’re designing architecture, engineering systems, communities, environments or telecommunications systems, we always envision the end-user: how they will live, work, rest or play in an environment RTKL designed. Because it affects your bottom line. The key to our seamless, responsive design approach is the firm’s orientation by practice group, rather than by geographic location. Specialists from our Retail/ Entertainment, Hospitality, Public, Workplace, Health and Residential Sectors collaborate laterally on all projects. From the initial client meeting through occupancy and beyond, RTKL’s creative services focus on all aspects of the project: from property evaluations and economic viability, to web development, logo design or directional signage. In short, our diversified expertise allows us to design your project with an efficiency that promotes on-time/on-budget delivery while considering award-winning approaches that make places real. RTKL’s success has always been propelled by an understanding of how people want to live. Our clients and end-users benefit from a matrix of expertise that overlays a thoughtful consideration of the human experience. Paying attention to trends is the beginning. Your improved bottom line is the end result. Knowing how to make the extraordinary seem real ensures repeat visitors. And we provide innovative, customized business solutions and seamless delivery across the hospitality, commercial, cultural and governmental realms. Our passionate pursuit of excellence, the application of creativity to solve our clients’ challenges, our technical expertise that transcends concept and occupancy issues, and our collaborative spirit are all the measures of our success.
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RTKL’s Baltimore Office
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Services Architecture
Brand Building
Planning & Urban Design
MEP Engineering
Interior Architecture
Structural Engineering
Interior Design
Special Systems Design
Sustainable Design
Historic Preservation
Environmental Graphic Design
Landscape Architecture
offices Baltimore
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