commARCH - September October 2020

CIRCLES. SEPTI AUGUST I OCT I 2020 JULY I 2020

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CIRCLES. Karma. The lifecycle. The sense that every day is the same as the last. It’s easy to get the feeling that you’re not making progress. Just spinning wheels.

Just remember you are still creating. Each turn of the wheel.

Each change in your fingers and hands. The creation of your life is being formed. Pop ceramicist Ka Kwong Hui, best known for his collaborations with Roy Lichtenstein, once said “creation is in how you breathe. Breathe carefully.” Circles, especially ones revolving. Are we creating or spinning according to someone else’s hands?

Stumblin’ around, you’ve been guessing your direction Next step, you can’t see at all And I don’t have a name, I don’t have a name, no Who am I to blame? Who am I to blame though?

And I cannot be changed, I cannot be changed, no Trust me, I’ve tried I just end up right at the start of the line Drawin’ circles CIRCLES, by Mac Miller. Released posthumously.

This issue marks the first full cycle of Commercial Architecture being commARCH. While the title is around 20 years old, it has quickly evolved into not only showcasing the best in products, case studies and thinking, but also the inspirations we require to execute our most successful work. commARCH conducts ongoing surveys of its key audience members on what information they most want and in what platform they want it delivered. Many things were missing in the content landscape, and attention to the pre-design phase was one of them. Sun Tzu’s “Every battle is won before it is fought.”

We place great emphasis on dialogues that will provide confidence and options, as you continue to create your life and a built world for others.

Ancient cultures connected the “ring finger” with the heart.

The ring then symbolizes infinite love between the couple, and what your hands offer.

Enjoy this issue of commARCH, and its digital presence where most content begins, because the realization of your potential is of the most importance.

September/October 2020 Issue. Volume 18 No. 5 commARCH (Commercial Architecture), a division of IdeaSoil, LLC 5603 B West Friendly Avenue, #238 Greensboro, NC 27410 Info@IdeaSoil.com CONTENT – COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Edit@IdeaSoil.com Chief Product Officer/ President Dean Horowitz Dean@IdeaSoil.com Chief Creative John Phillip Davis VP – Social Media, SEO/SEM, Influencer Programs Alexandra Kavalos Executive Producer – Video & Podcasts Barry Katz Managing Editor Chris Thiede Webmaster Chad Seay Community Creative Brian Hertel Construction Data Dodge Data & Analytics Info@IdeaSoil.com Sr Contributing Editors - edit@IdeaSoil.com AI, Eric Hochstein Building Technology Editor, Jay Thomas Education & Business Processes, William Asdal Engineering, Kevin Lisankie Facility Asset Data Management, Michael Bordenaro Financial Analysis & Reporting, Annie Asdal FinTech, Joan Susie Leadership Strategies, Michael Catalonello Market Research & Forecasting, Chris O’Keefe Marketing & Business Growth Strategies, Shawn Draper Strategic Mindset, Irving T. S. Grey Sustainability, Dieter Fischer Water, George Vorsheim OPERATIONS Operations Manager - Maria LeMaire Operations Associate - Alexander Bryce Horowitz Accounting - Accounting@IdeaSoil.com Production - Production@IdeaSoil.com Research - Research@IdeaSoil.com MEDIA SPECIALISTS Sales@IdeaSoil.com Northeast - Beth Emerich Bemerich@IdeaSoil.com Midwest/TX - Vince Basso VinceB@IdeaSoil.com West - Robert Reed RobertR@IdeaSoil.com commARCH (Commercial Architecture) (ISSN #24736902) Copyright c 2020 by IdeaSoil, LLC is currently published bimonthly by IdeaSoil, LLC, 2510 Duck Club Road, Greensboro, NC 27410-2572. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission. For reprints, please contact Info@IdeaSoil.com.

To start/change/cancel your subscription, please visit commARCH.com or email Info@IdeaSoil. Periodicals postage paid at Greensboro, NC and at additional addresses.

POSTMASTER: please send address changes to: commARCH, c/o IdeaSoil, LLC, 5603 B West Friendly Avenue, #238, Greensboro, NC 27410

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F E A T U R E S HUMANIZING DATA Lessons at the Intersection of Architecture and the End User Page 12 ECO-ESCAPE Vietnamese Resort Immerses Guests in Architecture and Culture Page 22 THE FREE-RANGE WORKPLACE Research About Office Design and Working from Home Page 31 THE EVOLVING WORKPLACE A Round-Table Discussion Page 40

“This building, unlike many of the other buildings, will truly not feel like a medical clinic, or a medical complex. It will feel more like a place where you might go to join a class of dietary nutritional programs, rather than going in and getting stuck for a blood draw or checked out for some particular illness.”

- Brad Earl, AIA, NCARB, Design Principal at NELSON Worldwide page 38

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B U I L D I N G S CASE STUDY ‘Brilliant’ Design Page 36 BOUTIQUE HEALTH New Facility Reflects Far-Sighted Vision Page 37 COLLABORATION IS EVERYTHING Bio-Incubator ABI Labs Accelerates Medical Discovery Page 45 CASE STUDY Shelter. In Place.

Page 48 CASE STUDY Music City Plaza Page 49 CASE STUDY Gallery + Bank Page 50

CASE STUDY Creative Space Page 52 TROPHY PARK FEATURE SECTION Play for the Teammate Standing Next to You Page 54

D E P A R T M E N T S PODCAST Aligning an Organization for a Bigger Purpose Page 10 TECHNICAL ARTICLE Maximizing Modern Capabilities Page 18 PRODUCTS Products Designed to Make Your Buildings Beautiful and Functional Page 25 TECHNICAL ARTICLE Metal Roofing Goes Mainstream Page 35 CULTURE Alex Roskin Page 82

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Podcast

Aligning an organization for a bigger purpose

A conversation with Lisa Conway, VP Sustainability, Lisa Conway serves as VP of Sustainability at Interface – the global flooring manufacturer that is leading industry to “love the world.” She and her team are responsible for regional activation of the company’s mission: Climate Take Back.

Lisa is passionate about bringing awareness to the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability and human health.

To drive understanding around the impact of carbon on human health, Lisa and her team provide educational programming on the need for transparency and prioritization of embodied carbon in specifications within the building industry.

Lisa co-founded the materials Carbon Action Network (materialsCAN) in 2018 to mobilize this effort. She also serves on the Sustainable Advisory Board for Penn State University’s Smeal College of Business and was named to “CoreNet’s 36 Under 36” in 2015.

Lisa Conway: (G)oing back to 2007, when I had joined the company and read (Interface founder) Ray Anderson’s book.

He had written a book called Mid-Course Correction [Toward a Sustainable Enterprise: The Interface Model]. I hadn’t come to Interface because of sustainability, but when I read that book, I had my own spear in the chest moment. Which is what he had when he learned of how much of a plunderer of the earth he was. cA: It was a customer that challenged them, right? “What’s your company doing to the environment?” And he didn’t have an answer.

LC: He didn’t have any answer and he wasn’t into sustainability.

He didn’t really even know what the term meant or what the problem was. And, it was reading Paul Hawken’s book, Ecology of Commerce, he realized… the product that we make, as so many products and interiors, are made of, is plastic, which comes from oil. And, it wasn’t until he realized that, that he really put us on the path to Mission Zero.

And it wasn’t until I read about his awakening, that I realized the scale of the problem and the opportunity for impact that we had. So throughout all of those roles that I’ve had at Interface, I’ve just been really passionate and vocal about sustainability and using it with customers, to really educate them and meet them where they are on their goals, that this opportunity became available.

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I couldn’t be happier. It’s such an honor. After really admiring Ray from within his own company… he was always this hero to me. And, to be able to be in a sustainability role at his company is just a dream come true. I never thought that it would be possible. cA: So, I pulled a quote from Paul Hawken’s book and want to read it, and then relate it back to Interface.

“More and more businesses really want to do the right thing.

They feel better about themselves. Their workers feel better.

And so do their customers. I think this is equally true in the transnational corporations, but it is harder to express in those situations.”

It sounds like these sentences represent Interface now.

LC: A lot of people ask me how can we have the transformation that Interface has experienced? How can we get everybody on the bus?

The hard part about answering that question is, for us, it came so authentically from the top. No one was required to get on board. Everyone has their own process for realizing what the meaning of our company’s mission has been. We have a new mission that we launched in 2016, Mission Zero, but if you don’t have that authentic kind of awakening from the top, I think it’s really hard.

That is leadership. cA So, the company is known for carpet tiles, resilient flooring, also, Climate Take Back. Is this still part of your brand now?

LC: Yeah, it’s funny… because when we have people join the company, and it’s like, “Is this a sustainability company that happens to make flooring?”

It shows that you can take a product that we hate to ever be called a “commodity,” but when it is called a “commodity,” it can actually be more powerful for people because it doesn’t matter what you make. You can totally transform your business and minds and industry.

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HUMANIZING

DATA LESSONS AT THE INTERSECTION OF ARCHITECTURE AND THE END USER

Photo: Lindman Photography

By Zoe Cloonan, AIA Data centers, when thought of at all, are perceived as soulless, monolithic, tech-centric buildings. And, in many ways they are.

Their singular purpose is to preserve and distribute the unfathomable amount of data we produce every minute. But like all buildings, they require humans to build, maintain, and operate them.

Examining them through the lens of the end user offered both a fresh perspective on a growing field of renovation work for SNHA and provided a better roadmap for the buildings of the future.

The project was not a wholly unusual one for Sheehan Nagle Hartray Architects – evaluate data centers with an eye toward improving their functionality and ‘future proofing’ for longevity.

It’s an evaluation we make with every new data center, asking ourselves how we can learn from past projects and implement industry advancements. commARCH // 12

It was the subject matter that made this one unique, and piqued our interest about what we would learn on a research trip to six different data centers on two continents. The goal was not to review the technology or mechanical systems, but to evaluate the user experience. It was an idea whose time had come.

Highest Acoustical Rated Door and Window Wall Assembly

The Process Our first step was to visit each campus, observe how the spaces were being used, formally meet with representatives from each department, and informally chat with as many employees and contingent workers as we could.

We discovered early on that our informal conversations — the lunch line chats with the culinary team, curious questions from the security officers, gossip in the bathroom — were invaluable. They provided critical context to the information gathered by the client’s early surveys.

The operation of these sites is driven by logistics, maintenance, and security. Those teams are the loudest, and rightfully so. They are critical to the continued functioning of the data center. But these other teams are critical to the support of those operations and to the company culture.

Perhaps most surprisingly, when we brought our findings back to the management group, teams started to fight for each other.

Highest Acoustical Rating—up to STC 52 Krieger’s Acoustical Door and Window Wall Assembly underwent rigorous lab testing—in multiple configurations, testing higher than any other wall unit on the market.

The security lead advocated for company culture. The logistics manager, typically one of the loudest voices, sat back and made space for his colleagues to speak.

The head of culinary advocated for her team, and then systematically listed the needs for all the others.

Lowest Frequency Loss The window wall units NVLAP accredited laboratory acoustical test reports demonstrate that our designs have industry-leading transmission loss between the 63HZ to 125Hz frequencies, with no deficiencies measured at greater than 95% confidence in dB. The window walls low-frequency performance is best-in-class, making it the ideal choice for locations exposed to traffic and street noise.

Though these sites are part of a global corporation, their local groups are tight knit. Our project simultaneously sought to standardize the sites’ program and to highlight their individual characteristics.

The Lessons Through this process, there were useful takeaways for the client, for the data center world, and for conversations around future workplaces at large.

Customizable Configuration

Participation offers unique perspective In civic architecture, community participation is a key, and often mandatory, component of the design process. Adapting lessons from community participation to workplace design by soliciting candid and casual feedback from all employees can help to foster a more human-centric workplace.

Configured to your exact specifications of size, number and placement of doors and windows and acoustical needs.

The construction makes it possible to swap out the doors, panels, transoms, and side light components in case your needs change.

As our spaces and our jobs become more and more dominated by technology — reliant on data, codes, systems, robots — these human stories remain critical to architecture’s evolution. All technology requires a human support system and we must be careful to not lose sight of the people through the data steam.

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Photo: Lindman Photography

Local preferences can become global insights

Amenities matter

While each site had ties to its local community and cultural norms, our visits generally reinforced our initial data-driven goals. We found the exceptions tended to prove the rule, each lesson informing local implementations and new designs.

The company’s instinct that it needed to bring services and amenities up to the same level across all corporate offices and data centers was on point. Where one site may value a laundry service, another may envision an enlarged communal space.

European jurisdictions require natural light and views for significantly more spaces than their North American counterparts. We took these best practices to inform retrofits and new designs on both sides of the ocean.

Building in space for these “perks” is an important step in connecting the workforce to the company and building value — it is the physical backbone of the workplace culture.

Mothers’ rooms in North America often sat empty (tech is still a male-dominated industry, after all), while in European jurisdictions they had been converted to dual-purpose ‘first-aid’ rooms. By building flexibility into this program, we preserved its core function, while allowing it to best serve a site’s needs.

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Photo: Chad Davis Photography

Photo: Chad Davis Photography

Photo: Chad Davis Photography

Photo: Lindman Photography

Adjacency is critical to creating community In data center campuses with multiple admin facilities, workers found ways to cluster together. They valued their daily informal interactions as much as we did. After years of designing for a distributed workforce, with each group tied to ‘their’ data hall, we learned that for most, human adjacency is more important than operational adjacency.

Just as importantly, we confirmed one of our original hypotheses — that while the large open office was viewed as a benefit, commARCH // 16

an abundance of small conference rooms, break out spaces, and focus areas were critical to provide respite from the crowd.

At the time, this informed a shift in our retrofit designs as well as a re-envisioning of our new work. We clustered most people and amenities together and worked with the site teams to ease travel throughout the campus. This insight came just before COVID-19 swept the globe, moving work online and turning open offices into dangerous environments.

Photo: Chad Davis Photography

Incidental interactions have long been the goal of workplace designers. Our visits proved the value of witnessing the mundane, of hearing the side comment.

As our work continues online, we find ourselves contemplating what role these highly valued communal spaces will play in the future workplace. Despite the ease with which we can all connect digitally, despite the tech-centric nature of our work, the physical workplace is hard to leave behind.

If our work on this project indicates anything about the workplace future we all face, it’s simply this: seeking out user experiences and remaining open to the unexpected learning in everyday interactions can guide us to architectural solutions that enable and support our clients’ businesses, while creating a workplace that is as human as it is high tech.

Zoe Cloonan is a Project Leader for Sheehan Nagle Hartray Architects, Chicago.

As the initial stages of this reassessment draw to a close, a wider reassessment of workplaces around the globe is taking place, brought on by the pandemic. Who actually needs to be at the data center? And what does a workplace culture become when there is no workplace? commARCH // 17

MAXIMIZING MODERN CAPABILITIES Architects & Designers Must Include Technology in the Early Planning Stages

By Victoria Sanville In just the last two decades, internet-connected devices, smart appliances and digital displays have become ubiquitous in nearly all indoor environments, including skyscrapers, transit hubs, stores, hotels, restaurants, hospitals and stadiums. While architecture clients increasingly want to create experiences for commARCH // 18

guests using digital signage such as indoor LED video walls, outdoor LED Signage, or touchscreen information displays, many architecture and design firms still view integrated building technologies as add-ons to consider later, rather than a core foundational system like HVAC, electrical and plumbing.

Victoria Sanville

This traditional design process is familiar and comfortable, but in order to maximize the capabilities, cost-effectiveness, visual appeal and overall value of modern internet-connected buildings, it’s important to consider a project’s technology backbone early in the design process.

A client who wants to incorporate experiential design and energy-consciousness into their building or space will be best served by architects and designers who are knowledgeable about current and upcoming technologies, and the power, data and physical infrastructure required for optimal performance and impact.

If they want a large interactive touchscreen, for instance, the space needs to be designed to strategically incorporate the display with the proper electrical and data infrastructure, in addition to accommodating the expected audience, whether socially distanced or not. If these factors aren’t considered early, a firm could end up being forced to use a less-than-ideal technology or cause costly late-stage design revisions to “correct” a problem that could have been avoided at the outset.

Architects are increasingly realizing the importance of early collaboration. According to Will Wright of the American Institute of Architects Los Angeles Chapter, it’s important to integrate architecture and technology at the very beginning of the design process for multiple reasons. “The technology itself,” he says, “may lend greater flexibility to what’s achievable with design performance and impact. It will help inform what is feasible and effective and will elevate a human-centered approach to the program.”

Consult with an Expert Part of the need for knowledgeable teams stems from the vast selection of products available, each with unique requirements and benefits. A client who wants a large video display in its lobby might not know the specific costs, capabilities, space requirements, or maintenance procedures for paneled video walls or direct view LED screens, so it’s vital that someone sitting in early meetings can answer questions and provide realistic recommendations to achieve all of the desired goals.

Firms can tap into the technology zeitgeist by tasking internal teams to learn more about the current products available or by including a third-party contractor in planning sessions. Some major global technology manufacturers like LG provide building industry professionals with training and literature to help explain products’ functions and installation requirements. They enable cost-benefit analyses and even preview upcoming product timelines that ensure clients have access to the latest and greatest technologies for multi-year building projects.

“Early integration facilitates a multi-disciplinary approach, which in turn will optimize results by including a diverse set of stakeholders to contribute to the design process,” says Wright.

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Choose the Right Technology Partner Another simple way for firms to integrate technology knowledge into their process is to work with a leading manufacturer like LG that provides BIM-compatible product data to fit in an existing workflow alongside other core building infrastructure. Partners can browse and integrate a wide range of technologies, from smart TVs to video walls and commercial air conditioners to solar panels, without ever leaving their design program. This allows virtually instant comparisons of costs and space requirements, reducing research time and simplifying product selection.

In most technology installations, major advantages can be gained through connectivity and automation, which both require significant forethought. Integrators can now organize digital signage systems to offer consolidated control of content management and powering displays on and off, but only if the right displays and wiring are used. For oversized displays that are heavy or power-hungry, proper physical and electrical infrastructure is crucial.

to stay on top of the latest options from leading technology and equipment manufacturers. There is an ideal technology solution for every room and every need, and we work directly with building industry professionals to help them integrate the best possible designs and capabilities for each unique project.

The popularity of digital displays, interactive experiences and internet-connected devices of all kinds is poised to continue growing exponentially as more manufacturers find ways to improve the functionality of their products. Whether large or small, architecture and design firms planning for long term success and growth can provide better service to clients through greater understanding of current high-tech products and the benefits they offer.

Building technology expert Victoria Sanville is Senior Manager, Business Development at LG Business Solutions USA. For more information, visit www.LGsolutions.com or email victoria.sanville@lge.com.

Create Digital Experiences As the drive for energy efficiency certifications such as LEED coincides with businesses’ desire to deliver a “wow factor” through digital experiences, it’s up to architects and designers commARCH // 20

Photos: Courtesy of LG Business Solutions USA

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ECO-ESCAPE New Resort Will Immerse Guests in Vietnamese Architecture and Culture

By Griffin Suber, Contributing Editor

Photo: Courtesy of Zannier Hotels

In physics, the Observer Effect is the theory that mere observation inevitably changes that which is being observed.

Think of checking the pressure in a car tire; it’s hard to do without letting out a little bit of air.

Often, this is what it feels like to travel in an exotic land. You want the authentic experience of a foreign culture, yet your presence elicits reactions and stares and people trying to get you to buy things which wouldn’t happen if you weren’t there.

Fancy hotels multiply the Observer Effect. Luxury is generally commARCH // 22

the same in all languages and, past a certain point, you want to stay somewhere that is grounded in the place you’re visiting.

Enter Zannier Hotels, whose line of excellent retreats blends the escape you want with the comfort you expect.

Bay of Corals Zannier’s latest project is the Bãi San Hô Resort in Vietnam’s Phú Yên province, set to open in December 2020. The destination will consist of 71 spacious villas on 98 hectares of lush hills, spotted with genuine rice paddies, that roll gently on to white sand beaches.

Bãi San Hô translates to “bay of corals” in reference to the area’s untouched coastline and pristine coral reefs.

“Far from the busy places like Nha Trang, we wanted to escape from mass tourism and offer our guests a resort where they could experience the genuine Vietnamese hospitality,” says Arnaud Zannier, Founder and CEO of Zannier Hotels. “Every corner of the resort, whether it’s for relaxation, accommodation or dining, is primarily inspired by the surrounding nature and reflects the local history and Vietnamese customs.”

Architecturally, the mission was to create a comfortable yet unpretentious microcosm of Vietnam’s three primary building styles.

The Hill Pool Villas were designed in the tradition of Vietnam’s Rade people. Perched on the green hills surrounding Bãi San Hô bay, the villas evoke the longhouses typically found in the country’s mountainous regions.

Longhouse architecture consists of a succession of rooms which allows the house to expand as the family grows.

As villas, there is a 45 square meter one-bedroom option and an 88 square meter two-bedroom option. Each has a private pool, terrace, and an open-air living area with sea views. The floor is made of rectangular terracotta bricks and the walls are piled local stones painted ocher.

commARCH // 23 Photo: Frederik Wissink for Zannier Hotels

The Beach Pool Villas are modeled after the style of the Chams who traditionally live along the coast.

Like the native homes, these single-level villas are built in orderly rows, all with a west-facing entrance.

Steps away from sandy beaches, they sit on 30 cm stilts and are cloaked with a screen for added intimacy. The walls are covered with cob, a natural material made of clay, sand and straw and the roof is made of 30cm-thick coconut leaves. Again, there is a 51 square meter one-bedroom options and a 92 square meter two-bedroom option, both with en-suite bathrooms and an outdoor shower.

The Paddy Field Villas are 41 square meters and can accommodate 2 adults and 1 child. Located along the paddy fields which provide rice to the resort’s restaurant, these villas were inspired by traditional fisherman’s houses which are usually built from reclaimed wood.

commARCH // 24 Photo: Frederik Wissink for Zannier Hotels

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Assa Abloy Smooth Grain Door The new Smooth Grain Stainable Steel Door by Ceco Door and Curries combines industrial-grade steel doors with an aesthetically pleasing wood grain design. It’s ideal for commercial applications that utilize wood for its warm, calming appearance including healthcare, education and any space with a need for versatile, resilient, wood doors. The doors are finished with a tight wood grain stain design such as those found in real maple, cherry or birch wood. With the strength of steel, the doors will not crack or chip like wood. They also have a three-hour fire rating and are moisture and pest resistant.

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Photo: Frederik Wissink for Zannier Hotels

Local Awareness To make the project feel like a part of the landscape, Zannier employed hundreds of local craftsmen who built the resort through a combination of traditional materials and modern construction techniques.

“Deep awareness of local traditions makes it easier to understand how the way of life and considerations, such as climate or local customs, have a strong influence on construction techniques,” says Zannier. “This knowledge of the vernacular informed the property’s design, from the masterplan to the interiors.”

Vietnam is no stranger to heavy rainfall. Even during Bãi San Hô’s construction, builders were plagued by intrusive monsoons, especially during October and November 2019.

Through their other projects in Belgium, Namibia, and Cambodia, Zannier learned the best solutions to local conditions are local materials.

“We took into account not only the topography of the site but also the changing weather conditions and the resort’s proximity with nature,” says Zannier. “The choice of construction elements and furniture material was key. commARCH // 26

For instance, the thatched roof villas are built from the wood of the “Gỗ Chò Chỉ” (Parashorea chinensis), a fragrant evergreen tree that is resistant to the moisture in Vietnam’s humid forests.”

The Paddy Field Villa’s stilts anticipate potential water level rise during the rainy season while the Hill Pool Villas were reinforced with large stones to combat stronger winds.

For Zannier, the trick to effectively capturing the Vietnamese vibe was simple - use local materials. Exterior floors and paths are made of Cho Chi wood with a natural and sanded finish and have added five-milimeter gaps for rainwater drainage.

Structures with hard roofs use multicolored antique flat and round terracotta tiles. This natural brick blends well with bamboo cladding on the interiors, made from flattened bamboo weaving and vertical bamboo profiles cut in half. This same cladding is attached to wood panels for various fencing and flooring.

Accurate Lock and Hardware M9100ELR Series Touchless Electrified Lock Touchless entry helps in mitigating the spread of infection. This new system features Motor Drive Electrification that retracts the latch when paired with a motion sensor or card reader. It’s ideal for commercial environments featuring power-operated openings that facilitate accessibility and ADA compliance.

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Lacobel® T Beautiful. And tough.

Lacobel® T from AGC Glass will never fade, because its temperable paint is fused into the glass.

The highest-quality back-painted glass delivers durability in exterior applications and aesthetic appeal on the inside of a building.

Harness the versatility and beauty of Lacobel® T from AGC for your next project.

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Unpretentious Simplicity While Zannier Hotels don’t have an overarching aesthetic, there’s a common theme across their properties: unpretentious simplicity.

Zannier Hotels Omaanda, the resort’s Namibian encampment, consists of ten luxury tents on a 9,000-hectare reserve and evokes the adventure of bygone British explorers. Their outpost in Cambodia, Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang, is just a short distance from the otherworldly Angkor Wat and is a vacation favorite of Angelina Jolie.

Called a “Green Village,” the resort was modeled after a traditional Khmer village, with each villa being constructed like Khmer farmhouses.

Bãi San Hô’s focus will be sustainability.

Once the resort is up and running, management plans to build upon existing self-sustaining features such as the paddy fields and gardens which supply their restaurants. They plan on adding a local farm of goats and chickens, a mushroom hut, an organic waste management system, a hydroponic gardening center, and a water treatment plant so that plastic bottles can be kept to a minimum.

“Away from the usual tourist paths, Zannier Hotels Bãi San Hô offers a unique opportunity to explore Vietnam’s best kept secret,” says Zannier. “Visitors will have the chance to discover traditional Vietnamese culture and gastronomy, dramatic landscapes and the pristine water of this intriguing region.”

commARCH // 28 Photo: Courtesy of Zannier Hotels

Photo: Frederik Wissink for Zannier Hotels

CertainTeed Felt Acoustical Ceiling Products CertainTeed has expanded its felt ceilings offerings with two new product lines. Felt Baffles and Open Cell ceiling systems by Hunter Douglas Ceiling & Wall Products, exclusively from CertainTeed, offer the freedom to turn any ceiling into a warm, inviting, and visually stunning architectural feature. Techstyle large-format panels are ideal for achieving acoustic control and a sense of visual warmth in offices, commercial buildings, educational facilities, and open spaces.

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Hunter Panels Xci VP-SA WRB Membrane Hunter Panels is fortifying their portfolio of polyiso wall products with the addition of the Xci VP-SA WRB, a membrane for use in above-grade wall assemblies.

Designed to be adhered directly to Hunter Xci Polyiso products, this weather resistive barrier provides critical defense against air and water. Moreover, the breathable, self-adhering rolls provide building professionals with a simple, efficient way to bolster building envelope performance and provide maximum protection.

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THE FREE RANGE WORKPLACE During the September 2020 Atlanta Design Festival, commARCH moderated a panel “Lessons Learned from COVID: The Free Range Workplace, a conversation with Gensler, Room & Board and Cambria about the “open section” office, including multi-level settings where our views, movement and ideas are

unconstrained by windows and walls.

This future office is better for our health, well-being and the environment.”

The anchor for the discussion was a recently released report, “U.S. Work From Home Survey 2020,” conducted

by Gensler RESEARCH INSTITUTE.

Those who projected the end of the office as we know it, will be surprised in many ways. Gensler discovered the vast number of workers desire a return to the office with some of the past evolutions in workspace shifted.

Density, unassigned seating, “noise,” and shared amenities and workspaces will potentially evolve into office/home balances, cleaning policies, workspace distancing, and the introduction of new products to ensure comfort within the space. Changes in doors, plumbing fixtures, air purification, hand sanitizer stations, and more will impact new and renovated buildings.

70% want to be in the office at least 3 days a week DO YOU PREFER TO GO BACK TO THE OFFICE OR CONTINUE TO WORK FROM HOME?

NO DAYS AT HOME 44%

1 OR 2 DAYS AT HOME 26%

- Less density - Assigned workspace - High performance environments - Diminished noise and distractions

Source: Gensler RESEARCH INSTITURE, “U.S. Work From Home Survey 2020” METHODS The survey of 2,300+ U.S. workers was conducted online via an anonymous, panel-based survey from April 16th to May 4th, 2020. Respondents were required to be working full time for a company of 100 or more people, to have worked in an office environment prior to COVID-19, and to be currently working from home. Responses were evenly distributed across 10 industries and represent a wide range of seniority levels, roles, ages, and geographies across the U.S.

3 OR 4 DAYS AT HOME 18%

5 DAYS AT HOME 12%

- Ample social distancing - Cleaning protocols - Multifunction office workspaces - Culture that extends beyond office walls

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RESPONDENTS WERE ASKED TO RANK WHAT THEY BELIEVE TO BE THE MOST IMPORTANT REASON(S) FOR COMING INTO THE OFFICE.

Scheduled meetings with colleagues Socializing with colleagues

54%

Impromptu face-to-face interaction To be part of the community Access to technology To focus on my work

44% 40% 40%

Professional development/coaching

74%

33%

29%

say the people are what they miss most about the office

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54%

45%

Scheduled meetings with clients

Access to amenities

54%

55%

say with collab o har other rating der s is at h om e

51%

g up to say stayin t others ha date on w on is ing are work home harder at

GEN Z & MILLENIAL GEN X BABY BOOMERS

61% 35%

39%

79% 65%

85% 87%

68%

44%

I feel like I’ve made a difference.

36%

I feel like I’ve completed the work I needed to do.

I know what is expected from me.

HARDER AT HOME

AVOIDING DISTRACTIONS

41%

GEN X

33%

BABY BOOMERS

37% MAINTAINING WORK-LIFE BALANCE

25%

23% 31%

16%

Compared to the office, I get less work done at home.

28% 35%

26%

41%

21%

33%

20%

EASIER AT HOME

22% 24%

25%

23%

Working from home is stressful.

THE SAME

50% GEN Z & MILLENIAL

29%

42% 44% 44%

Source: Gensler RESEARCH INSTITUTE, “U.S. Work From Home Survey 2020”

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Cambria/Gensler Coordinates Collection Cambria partnered with world-renowned integrated architecture, design, planning, and consulting firm Gensler to launch The Coordinates Collection. The collection consists of 14 high-performing quartz designs, all designed to coordinate effortlessly together and created around the NCS – Natural Color System – a scientifically based color system that allows for accurate cross-industrial color communication for designers, manufacturers, retailers, and customers. This color system is a global standard for definition, quality assurance, and communication of color.

cambriausa.com Website RS#109

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METAL ROOFING MAINSTREAM GOES

By Rob Haddock, CEO and Founder of S-5! Metal Roof Innovations, Ltd.

In the past four decades, well over 2 billion square feet of metal roofing has been installed in the United States each year. That number continues to grow year over year – and it’s more than any other roof type except asphalt shingles.

Today’s trends point toward evaluating the long-term costs of owning a roof, as landfills are overburdened with fomer building components discarded due to shortsighted budget-conscious building objectives. The life-cycle costs and environmental appeal of metal truly offer many advantages and, more and more, metal is becoming the roofing material of choice for both commercial and residential applications.

Service Life & ROI Metal roofs are known for their durability, environmental sustainability, variant styles and versatility. They are experiencing a great surge in popularity because the life-cycle ownership cost is substantially lower than the alternatives.

The Perfect Platform for Solar PV Today, building owners are adding solar photovoltaics (PV) to augment the power required to run their facilities. The financial prospectus makes sense–turning cash positive in the five to seven-year range, and providing power for decades thereafter.

Rob Haddock, the inventor of metal roof attachment solutions, is an award-winning roof-forensics expert, author, lecturer, building envelope scientist and former contractor. He has worked in various aspects of metal roofing for nearly five decades.

For the full article and more photos, go to commarch.com/metal-roofing-goes-mainstream Website

Sustainability The growing demand for more durable and environmentally friendly construction materials that reduce maintenance and feature longer service lives also leads commercial designers and owners to metal roofing. It is attractive, energy-efficient, long-lasting and weather resistant – and requires almost no maintenance. commARCH // 35

Photo: Kevin Weber

C A S E

S T U D Y

‘Brilliant’ Design Project: Brllnt Marketing + Design Studio office Location: Washington, D.C. Architects: GTM Architects, Bethesda, Maryland Client: Brllnt Marketing + Design Studio

GTM Architects recently designed an 1,800 square-foot space for Brllnt Marketing + Design Studio in Washington, DC’s historic Uline Arena—a unique building which played a prominent role in hosting significant area sporting, political and entertainment events from the 1940s through the 1970s.

Brllnt was looking for quiet, private work areas balanced with open flexible areas that could meet their team’s changing needs. GTM created a comfortable, light-filled office while incorporating a color palette that aligned with the client’s corporate identity.

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The balancing act within the design was to accommodate the private enclosed work spaces, as well as open communal work areas, along with the challenge of bringing natural light deep within the office. GTM’s solution was to wrap two walls with the offices, conference rooms and support rooms to keep the majority of the space as open work area.

Want to see more? Go to commarch.com/gtm-architects-brilliant-design/ Website

BOUTIQUE HEALTH Designed by NELSON Worldwide, a new health facility reflects a far-sighted vision of healthcare

Photo: Halkin Mason Photography

As healthcare continues to evolve from diagnostics and treatment to prevention and lifestyle, the buildings and spaces are also evolving.

Most importantly, it offers a relaxed atmosphere that puts patients more at ease, helping to to diffuse some of the stress that accompanies doctor visits.

Gone are the days of uninviting, institutional, antiseptic hospitals and clinics. Modern facilities are warm and inviting, and reflect the goal of improving patients’ lifestyles, helping to prevent medical issues before they occur.

To learn more about this space, commARCH spoke with Brad Earl, AIA, NCARB, Design Principal at NELSON Worldwide, and Doug Williams, System Director of Planning and Design at Main Line Health.

One of the newest examples of this approach is the Mail Line Health Women’s Specialty Health Care Center in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Designed by NELSON Worldwide, the new facility houses more than clinics and labs, but also nutritional and educational spaces. Its resources are intended to welcome not just patients, but the larger community. commARCH // 37

commARCH: What was the vision behind this facility?

Doug Williams: “The goal was to create the premier destination for enhancing health and wellness for residents, employees, and visitors of the King of Prussia area. Located within the facility, Main Line Health and Axia Health Care in partnership, (our goal was also) to establish, own and operate the Women’s Specialty Health Care Center, focused on the unique preventive, diagnostic and treatment needs of women.” cA: What are some of the unique design features of the building?

Brad Earl: “We created more of a feel of a boutique hotel. When you arrive at the arrival garden, and you enter the first doors of the main lobby, you really, you get some soaring space.

But you also get some intimate little corner spaces. There’s a small cafe off to the right, which is…a little more intimate. There’s a community meeting space where they can have all kinds of dialogue about medical issues and programs for the community. On the sixth floor, it has a large community conference room, medical education component, and a demonstration kitchen.”

“We made provisions to now have a public access portal out onto the roof of that lower (section) of the building. And (it will have) raised planting beds with fruits and vegetables. School children will come out and be schooled in how to raise vegetables. The food that is harvested from that roof will be given to the demonstration kitchen in the main building and used also in the cafe downstairs. And any overage will be given to food banks in the area.”

“It’s an example of the non-traditional, far-sighted vision of taking care of yourself and your lifestyle before the health issues present themselves.” cA: What was the purpose behind these design features?

BE: “This building, unlike many of the other buildings, will truly not feel like a medical clinic, or a medical complex. It will feel more like a place where you might go to join a class of dietary nutritional programs, rather than going in and getting stuck for a blood draw or checked out for some particular illness.”

Website

commARCH // 38

Photo: Halkin Mason Photography

cA: Describe the collaborative process of taking this project from vision to reality.

cA: What makes projects like this so satisfying and enjoyable?

BE: “(The MainLine team) worked with us seamlessly. You often don’t find that in health care planning. Many times, healthcare institutions will have a small facility staff in house, and they’re juggling everything from asking them to move a door or make your waiting room in your practice ten chairs bigger. So they’re juggling an awful lot of things. And a lot of times that facilities planning group in house doesn’t have the time to really work hand in hand with the design consultants that they hire. (With the MainLine team), even now when we’re working remotely on a new project, we’re doing all these Zoom calls, and we’re finishing each other’s sentences.”

BE: “Healthcare is the most a taxing kind of an environment to create. A lot (because of) the mechanical electrical side. But certainly because you’ve got people’s lives in your hands every day. You have to keep the staff and the occupants, the patients, healthy and safe. But there are so many restrictive design regulations from square footage of a patient room to filters in an exhaust system, in an ICU room, to the shielding in a rad room where you’ve got an MRI or a CT scan. It’s very technically oriented. In my view, I think it’s probably the toughest environment to design. That’s why it’s most exciting.”

DW: “The NELSON planning and design team began the project with intensive visioning sessions with all stakeholders involved, including senior executives, department leaders, community focus groups, the construction manager and real estate advisors. These high-level sessions helped form not only the new healthcare environment itself, but offered a foundational roadmap to lead the entire design and delivery team to a successful conclusion. The end result gave the feeling of a ‘boutique hotel’ rather than a clinic, lessening the normal anxiety of a visit to your physician.”

To see the full interview with Brad Earl, go to commarch. com/MainLine-Health

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THE EVOLVING WORKPLACE

A VIRTUAL ROUND-TABLE

A conversation with Gensler, Room & Board and Cambria on how the future office will be “open section” — providing multi-level settings where our views, movements, and ideas are not constrained by windows and walls — creating workplaces that are better for our health, well-being and the environment.

The webinar, moderated by commARCH, occurred during the recent Atlanta Design Festival. The webinar is still available at atlantadesignfestival.net and on commarch.com.

PARTICIPANTS:

Erin Greer NCIDQ, LEED AP BD+C Co-Director Work Studio | Senior Associate Gensler, Atlanta I’ve been with Gensler for a little over 13 years. I also focus on our tech practice area in the Southeast region. My career has focused on creative workplaces and connecting clients’ spaces to the culture and brand that they are really trying to exhibit to both their employees, as well as represent in the broader environment. And, we are certainly seeing a lot of shifts on that lately. I’m so excited to bring our research and our thought leadership from our firm of Gensler to the conversation today.

Elise Williams Nicpon Outside Sales Manager, Business Interiors Room & Board, Minneapolis Room & Board is a furnishings and accessories company. I am the outside sales manager for our business interiors team, the commercial division of our company. We are so excited to be a part of this conversation and to collaborate with Gensler and Cambridge. So many things are changing; we are all learning from each other. And now we are in this environment of evolution that all three of us are excited to share… our perspectives and collaborations.

Summer Kath EVP of Design Cambria, Minneapolis Cambria is a manufacturer of quartz surfaces. I have been with Cambria for 18 years. Today, my true focus is on our innovation and design, which is one of our biggest efforts. It really gives us our edge in differentiating who we are and all the other things that we do that are high quality. I also head up partnerships like what we have done with Gensler. This year, in the summer, we launched 14 new designs with Gensler, called “The Coordinates Collection.” I was lucky enough to collaborate with the amazing design talent at Gensler and had a blast. It was the first time we have ever collaborated on a design project.

“As every workplace continues to determine their in-person and virtual balance, workspaces are experiencing evolution for gathering, officing, collaboration spaces and beyond. We know workspace needs to accommodate physical distance and cleanability, but we’re also working to create new flow and function through design.

We’re creating work experiences and sanctuaries which align with client brand standards, which instill confidence, calm and inspiration for their teams.”

- Elise Nicpon, Room & Board

Pren Console Cabinet

commARCH // 40

commARCH: The Gensler research is immediately relevant and actionable information. So, Erin, please start the topic.

Erin Greer: This is a topic that is changing and evolving as we speak. Where it stands today, we have been on quite the journey over the last six months, collectively. Seeing all of the different positions emerge. Everyone is in very different places in how they’re having to adapt, and cycle through the changes that we’ve been thrust into. Our research has really shown that it has been a continuation of an evolution that we have been on but has catalyzed changes in very big ways, much faster than any of us anticipated.

The topic that we have in front of us today, this idea of “freerange workplace.” The idea that a workplace is not just the desk you sit at every day, a journey that we have all been on for a number of years and certainly throughout the majority of my career. Where we sit today, and the changes and evolution, and again, acceleration of this evolution to more of a distributed autonomous workplace has been profound.

Working with several organizations, bringing our research, and adapting our research to the times that we’re in now, very quickly and nimbly early on has allowed us to gain key insights on how the conversation has evolved.

Elise Williams Nicpon: That’s still unfolding, as we find those new opportunities to replace the three minutes you would have connected with your partner in a collaborative space. What virtual ways we are shaping, that is still being understood as it is a continual evolution of that home workspace as that is your new professional space whatever business you are supporting.

Companies are still figuring that out. Clients we are working with are still defining what is that package of furnishings that is important, not only for ergonomics and health and wellness, in working from home, because it’s not exactly set up all the time to work from home. So how do we insert that important piece of the puzzle especially since we’re so virtual, how do we continue to evolve so that environment that they’re presenting does really represent the brand?

And whether that’s presentation screens or something. For our product teams, we’re still in development as we figure out what’s going to be the best solution. Certainly, we have the virtual backgrounds that we can leverage to represent projects or products. But, the package of furnishings needs to be guided by companies as they understand how to “stage” some of these work from home spaces to be representative of the brand and the culture.

Pren Conference Table

Working hand-in-hand with our clients, real time, as they are navigating these external pressures, these disruptions, (we) really need to examine their outlook on how they leverage the biggest resource we all have of people, our intellectual property and how they maintain culture as we move through (a) much more distributed workforce. Having to navigate the pressures that everybody is dealing with. Really blending and blurring the lines between work and home in very profound ways. cA: So there’s a lot of people talking about virtual video calls, being remote and being out of the office. The good things and the factors that frustrate them. What are some of the things that you found from the study that they’re giving up in this transition? What are ways to ensure it will be returned? I think that’s going to be a nice pivot to the other panelists too.

EG: We are seeing categorically across research, talking, interviews, and everything else, that people miss people. We miss those personal connections. We all are yearning for that personal connection that then builds the trust, that allows us to collaborate. That allows us to challenge each other. Allows us to find the space to innovate together within whatever organization you are a part of. cA: I’m hearing consistent stories from architects, when you are in the office together, you can gain a three-minute insight by just turning your head. Now it requires a thirty-minute, mostly unproductive Zoom call. So how do you create an environment that represents who you are organizationally, and properly represents your brand when you are working remotely?

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cA: Let’s spend a moment on that because Room and Board, at least from an outsider’s perspective, is perfectly positioned through distribution, through the types of products, through collaborations like we will talk about with Cambria, to answer the call, and make it a lot simpler for companies.

When we’re looking with a long-term outlook, as these “walls” are diminishing, when we look at the problem, it just seems you are the solution.

EWN: We’ve been in a lot of conversations with different companies to understand where they are as we are good at creating different packages based on what’s important to each company.

Yes, absolutely, we already had all the solutions in our assortment. Now it is just shaping them in so many different design directions to align with the visual goal, or the aesthetic goal, or the ergonomic goal that they have for their teams working from home. And, working in the office since we know that the office continues to evolve and how important it still is as it establishes its new function. cA: Which is perfect for Cambria. Room and Board is collaborating with Cambria on a few initiatives, aren’t you?

So, Summer, would you talk a little bit about that?

Summer Kath: I would love to. In fact, I just want to add, Elise, when I first started at Cambria, we aspired to your brand - being a local, room important brand, and always wanted to collaborate with you. So, this really has been a dream come true.

cA: Look, Gensler is certainly one of the most highly regarded firms. You are organizationally providing, on your website, continually updated insights, which is fantastic.

You have a vast base of clients and future clients. So when we look at Room and Board and Cambria, at what they will provide, how does Gensler view this as an opportunity?

EG: We all have such great opportunities right now to help people. Help people where they are and what they’re challenged with. All of us are trying to adapt our home environments to accommodate so much more work time. Those of us with children, trying to accommodate multiple people working in your house and virtual school happening simultaneously is a big challenge.

These partners are already ahead on looking at the space between, the products that can serve both commercial as well as residential applications are going to help us get there. The residential products are now having to do much more, be much more flexible and durable and adaptable with all these new uses. Those of us adapting our spaces within our home settings to accommodate that. And then, as we move forward into the next phase, how will organizations (adapt their) office settings?

Some are going to continue to be in remote settings. Maintaining some of the advantages that have come out of this such as creating a level playing field for so many different people, regardless of where you are and what you’re doing. You are still able to communicate, collaborate, and plug into an organization, the culture, the people, and the conversations that you need to have.

The collaboration is in a furniture collection. When you think about Cambria, we’ve always been the perfect surface that is completely durable, non-porous, especially in a pandemic.

We are the safest surface.

So, you think about cleanability, you can disinfect Cambria with bleach and water. You can’t do that with granite and marble. You’ll harm it. And so it really is a perfect surface for commercial, for furniture, for working and being safe. The collaboration, and it’s just the beginning, as we know that we want to continue and have more collections together.

Our initial collection is called the Pren Collection, which I believe is a Welsh word. Wales is where our dragon comes from, which is on the Welsh flag. Pren has a number of different furniture pieces in the collection. They are very mid-century modern looking. And, there are three or four Cambria designs you can choose from as they are available in all Room and Board stores throughout the US. cA: So Erin, Gensler wasn’t only a researcher on the side lines during this collaboration. You were in the middle of it, correct?

EG: Yes. We have been collaborating with many of our clients, our partners through all of this. commARCH // 42

Pren Storage Cabinet

cA: Isn’t that fascinating, too? It’s an evolution that just picked up speed. We’ve all been talking about equity. How do you bring diversity to your company? With remote employees, you’re breaking down all these boundaries so you can literally bring in the best minds from throughout the world. It is making a nice statement on who your company is, and in its ability to make people feel part of the culture, just seems of incredible value to us as a society.

EG: We’ve heard really great feedback from introverts and people who have been previously marginalized or who have hearing or speech impediments, that technology can really bring them eye level with all of us and give them a platform to communicate, so they have a voice where they may have been marginalized previously. cA: Incredible opportunity. So, you know, the Gig economy’s been going on for a little while, with that people who work at home aren’t necessarily working for one company, they’ve become used to working for multiple (companies).

How do you avoid that from happening to employees, through their home furnishings? How do you still make them feel attached to the environment of their company, part of its culture, while they are still remote?

EN: It’s really about the core values of the company that they’re joining and how well rooted they are in the organization. When I think of different collaborations we’ve done with Cambria, the reason they are such a great partner to us is because we are very similar in what we hold as important. American made, when working with suppliers in the design and manufacturing of furniture, being thoughtful in the use of natural materials and celebrating their beauty. Being so passionate about the customer experience as it shapes our companies. Every company needs to instill in their remote employees their value so there is an ongoing collaboration. cA: I love the idea of a “corporation in a box.” So that way, depending on what the space is available, you already know what to set up in that environment. It includes the camera and how you collaborate and all the required technologies. Summer, you have been collaborating on this new line of furniture during an “interesting time.” Do you have some hints/lessons for companies that are in the midst of creating something new when there is a distance?

SK: The story I’d like to share was with Gensler and Room and Board. That collaboration really happened in 2019 so we were actually able to be together. We certainly had challenges this year in our collaboration with Gensler. The head product designer is based out of Los Angeles and there still is a travel ban, so he isn’t allowed to travel. We really got creative. There were moments when I was running around the plant with FaceTime, showing off samples and trying to get approvals. It got down to literally shipping slabs to get the final approval on the 14 Gensler designs. And we did that, I believe, in May. So that was right in the heat of not being able to go anywhere. And we were still able to communicate, use FaceTime, use Zoom, and literally shipping back and forth samples and slabs. So, we did it. The collection, which is called the Coordinates, is really brilliant. This came from Gensler. It is based on the natural color system, which is a system like Pantone.

So all of the Cambria designs coordinate together. And, also can coordinate with other tones that architects are basing off of the natural color system.

It makes it easy to plug into projects and within multiple areas within a commercial space. Beyond workspace surfaces, we are launching very thin products for walls, elevators, and other areas… because the whole collection can coordinate together. cA: So, there must be high interest right now.

SK: Yes, there is very high interest right now.

commARCH // 43

Pren Bar Cabinet

cA: We have talked about how the office has still maintained its importance while being remote has escalated in importance. A number of companies are doing shifts within the office. Having the office “de-densified,” if that is a word. How do you ensure, when employees come into the office, they don’t find it disruptive and instead immediately feel like they belong in the space?

EG: The biggest way is to start with understanding why they are now coming into the office. As an organization, connecting the why to what you are trying to achieve within their group. What they are able to do at home, and what they are missing such as fully connecting with people. The myth of not being productive at home has been debunked in many ways. Now, organizations can have productive conversations about where the nature of their work needs to happen regardless of time and space.

We are seeing them allowing employees to do more of their focus work at home, and thus the office space can be more about collaborating. Thus, reallocating the space in nimble ways. Reducing the focus space and increasing the flexible team spaces. Organizations are at very different places in that continuum of shifting private offices to more open spaces. You have to bring people along with you and your organization and make sure the business continues to function as you adjust, and tweak and move forward. commARCH // 44

cA: You see that in education, too. I recently had a conversation with someone at Harvard. It is not only the brand they offer students; it is the level of talent they interact with.

Which isn’t dissimilar to your organizations. Why not emphasize off-site, virtual experiences as a means to learn the “basics,” and use on-site time to raise their understanding through interactions with highly knowledgeable, experienced professors? You can assume that is the same model that will now apply to the work environment for many organizations.

EG: Yes, we've certainly been very intentional about how we connect. How (do) we ingrain the next generation? How do we bring people along when, as you mentioned, we're not in the environment where we can overhear each other and learn through osmosis anymore?

To see the entire discussion, visit commarch.com/evolving-workplace Website

COLLABORATION IS

Photo: Alison Kidder

EVERYTHING EVERY BIO-INCUBATOR ABI LABS ACCELERATES MEDICAL DISCOVERY

commARCH // 45

Photo: Alison Kidder

Through partnership, collaboration and cooperation, bio-tech researchers and startups can speed up the discovery, trial and approval of critical medical treatments.

That’s the mission behind ABI Labs 2, a bio-incubator in Natick, Mass., just outside of Boston. Developed by partners Gary Kaufman and David Hysong, the facility is home to more than 20 separate laboratory spaces.

With its move-in ready labs, shared resources and amenities, ABI Labs (the acronym stands for Accelerated Bio-Incubator) makes lab space more accessible for early-stage bio-research companies. More importantly, it fosters partnerships and knowledge sharing that help advance medical discovery. commARCH // 46

The building was designed and built using that same spirit of collaboration, led by Natick-based Dacon. We spoke with Jen Luoni, Dacon’s Director of Operations-Architecture, about the development of ABI Labs 2.

commARCH: What makes this space unique compared to standard offices or even lab spaces?

Jen Luoni: The obvious differences are the HVAC, the power, and utility requirements. But compared to a standard lab space, this space has kind of been set up to be more flexible.

In addition to lab space, it has shared amenities throughout the building, such as conference rooms, prep rooms, common labs, and it has other equipment that people can use and share. With that, (the developers’) hope was that these kinds of spaces, create collaboration and partnering amongst the different lab entities to help propel technology and innovation.

JL: I’ve seen this many times. When you’re designing things, it’s fun to draw pretty pictures and come up with great concepts.

But the utilities and the shaft space and the mechanicals really have a huge impact on the layout in the lab space. And to make sure you have efficient air flow is really the most important. So when you try to jam things into a design that may be already there without those considerations, I think that you’re asking for inefficiency. You’re asking for (having to redo) things and slow up the process.

cA: What were some of the design requirements and challenges? How did you address them?

cA: Describe the collaborative process with the client.

JL: This project was just two guys trying to build this building without any investors, and without anybody leasing the space yet. So we had to be very cost conscious to make sure we’re not overdesigning.

One of the biggest design requirements to start with was the biosafety level-2 labs. A lot of the cost was HVAC. To have four stories and bringing air and all that down through a building, you need to make sure you understand what you’re designing.

So, we brought an HVAC design builder in very early, and they kind of help work through the different systems and the cost.

The flexibility was something that we really worked hard on coming up with so they could have different tenants (and affordable lease rates). We built to allow them flexibility to move stuff, to build rooms within the rooms. And then in the open tenant space, all set up for a quick turnaround to build more labs. cA: Why was it important to collaborate with the HVAC designer and other specialists so early?

JL: Gary and David probably came in our office two times a week, if not more. And we would bring the individual partners in, for mechanical and electrical. They would listen to Gary and David about what their wants and needs were. And then we would have healthy conversations about how we could achieve those things. It was talking together about expectations and goals. And when you do that with all of your different core subs, it really helps everybody kind of gear the project towards where you’re headed. cA: How did this process reflect the purpose of ABI Labs?

JL: As we know, in our own design-build method, partnerships are everything. Collaboration is everything. One person just doesn’t know everything. You need (specialists) to explain how things go together. And I don’t find that much different in any profession out there. When it comes to innovation, I think having collaboration could accelerate what people understand and how fast we can have cures for cancer and other diseases.

To see the full interview with Jen Luoni, go to commarch.com/ABI-Lab Website Photo: Alison Kidder

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C A S E

S T U D Y

Shelter. In Place.

Project: GAB Showroom Location: Ternat, Belgium Architects: Ark-shelter Client: GAB GAB is the official distributor in Belgium and Luxembourg of Pepe Jeans, Scotch & Soda, Hackett London, Karl Lagerfeld, Faรงonnable, McGrego and many other brands. They contacted Ark-shelter because they were in need of a new showroom.

The need for this showroom was quite urgent so they decided to look for a modular concept that could be completed as fast as possible. Brand image was also very important. For the showroom, they were in need of a big open bright space with a lot of natural incoming light within a two-story building of 2,100 square feet. commARCH // 48

Ark-shelter prefabricated five custom design units in only two months. After fabrication, the units were transported to Belgium and were installed in just a few hours with a crane.

See the photo gallery at commarch.com/ark-shelter-modular-showroom

Website

Photo: Kendall McCaugherty © Hall + Merrick Photographers

C A S E

S T U D Y

Music City Plaza Project: Peabody Plaza Location: Nashville Architects: Hastings Architecture, Nashville; L I N E S, Brentwood, Tennessee Contractor: Brasfield & Gorrie Client: Eakin Partners Peabody Plaza at Rolling Mill Hill sits at the southern gateway to downtown Nashville.

The mixed-use office building’s tenants will include Concord, Guaranty Home Mortgage Corporation, and Fourth Capital corporate offices as well as a ground floor bank branch.

Peabody Plaza also includes space for a coffee shop and a full-service restaurant.

The nine-story, 280,000 sq ft project’s site was previously a vacant parking lot.

John Eakin said that Peabody Plaza is unique because of all the open outdoor space it offers tenants to work and relax. Peabody Plaza is the sixth office building that Eakin Partners and Brasfield & Gorrie have completed together.

Read more at commarch.com/peabody-plaza/ Website commARCH // 49

C A S E

S T U D Y

Gallery + Bank Project: Mabrey Bank Flagship Branch Location: Oklahoma City Architects: NewGround, St. Louis Client: Mabrey Bank Mabrey Bank’s new flagship branch in Oklahoma City features a unique banking experience, blurring the lines between a bank and a contemporary art gallery.

The two-story volume ceiling with large open windows showcases a breathtaking aluminum sculpture suspended in the lobby, creating a light, airy, captivating space. “This space incorporates a complete package of stunning contemporary art and an eye-catching sculpture that is so uniquely different from any other project,” said Kevin Blair, President and CEO at NewGround. “We are proud of our continued success with Mabrey Bank, delivering beautiful projects each time to better serve their customers.” commARCH // 50

The lobby features high-end hospitality finishes and unique detailing, inviting customers to sit in the living room-style waiting area. The branch also offers a variety of meeting space configurations to accommodate different workstyles.

NewGround provided strategy, design, and project management services for this new Mabrey Bank flagship branch, amid a longstanding partnership with the financial institution for over 60 years.

Read more at commarch.com/mabrey-bank

17 stories, an entire city block and an airplane engine.

Pella Architectural Solutions helps bring new life to an urban neighborhood.

When Kraus-Anderson Construction in Minneapolis needed a window supplier to help transform an entire city block into a mixed-use development with a 17-story apartment building, the Pella Architectural Solutions team was up for the challenge. To make sure they met such strict performance requirements, Pella worked with Kraus-Anderson to conduct numerous air, water and structural performance tests on a 40ft. wall assembly that featured Pella® fiberglass and competitive aluminum windows. They even performed a dynamic water test powered by an airplane engine.

The result? Pella passed every test — ensuring a project of this scale would perform for years to come.

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The KA Block includes the new Kraus-Anderson Construction headquarters, HQ Apartments, Finnegan’s microbrewery and the Elliot Park Hotel.

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© 2020 Pella Corporation

pella.com/urbanarchitecture

Photo: Andrea Calo

C A S E

S T U D Y

Creative Space Project: W4 Location: Austin Architects: Mark Odom Studio, Austin Developer: Northwood Retail Builder: Capital Constructors Group Called W4, this recently completed creative work space at Austin's bustling mixed-use shopping plaza, Domain NORTHSIDE, was designed by Austin architecture firm, Mark Odom Studio.

The 4,439 SF build out completed construction in March of 2020. The capacious top floor office space features 1,275 SF of outdoor recreation area that includes a front and back balcony with views to the bustling Domain shops and restaurants on Rock Rose Avenue below.

The office was designed and built with the well-being of its inhabitants in mind. The space is naturally lit on all sides with an open floor plan focus and access to the outside. commARCH // 52

Natural light from floor to ceiling windows and additional sky lights were added. “Bringing natural light into the space was one of the most important elements,” says Mark Odom Studio’s project lead, Braulio Hurtado Jr. “Views are framed by large windows and the openness to the outdoors allows the users to experience the busy streetscape, fresh air and sunlight.”

Read more at commarch.com/mark-odom-studio

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PLAY FOR THE TEAMMATE STANDING NEXT TO YOU Trophy Park is a $212 million sports complex being built in New Jersey during the Covid-19 pandemic – during the most challenging social and economic times in recent memory.

Nevertheless, the park has to open by May 14 so it can begin welcoming more than 2,000 grade-school, high school, and collegiate athletes per week.

But sports are about rising to the challenge and giving the extra effort to find a way to win. That spirit is exemplified in the people who are leading the development of the park, and the people who will lead competition on its fields and courts.

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Mick Smoothy, President of Sports Operations for Trophy Park Mick has spent his career involved with the highest levels of soccer play, having played at the college level in England, and helping to develop elite athletes in the Unites States. At Trophy Park, his role is to ensure the facility reflects the same high standard of excellence that the athletes strive for themselves.

Charlie Shoulberg, Founder/CEO of STEPS Lacrosse, LLC Charlie’s dedication to sport encompasses his education and his entire career. His work has earned him recognition across the sport, including the “Outstanding Service Award” from US Lacrosse Foundation, and a place in the New Jersey Lacrosse Hall of Fame. His organization runs camps, travel teams, elite girls and boys teams training programs, tournaments and showcases. commARCH // 55

HARD WORK BEATS TALENT WHEN TALENT DOESN’T WORK HARD Tim Notke

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JOIN THE REVOLUTION at FortressBP.com 866.323.4766 RS#53

The Opportunity Tournaments, showcases, and other competitive events take place all over the world, without a central location.

Charlie Shoulberg: There are a lot of tournaments all over the Eastern seaboard, all over the country for that matter. Trophy Park is entering the market space at an opportune time. With a world class facility, there’s a real need for it. Synthetic turfs in the Northeast makes sense on so many fronts, including weather factors.

(Trophy Park CEO) Alan Nau’s vision of being a world class destination for a family friendly environment is really, really needed in the market space. The idea that high level clubs and tournaments, in multiple sports, have a destination, what I’ll call “turnkey,” so a family can show up, have great housing options, food options and ancillary activity options. Great surfaces to play on. Well-organized, and managed. Everything from the moment you enter the park to the moment you leave. Its vision is really needed in the space.

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IT’S TIME TO THINK INSIDE THE BOX. CHOOSE THE SURE commARCH // 59 THING. RS#54

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$980 is the average spending per athlete, per event.

Source: SportsEventsMediaGroup.com

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Permeable means rain water naturally flows between the specially-designed pavers and into the designed sub-base.

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“The vision of being a world class destination with a family friendly environment is really needed in the market space.

Charlie Shoulberg, CEO STEPS Lacrosse

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Facilities Race The athletes – and their families – that will come to Trophy Park represent a very desirable demographic that is willing to spend.

Charlie Shoulberg: Countrywide, that highly, highly successful striving type family that wants their kids to have the best opportunities possible. It’s a high demographic. They are willing to enter and go to facilities that are at a premium. They want their kids to be in environments, and at facilities, that are world class and, you see it at the collegiate level at the biggest colleges out there. It’s a facilities race. It’s who’s launching the next biggest facility to get a leg up on recruiting.

The best facilities are going to house the best events and that’s where the people want to be. commARCH // 64

Mick Smoothy: You need a leg up on facilities. So, it starts with the facility getting that right. And then it comes down to partnering with the best operators out there, the best in class. We can’t be all things to everyone. So that’s part of it.

Charlie is a perfect example, runs a great program. You know, STEPS Lacrosse has an incredible reputation for developing athletes. Also putting on great events. So, making sure we’re bringing groups like Charlie’s into the park. Making sure the programming and event experience matches the quality of the facilities. It’s a marriage.

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IT’S A FACILITIES RACE

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RS#52

Filling the Demand Facilities like Trophy Park offer organizations like Charlies the ability to grow their respective sports.

Charlie Shoulberg: We’re fortunate in the events that we run, they have massive wait lists. So, for instance, LAX For The CURE, our flagship tournament. That’s raised over $3.4 million for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. We sell out in five minutes and have a waitlist of over 250 teams. I can’t house those 250 teams. Those are 250 teams that want to be at the event. And, that’s due to facility limitations.

Trophy Park (give us) the ability to host more teams at a larger facility, with better amenities and better parking and better…everything.

For us, as event operators, that are fortunate to have very desirable and high demand events, we need some more space.

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RS#52

A Parent’s Perspective As a father of five kids, Charlie sees the demand from all angles.

He not only runs sports tournaments, but he also runs his own kids around to their camps, tournaments and events.

Charlie Shoulberg: If I’ve got to drive from New Jersey to Staten Island to play one game on a Sunday morning at 8:30 AM, you know, okay. I want to watch my kids play. I’ll do it. We’ll do what we need to do for our kids. The vision of having a centralized geographic location (is appealing to parents and families). You’re right there between Philadelphia, Manhattan, and the Jersey Shore. The location is prime.

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RS#55

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The Occupant Experience Charlie and Mick talked about what can architects and owners/developers learn from Trophy Park is doing, being focused on the occupant experience, understanding pain points, and having a location that is desirable.

Mick Smoothy: It’s constantly evolving. What was a good facility 5, 10, 15 years ago? The market’s changing and what people expect and what they’re looking for. So even something as simple as making sure we are socially responsible. Using environmentally friendly materials, you know, everything from the turf to the power supply.

It is doing the research. Learning from engineers, suppliers, architects. There are industry experts out there because it is a big industry. They have lived through the mistakes, so we don’t have to. Knowing the requirements for new facilities, ensuring the land is sustainable.

Now we’re doing some really interesting things. The athlete village being modular. Huge time savings, and ease of construction. For the hotels, being able to drop in and hook up bathrooms [SurePod]. Using building materials to solve practical needs.

Charlie Shoulberg: I would imagine the economic impact on the community. Construction, materials and labor. The amount of workers that will come in. The scope of a commercial architect’s vision. What it takes to actually build this.

Yeah, what’s it take from day one to say, this is what’s going to be happening on this scope of a project is an exciting build.

The progress report as it comes along. Watching that progress and the work as it is getting done. commARCH has invested in 24-hour construction cameras so everyone will be able to watch the build.

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Youth sports are “so big, no one really knows how big.”

- ESPN commARCH // 74

Viruses, Meet Your Match Fail-Safe GUV Disinfection Solutions

Microbes don’t stand a chance with Cooper Lighting Solutions’ new germicidal UV disinfectant solution.

Designed to work efficiently and in a variety of spaces, GUV can help keep bacteria and viruses at bay.

The new GUV disinfection solutions take the guesswork out of disinfecting, getting the job done quickly and effectively in many applications.

Workspaces Phones, desks, computer keyboards and other hard-toreach crevices

Restrooms Toilet seats, stall doors and sinks

Food Services Surfaces and handling instruments exposed to raw foods and food waste

Labs Equipment, floors, workstations and other surfaces

Hospitality Surfaces where viruses, bacteria, fungi, mold and more are present

Offices Shared surfaces where people collaborate, meet and socialize

Retail High-touch items such as carts and baskets

To see what Cooper Lighting Solutions’ NEW germicidal UV disinfection commARCH // 75solution can do for your business, visit cooperlighting.com/guv.

RS#50

Sometimes it takes a while to find the perfect balance between knowing who you are, what your sound is, and building the right team to make that happen. Once it all really comes together and it makes sense, both for the audience, and your fans, there is no stopping you.

- Judith Hill commARCH // 76

commARCH // 77 RS#58

Managing Risk in a Post-Pandemic Era The Trophy Park project has managed its risk down in an environment that questions when and how facilities will safely open.

They pulled together extensive research, and team members with living experience to accurately make that information actionable. They refuse to work with anyone that could create drama.

Only bringing in experienced voices. Sharing the goal of creating a world class facility for the 2030s and beyond, today.

Listening whenever a potential supplier offers a product, an innovation, a knowledgeable resource enabling speed, meeting the highest quality standards, articulating long-term benefits, always with eyes on sustainability and value to community.

This is an example for other building projects. Focus on the occupants and the businesses that deliver the occupants to the facility. Benchmark against the best brand experiences and ensure you are amongst the very best. Realize this project isn’t a transaction, but an investment. Start by only working with those you trust, and then collaborate on budget requirements. Be open to slowing down, when someone offers an opportunity you would not have imagined on your own.

Other groups would stiffen during these times. Trophy Park continues to unwaveringly focus on what is important, and as a result, whatever the concerns regarding large scale sports and hospitality venues are being naturally being addressed during the process. They have eliminated the need to be reactive.

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SUN’S IN STOCK. SOLAR & BATTERY STORAGE FROM ONE COMPANY. Adding solar energy and battery storage creates great savings on utility bills, but the projects are very complex.

Why source equipment from two companies when you can get both from one place? Jinko (NYSE: JKS) is one of the world’s largest renewable energy equipment suppliers and most trusted by banks and third party labs.

For the highest quality solar panels and battery storage backed by industry leading warranties, pick Jinko. For more information, contact us at us@jinkosolar.com.

RS#63

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Opening May 14, 2021 commARCH // 80

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Contains product features, tables for model selection, specifications, duct sizing, plus installation benefits, typical duct layouts and system accessories.

Dryer Duct Booster systems save significant energy by reducing drying times 50% or more. Reduces lint build-up, dust & fire hazards by maintaining proper velocity in duct runs.

Slashes duct cleaning maintenance costs in commercial systems. www.tjernlund.com//dryer_booster.htm

It’s about collaboration, networking, and the sharing of actionable ideas. The buildings and the people who make them great. Building tours, networking and lively memories. commARCH is focused on creating great experiences for all attendees and sharing them with the larger commARCH family. Monthly city-focused events and quarterly conferences will launch in 2021.

Updates, inspiration, reminders and energizers. commARCH’s eNewsletters are timed for the highest open rates by an audience that has selected this information experience. Ideas, news, building types and products, tech and more.

Content accessibility is one of commARCH’s core values. The website is designed to quickly grow in value to its audience with content ranging from video, case studies, product insights, podcasts, and a forever evolving, audience-directed experience. Personalization and limited advertising ensure your experience will be the right one.

So much of commARCH’s content originates in video because that is our audiences’ preference. From building tours, one-on-ones, deep-dives into communities, and establishing connections of meaning, commARCH’s video strategy is to establish itself over time as a significant asset in our audience’s approach to design.

Discussions with anyone who can benefit architects and owners/developers. The discovery of ideas, techniques and business information that enhances individual’s brands, informs design, and supports the creation of great built structures.

RS#9

S H O W C A S E

CULTURE

ALEX ROSKIN There is much commodity out there. Has that impacted, in a really positive way, what you’re offering and what some peers might?

I think my struggle and I think, I’m getting around the corner with it, is to be known for my style and to try to build a following from that,… and to see where that goes. Like, I love, the studio side.

Working with Todd Merrill Studio [80 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10013] is amazing. I love nothing more than working through the problems of making these pieces, coming up with them and creating them. The price gets up there and I’m trying to value engineer a “secondary line.” Well, I call it a secondary line, but more a production line. That’s what the three-legged dining room table is going to be. So I have a large dining table. We did one commissioned for a ski house in Switzerland and it was 17 and a half feet long. It costs six figures plus. It’s huge. It’s awesome. It’s everything I wanted it to be because the tricky thing to doing any of these designs is to come up with something new and unique, that’s not biting off some really cool thing that you just saw. And, and I think I nailed it… but the price point, …now the new one isn’t going to be, it’s going to be half the cost, but still not cheap. It’s still a lot of money, but hopefully,… well, we will see where it goes.

From Roskin’s Catalog’s introduction written by Dallas Dunn.

Designer Alex Roskin’s works blend functional design with modernist sculptural references. A natural successor of innovative artists such as Richard Serra, Jean Arp, and Constantin Brancusi, Roskin’s cast bronze, stainless steel, copper, and carved wood works reflects the artist’s modernist and primitive influences.

Beginning with a series of quick sketches, Roskin captures the movement of a basic form. By sculpting in foam and wood, Roskin translates that movement into a structural model that is then 3D scanned so that it can

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then be cast in bronze, aluminum or steel, and finished with carved wood elements. His works often feature a mammalian physicality with heaving sinuous forms and legs that extend from the body in a bowed fashion.

Rejecting outright anthropomorphic mimicry in favor of subtle, sculpted muscular forms, Roskin notes: “I try with each piece to create a stance and a presence, some with more contrapposto. I aim to give each piece a feeling it is inhaling or ready to make a move. I try to steer clear of the decorative, but rather to draw on mass, volume, line, negative space, and my love of materials and the craft of working with them.” Roskin was born

in Toulouse, France. Roskin and his wife, a painter, live and work on a 220-acre farm-turned-nature preserve in Ancram, New York.

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RS#3

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