interiors
PROJECT
The FMC Tower at Cira Centre South, a 49-story skyscraper combines iconic architecture with the latest in LEED-based sustainable design.
Above. Relocating from a traditional closed-office environment, FMC seized the opportunity to transform their workplace into a light-filled, open, and collaborative space. Below. In the open-office spaces, breakout rooms, quiet areas, and corridors, the goal was to manage the acoustics.
Design Inspires Innovation And Engagement Acoustic ceilings enhance employee experience at FMC’s global headquarters.
W
hen FMC Corp. decided to build a new
door retreat for FMC workers and residents of the build-
(granumai.com), to design an interior space incorporat-
global headquarters in Philadelphia, the
ing apartments.
ing the following elements:
company went to great lengths to create
Designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, New Haven,
an environment where employees were engaged and in-
CT (pcparch.com), the stunning highrise along the west-
spired to do their best work.
ern banks of the Schuylkill River stands as the tallest
Their vision for a modern-day workplace came to life
building in Philadelphia’s University City neighborhood,
as the FMC Tower at Cira Centre South, a 49-story sky-
with 10-ft.-high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows of-
scraper that combines iconic architecture with the latest
fering panoramic views of the city skyline and landscape.
in LEED-based sustainable design.
Relocating from a traditional closed-office environ-
• flexible workspaces that inspire creativity and employee engagement
• a bright, naturally lit environment • sustainable materials to support the company’s commitment to sustainability. CHALLENGE AS OPPORTUNITY
Lauded as Philadelphia’s first vertical neighborhood,
ment on the other side of the city, FMC seized the oppor-
The building’s angled shape presented the team at Gra-
FMC Tower brings together office space, residential
tunity to transform their workplace into a light-filled,
num with a unique challenge when designing FMC’s 10
apartments, a retail/restaurant pavilion, and amenities
open, and collaborative space that capitalizes on the
floors of office space.
such as a fitness center, swimming pool, and media
building’s dramatic views.
“Due to the faceted exterior shaping, every floor was
lounge, all under one roof. A one-acre elevated park, lo-
To help bring their vision to life, the company com-
different, so it took a lot of design considerations to make
cated atop the adjacent parking garage, serves as an out-
missioned architectural firm Granum A/I, Radnor, PA
it work,” explained Kim Hong, interior design director at
42
COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE
APRIL 2018
commercialarchitecturemagazine.com
