GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHO CREATE WORKPLACE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS PAGE 15 OF 28
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project focus project focus
Golin Harris TPG Architecture
Traditionally a very conservative firm, Golin Harris wanted to step out of the old mold and use its new office design in Chicago’s John Hancock Tower to encourage collaboration and creativity. “Communications are changing, so are we,” was the thinking of senior management. “We have aligned our people, processes, technology and training to help clients win in an complex, connected society. We are breaking away from traditional agency silos. We have replaced the standard, seniority-based hierarchy with global communities of dedicated specialists who are embedded in every account.” To help them visualize the physical space to suit their vision, Golin Harris selected Manhattan-based TPG Architecture, which had been working in Chicago for several of the Interpublic Group advertising/media agencies. The client’s position was “We know how it should work, but not what it will look like.” That was TPG’s role. Led by Larry Berger, the TPG team helped the firm visualize how people work, how they interact and how the space and information flows; this analysis was the basis for the new office plan. The design incorporates many of the trends in workplace design: open-plan workspaces, including for executives, a limited number of assigned seats, use of technology to track media, organizing staff by function/community rather than by account, flexible meeting spaces, a mix of work-area types and inviting cafes/lounges. The open seating plan was a particularly bold move for this conservative firm. In an interesting transition move, the
GH Executive Work Area: Boss Tayco Chairs at Left, Coalesse Denizen Wood Unit And SW1 Occasional Table with Tuohy Lounge Chairs, center
GH Creators Area With Davis Kontour Sofa
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project focus executive work areas could well have been design as perimeter offices, then executed with all of the walls deleted. Within the space there is a particularly interesting area called The Bridge that is the agency’s analog of the banker’s trading desk. Described as the “media heart/brain” of Golin Harris, it’s the bank of monitors above the desks. Golin Harris’s staff monitor all forms of media in real time: TV, cable, print, social media, broadcast, radio … it all shows up as it’s happening. This was never the approach in the past when big PR firms emulated bankers’ spaces more than TV studios. Here is an instance where the office design reflects the mission statement. While we are all familiar with some of the more adventuresome ad firm designs of the past, the Golin Harris space is a mix of fairly traditional design concepts and the new, with the wall in large part eliminated and bright colors and bold fabrics creating the “shout out.”
GH The Bridge: Knoll Work Stations, Coalesse Sofa With Maharam Letters Fabric
GH Connectors Area: Gordon International Smile Chair, Black Hive CB2 Shelf Unit, Bo Concept Occa Accent Table with Allemuir Ad Lib Conference Chairs
GH Corridor: Coalesse Milbrae Banquette And Sofa Seating, Allermuir Host Accent Tables and Eco Surfaces XCR cork & rubber Flooring
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companies CATALYSTS
CONNECTORS
Fl.19 Layout SK-10
CREATORS John Hancock Center Chicago IL
Fl.18 Layout SK-10
scale: NTS 10.04.11
STRATEGISTS
SUPPORT FUNCTIONS
INSIDE EDGE
John Hancock Center Chicago IL
scale: NTS 10.04.11
CATALYSTS
CORPORATE EXECUTIVE
SUPPORT FUNCTIONS