Target Communication Boards Win Honorable Mention
The design of Target’s communication boards earned an Honorable Mention in the Contract/Private Sector category. The communication boards bring corporate communication to a high art. Centrally located in the public lobby, each of the three boards focuses on a theme: corporate communication, financial resources and community involvement. Fronting a wall of polished green marble, three perforated aluminum panels each feature an oak framed glass display box. Shaped like unrolled scrolls, the aluminum panels are back-lit for dramatic visual effect. Each glass box houses a magnetic panel for information display, creating a flexible showcase for Target’s communications.
E*TRADE Wins First Place
The new E*TRADE Operations Center in Atlanta, Ga., garnered a first place award in the Contract/Private Sector category. An aggressive project schedule drove E*TRADE’s relocation project in an existing warehouse. Goals included balancing traditional design with the company’s brand of contemporary “edginess.” Limited square footage prompted the need for multi-use design. An employee break area serves as impromptu meeting space, while hoteling stations and a movable display system create flexibility. An innovative reception/conference area expands via an overhead garage door to create a large hospitality or group meeting area. A technical advancement unique to this project was an accessible cable tray, which was bent to maneuver in and around architectural and mechanical elements. Microperforated window blinds let in daylight while minimizing heat, and sustainable finishes were incorporated, including bamboo flooring, carpet tile, recycled-content resilient flooring, recyclable metal wall cladding and wood by-product ceiling panels.
Allina Wins Honorable Mention
Earning Honorable Mention in the Contract/Health Care category was the Allina Medical Clinic in Woodbury, Minn. Allina’s emphasis on community involvement played a crucial role in the design. Along with a large conference room for community education, there is space for community events and interaction, making the clinic a supportive part of the area’s social network. Artwork by local residents and school children is displayed throughout the clinic on a rotating basis. Wayfinding centers on visual orientation points such as the grand staircase, reception kiosks, snack bar, health information library and gardens. Exterior walkways lead to the children’s discovery garden, and to places for quiet reflection. Inside, large garden-facing windows, warm colors and natural materials create a comfortable environment.
Crescendo Wins Honorable Mention
Crescendo Ventures of Palo Alto, Calif., was an Honorable Mention winner in the Adaptive Reuse category. This young capital company recently moved its headquarters from Minneapolis to California’s Silicon Valley. The entire top floor of a Mediterranean-style building in Palo Alto’s downtown historic district was gutted and renovated for the new headquarters. Work areas requiring lower ceilings were clustered around the elevator core under a triangular dropped soffit. This left space along the outside walls free, taking advantage of arched windows and dramatically high ceilings. Furnishings and interior design are respectful of the building style.
Metris Wins Honorable Mention
The Metris Companies headquarters won an Honorable Mention in the Contract/Private Sector category. Rapid growth made the design of Metris Companies’ expansion in Minnetonka, Minnesota a special challenge, with a fast-track schedule and numerous program changes. Metris wanted a work environment that was comfortable and appealing, functional and flexible. The 305,000-sq.ft. (28,340 m2), nine-floor expansion includes a formal executive suite decorated in rich burgundy wood tones, marble floors, decorative glass and wood office fronts, fabric wall covering and artwork. Open office areas have indirect lighting, flexible systems furniture, and service centers along the core, which include break areas, copy centers and team space. Amenities include a full-service cafeteria, employee fitness center, daycare and convenience store.
An innovator since its founding in 1909, Ellerbe Becket is a leader in architecture, engineering, interior design and the construction industry with office locations worldwide.
