Perkins&Will 办公室 | Perkins&Will | 2024 | 美国

The Houston studio of Perkins&Will’s move to the 19th floor of a historic downtown Houston building represents a strategic foray into a new way of working. Empowering this shift is the new office’s design, which pivots on an adaptable work model that embraces different “perspectives.” Forgoing assigned seating, each user is free to choose from work settings that best support their needs. In addition to the main studio space, choices include focus areas, huddle rooms, technology-rice conference spaces, team tables, a model shop, and café-style work lounges.

The notion of different perspectives is reflected in the design, which combines a duality of materials, framed views, and accentuated construction lines into a dynamic whole. Wood, plaster, and glass engage in a tactile dialogue, and illuminated LED “construction lines” interplay with daylight. The interior palette balances brightness with warmth, combining earthtones, greens, and natural materials with pops of vibrancy. Moveable desks and partitions enable different sized groups, supporting greater connection to the community. This sense of openness carries through to the private outdoor terrace, which overlooks downtown.

The 14,495 SF full floor renovation is located in the 1940s former City National Bank. Finding inspiration in the art deco building, contemporary elements are thoughtfully integrated within the historic fabric. Deconstructable components like the 20’ sliding entry gate answer structural restrictions, while other legacy elements were intentionally preserved—including an old freight elevator pulley suspended above the ceiling.

Employing Perkins&Will’s neurodiversity toolkit, the design promotes choice in lighting, acoustic zoning, high and low stimulation environments, and tech-free spaces. These choices were the result of focus group sessions with staff, and can be honed using data gathered from space bookings. In every aspect of the design, from volumetrics to tectonics, all are invited to explore, reflect, and find their own voice in their surroundings.