A substantial ground floor Atrium connecting three commercial office buildings was vast and unappealing. Artificial trees lining the core were out of scale with the 50 ft height. Multiple finishes interrupted any visual cohesiveness.

Project brief: Deliver a transformational design to create an inspirational space for existing and new tenants:
i. Establish a unique brand to distinguish the building and assist marketing efforts.
ii. Activate the large Atrium space as a lobby destination for tenants.
iii. Provide a cohesive design solution across multiple levels.
iv. Incorporate sustainable solutions.
v. Meet budget.
Strong geometric elements and abundant natural light provided a starting point for the transformation. The challenge was to address the scale of the space and create a more human-friendly experience.

Innovation
A dramatic transformation of the space was achieved with no construction – custom fabricated giant spheres and real trees (stripped to bare essentials) were installations.
New design concepts were carefully integrated into existing spatial elements (columns, floor patterns) for a cohesive final product. Attention to key vantage points (eg. mezzanine view down into Atrium) resulted in a 360-degree solution. The visual geometry of the spheres adds design complexity, while multiple biophilic elements create a desirable destination. The spheres are designed to 70% opacity to avoid sprinkler adjustments.

Creativity
Giant spheres, in context with the scale of the Atrium (largest is 15 ft in diameter), introduce visual interest, creativity and playfulness into the vacant upper space. Illusionary trees open the Atrium up to reinforce perspective. Paint brightens the space, neutralizing the multiple former finishes. Smaller spheres in the upper lobby provide a visual cue to the Atrium. Textured metal panels in the elevator lobby extend existing finishes to create a uniform statement. Mezzanine overlooking the Atrium places the viewer at the level of the spheres, with stairs descending into the Atrium providing a dynamic visual experience.

Functionality
In a hybrid world, the playful, fun design solution encourages return to work, a goal shared by many tenants.
• Furniture settings in the illusionary ‘forest’ and near interior landscaping provide a comforting choice of place for social, collaborative and private time.
• Custom designed bleachers with big screen TV support events and sports, further enhancing use of the Atrium.
• Moss walls add character as a design statement in the Mezzanine private seating area.

Sustainability
• No demolition or construction was required.
• Furniture, finishes.
• Biophilic design elements – illusionary ‘forest’, moss walls, interior landscaping, green toned furniture fabric.

Client Comment
“The space is awesome and is getting used regularly; I keep hearing great things from the tenants.
We’re excited to host the realtor event and show it off.” Melissa Bigelow, Crown Property Management.