FUNCTIONALITY
Textron Systems’ design reflects its reputation for innovation in defense, government, and aerospace technology services. The technology center was carefully planned to allow a curated journey tailored to customers’ specific needs.
The gallery hall, a flexible corridor, runs the length of the center, showcasing both physical and digital content. Mounted on the metal panel wall, touch-panel displays act as product configurators and creative tools. As the hall curves, it opens to a meeting/lounge space offering panoramic views of the Potomac River and Washington, D.C monuments.
CREATIVITY
At the core of the center is a theater with a curved LED tile display and a reconfigurable boardroom. A custom baffle ceiling and faceted metal wall panels reinforce Textron Systems’ mission, guiding users visually through the space.
The baffle ceiling—evoking topography, waves, and clouds—symbolizes innovation across seven domains: land, air, sea, propulsion, weapon systems, electronics, and simulation. It consists of 12mm PET felt fins and steel ribs on Unistrut framing. Its curved pattern leads visitors from the entry to the lounge, with angled placement maintaining uninterrupted visual rhythm around corners.
INNOVATION
After design development, the team worked with fabricators to finalize, manufacture, and install the baffle ceiling and wall panels. A 3D point scan identified spatial conflicts and supported precise fabrication. Grasshopper scripts in Rhino and coordination in Revit ensured accuracy.
A mock-up of the metal panels was reviewed pre-fabrication. Each pre-assembled module contained 5–12 facets on a wall-hung frame. Types include corner, TV, door, and column-modifying modules. Panels were repeated, rotated, and tiled. Z clips allowed flexible mounting and adjustable standoff distances.
ECO SOCIAL IMPACT
Materials were chosen for sustainability and wellness, prioritizing EPDs, HPDs, and certifications like Cradle to Cradle, Declare, Greenguard, and Biobased. As a tenant fit-out, major systems remained unchanged, but efficient solutions were specified.
An all-LED lighting package achieved a 28% power density reduction with daylight harvesting, auto shades, and manual on/auto-off controls. All applicable appliances were Energy Star rated. Plumbing fixtures provided 20%–50% water savings over LEED baselines. Upgraded MERV-13 filters improved air quality.
Together, these design choices support Textron Systems’ mission.
Textron Systems Technology Center
HKS
Bronze

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Anand Sharma
Founder and Partner
at Design Forum International
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Ian Neville Douglas-Jones
Creative Director and Cofounder
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7
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Renee Cheng
Partner & Vice President
at CCD|Cheng Chung Design HK
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George Takla
Interior Design Manager
at NAGA
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Bethany Gale
Interiors Design Director
at Stonehill Taylor
6
7
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Luc Bouliane
Principal
at Lebel & Bouliane Architects
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7
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7
6.75

Johann Matthysen
Founder
at Matthysen
6.5
8
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6.88

Banghui Wei
Chief Interior Designer
at Gemdale Corporation
6.5
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7
7
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Elliott Koehler
Creative Director
at JPA Design
6
7
6
7
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Holly Hallam
Coowner
at DLSM Studio
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7.13
Designer
Client
Textron Systems
Floor area
1486 ㎡
Completion
2023
Budget
$3,800,000
Finishes