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Textron Systems Technology Center

HKS

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Textron Systems Technology Center's new space tells their story by highlighting the domains in which they operate and incorporating details that speak to both their past and future capabilities. - Evan Thomas/studiothomas
A gallery corridor serves as a dynamic spine through the space. It features interactive displays set within faceted wall panels and anchored by a sculptural ceiling that adds movement and cohesion. - Evan Thomas/studiothomas
Visitors are greeted at a bold, faceted reception desk adjacent to a dramatic 160-square-foot LED display that showcases Textron Systems’ milestones, creating an immediate sense of innovation and technological legacy. - Evan Thomas/studiothomas
Textron Systems Technology Center's new space tells their story by highlighting the domains in which they operate and incorporating details that speak to both their past and future capabilities. - Evan Thomas/studiothomas

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Sponsor
Comments
Innovation
Functionality
Creativity
Eco-Social Impact
Total
JURY VOTES
Small Office
6.60
7.25
6.60
6.65
6.78
Anand Sharma
Anand Sharma Founder and Partner at Design Forum International
7.5
8.5
7.5
6.5
7.5
Ian Neville Douglas-Jones
Ian Neville Douglas-Jones Creative Director and Cofounder at Atelier I-N-D-J
6.5
7
6
6
6.38
Renee Cheng
Renee Cheng Partner & Vice President at CCD|Cheng Chung Design HK
6.5
7
6.5
6.5
6.63
George Takla
George Takla Interior Design Manager at NAGA
6.5
7
6.5
6.5
6.63
Bethany Gale
Bethany Gale Interiors Design Director at Stonehill Taylor
6
7
6.5
7
6.63
Luc Bouliane
Luc Bouliane Principal at Lebel & Bouliane Architects
6.5
7
6.5
7
6.75
Johann Matthysen
Johann Matthysen Founder at Matthysen
6.5
8
6.5
6.5
6.88
Banghui Wei
Banghui Wei Chief Interior Designer at Gemdale Corporation
6.5
6.5
7
7
6.75
Elliott Koehler
Elliott Koehler Creative Director at JPA Design
6
7
6
7
6.5
Holly Hallam
Holly Hallam Coowner at DLSM Studio
7.5
7.5
7
6.5
7.13
Designer
Client
Textron Systems
Floor area
1486 ㎡
Completion
2023
Budget
$3,800,000
Social Media
Instagram Facebook Linkedin
Finishes

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.