The Interface Headquarters, the modular flooring company, has its headquarters located in Atlanta, US. Designed by Perkins and Will, the project completed in 2018, and is one of the finest examples of a sustainable yet simple office space, with a touch of modernization and thematic philosophy.
Factory as a Forest
With a spread of nearly 40000 sq ft, the Interface Inc. Headquarters in Atlanta is one amazing combination of what one might think of as a “forest hub”. As the name suggests, the building provides an interactive “interface” of the technology with a natural outlook. An interface, a platform, where nature meets technology, merges and creates an entirely different version that it was previously during the 1960s. The design philosophy finds its way in creating a sustainable environment and providing a healthy and productive work zone to its employees.
The new Interface’s headquarters serve a connective bridge, between the nature and a typical urban style workplace. Quite rich in terms of natural context, it incorporates the ideas of Biophilic architecture throughout its design philosophy. Interestingly, the focus is more towards creating a balanced workspace, celebrating the human-nature connect and constructing a positive environment to offer its employees, a thriving as well as an enriching experience. A “base camp” to its employees, the building aims to cultivate a sense of being, considering nature to be one of the primal needs of human beings.
The different “Ecologies”
On a more conceptual basis, the headquarters incorporate elements pertaining to a natural level. For instance, the building complex is divided into definite zones, or rather Ecologies, each with a distinct function and experience. The cave, the lowermost level, is the garage and houses around 15000 cisterns for rainwater collection. The forest, which is the next zone is divided into three different floor levels, however, each performs a different function, yet the space is quite flexible in terms of usage. The Bluff marks the highest zone of the building. It consists of a penthouse and a green roof terrace, a gathering space that provides stunning views of the city.
Work the way you want – Another interesting feature is that the building complex, does not define office spaces within. As a result, it does not confine the users to a single place to work or relax, giving them the freedom of creativity and movement.
The planning strategy encompasses a square geometry, much like other projects of Perkins and Will, in terms of layout and planning style, wherein the square-shaped layout works quite efficiently and has a classic impact on the overall functioning of the building.
On the construction level, the building integrates sustainability with technology. Enveloped in a semi-transparent, recyclable polyester sheath and glass panels, with a life-sized depiction of forest on it, which also pairs with Interface’s philosophy of Factory as a Forest. The glass panels enable filtered light into the interiors, making it appear spacious and well lit. Not only the exteriors, the building also accommodates several sustainable mechanisms within to ensure maximum building potential.
The building complex aims to achieve sustainability through different means, for instance, the building uses about 48% less energy than the code needs. Coupled with the cisterns planted in the “Cave”, adds to its resource optimization capacity. It is also believed that the buildings materials were recycled in order to minimize waste usage. Therefore, it gives a sensible realization of how building wastes are can be used productively within a structure.
Psychological impacts
It is noteworthy how the natural “forest-y” theme amalgamates thoroughly within the spatial layout. The natural elements, such as the cave, forests run parallel not only to the spatial activities but also to the user’s mindset. Psychologically, an employee doesn’t feel it to be just a workspace, but rather a livelier space in a more natural setting. The building ambience sets a soothing yet a formal vibe to the employees. The flexible workstations, open and light-filled spaces crafts an energetic atmosphere, which somewhere breaks the typical formal office setting. This one is rather a collaborative but a relaxed set.
The forest in the city?
The beautiful Piedmonts on the glass façade impart a serene view to the building exterior. In a way, this does give the structure, a feeling of being in a forest, emphasizing nature and its beauty. The imposing building mass, adds to its iconic presence amidst the skyscrapers, representing a small forest within the city.
Way Forward
With changing times, it is necessary to adapt to the changing lifestyles too. However, seeking nature and integrating its elements, or suitable sustainable practices, has also become important, considering the changing climate variations. Moreover, with the evolution of different thinking as well as social patterns, the concepts of office spaces or workplaces are changing at a fast pace. Thus, it has become a requirement to acknowledge and fulfil the upcoming demands of the future. Not only that but also, to celebrate the architectural spirit of modernizing and welcoming the changes with open arms.
REFERENCES
- Online Sources
Citations for websites
Salado, S., n.d. Interface Headquarters. [online] Perkins&Will. Available at: <https://perkinswill.com/project/interface-headquarters/> [Accessed 2 November 2021].
Kansu, M., 2019. The New Interface Headquarters Building by Perkins+Will Opens in Atlanta. [online] World Architecture Community. Available at: <https://worldarchitecture.org/architecture-news/ecfee/the-new-interface-headquarters-building-by-perkinswill-opens-in-atlanta.html> [Accessed 4 November 2021].
Pintos, P., 2019. Interface Headquarters / Perkins and Will. [online] ArchDaily. Available at: <https://www.archdaily.com/920417/interface-headquarters-perkins-plus-will?ad_medium=widget&ad_name=navigation-next> [Accessed 4 November 2021].
- Images/ Visual Mediums
Citations for images/ photographs – Print or online
Quist, B., 2019. Interface Headquarters. [image] Available at: <https://www.archdaily.com/920417/interface-headquarters-perkins-plus-will/5d1e3c59284dd15c3d0000ef-interface-headquarters-perkins-plus-will-photo> [Accessed 3 November 2021].
Quist, B., 2019. Interface Headquarters/ Perkins and Will. [image] Available at: <https://www.archdaily.com/920417/interface-headquarters-perkins-plus-will/5d1e39b3284dd1abe9000196-interface-headquarters-perkins-plus-will-photo> [Accessed 4 November 2021].
Perkins + Will, n.d. Interface Headquarters – Key section. [image] Available at: <https://worldarchitecture.org/architecture-news/ecfee/the-new-interface-headquarters-building-by-perkinswill-opens-in-atlanta.html> [Accessed 4 November 2021].
Archdaily, 2019. Floor plan 1. [image] Available at: <https://www.archdaily.com/920417/interface-headquarters-perkins-plus-will/5d1e3600284dd15c3d0000eb-interface-headquarters-perkins-plus-will-floor-plan-1?next_project=no> [Accessed 5 November 2021].
Perkins and Will, n.d. Poject_Interface headquarters. [image] Available at: <http://httpsperkinswill.comprojectinterface-headquarters> [Accessed 5 November 2021].
Perkins and Will, n.d. Project_Interface headquarters. [image] Available at: <https://perkinswill.com/project/interface-headquarters/> [Accessed 4 November 2021].
Quist, B., 2019. Interface_Headquarters/ Perkins. [image] Available at: <https://www.archdaily.com/920417/interface-headquarters-perkins-plus-will/5d1e3daf284dd15c3d0000f1-interface-headquarters-perkins-plus-will-photo> [Accessed 3 November 2021].
