Hastings Architecture
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Hastings Architecture

Architecture, Interior Design, Planning, and Sustainability

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Chicago Tech Office
fresh and modern office for tech client in chicago

Chicago is a city of continued innovation and home to many of the most significant landmarks of the twentieth century. The renovation of this client-facing space for a technology client – the client’s second busiest North American location – reflects the history of the city and creates a space for future innovation.

The reception area was reworked to improve guest experience by introducing a welcoming lounge which sits adjacent to a living green-wall.  The reception desk, inspired by structural motifs from iconic skyscrapers within the city, was repositioned to improve guest approach and functionality for staff by relocating catering support rooms directly behind.

 

Elevator lobby with custom celling light instillation
Green wall and biophilic design elements in technology workplace

Visitors are welcomed to the space in the future-facing elevator lobby. Pixelated metal ceiling panels create an ethereal mood through indirect lighting. Directional cues are integrated into the chevron pattern wood floor focusing visitors towards brand signage and the space’s main entrance.

The Social Hub, the heart of the renovation, is a flexible pre-function gathering space to anchor various sized meeting rooms including meeting booths for casual collaboration. The layout of the space and furniture within is flexible to allow for quick and easy transformation. A strategic corner of the space, the Exploratorium, is designed as a neutral backdrop for partner manufacturers to showcase how the client’s products are integrated into everyday products.

biophilic design elements in technology workplace
Detailing of custom table in conference room for tech client
Conference board room in workplace
Detailing of custom instillation wall

A coffee hub serves as a pre-function for the techy Innovation Factory, an ideation space designed for strategizing, workshopping, and hackathons. Movable felt partitions stack alongside industrial-styled custom millwork shelving allowing the space to be subdivided.

The shelving is designed with perforated steel panels and integrated seating to soften the space and allow guests to engage in impromptu collaboration. Interactive wall art, inspired by children’s bead-maze toys, recreates Lake Michigan’s shoreline and replicates Chicago’s train system. The custom display provides a moment of enjoyment by inviting guests to move custom-colored aluminum “train cars” along acrylic paths which replicates Chicago’s rail lines.

Technology Office with custom branded graphics1
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Size
14,281 square feet
Client
Confidential Technology Client
Photography
Steve Hall © Hall + Merrick Photographers
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