DESIGNWORKS 2018

Capital One West Creek Town Center

Richmond, VA

Gensler

Holly Christian (Design Director), Whitley Wood (Principal-in-Charge), Jeffrey Hanson (Project Manager), Debbie Crowell (Designer), Stephanie Bauman (Designer), Jim Collins (Project Architect), Bradley Brogdon (Technical Designer)

With its central location on campus, the Town Center provided an ideal opportunity to enhance the connections of the campus—on a visual and personal level. To create a conference center fitting the organization’s vibrant culture, the design team created ‘life attractors’ with connectivity at four scales.

• CAMPUS CONNECTIVITY with a ‘landmark effect’ was made by peeling back brick and replacing it with glass panels.  To further raise the visibility and energy inside the space, a custom architectural art installation of louvered panels and programmable LED lights serves as the backdrop of the interconnecting stair. The expansive installation extends into the exterior courtyard to draw people in.
• VERTICAL CONNECTIVITY was enhanced by adding a new monumental stair.  The oversized plinth extends inside out, creating a focal point from the upper floor. Existing stairs were reconfigured to create an easy flow between the two 50,000 sf floors.
• VIRTUAL CONNECTIVITY was made by using state of the art audio visual technology in every room.  Technology was optimally sized for all types of uses and maximum flexibility.
• PERSONAL CONNECTIVITY abounds.  On a campus where a choice of work environments is the norm, a variety of spaces were designed just beyond the formal meeting spaces to accommodate many workstyles- heads down, quick touch down, small meetings, and large informal gatherings such as Starbucks.

The overall effect creates a lighter, brighter, high performing destination.  Clear views and vistas are provided from each side and anchored with custom art by local artists.

(Holly Christian)

Judges Comments:

“Beautiful project!  Concept is expressed simply and executed impeccably at all scales, from exterior forms to interior details.  I love the patterning of the custom louver design and how daylight dances in the space–its artful yet elegant.   The design team was thoughtful & deliberate with every decision to create a cohesive space–even the seams/stitching on the upholstered chairs reinforce the directional quality of the patterned glass.”