Flad Architects engages Studio Other and Studio Other Technology to help bring together multiple offices into one large collaborative space.
Seattle-based Juno Therapeutics and Flad Architects engaged Studio Other and Tangram Technology to co-design furniture solutions and deliver technology integration for its 195,000-square-foot offices. The resulting space, spread across nine floors, features lab space, workspace, and collaborative meeting rooms, not to mention 657 workstations and 28 A/V-configured conference rooms. Plus, the offices also feature some incredible views of downtown Seattle and its Space Needle.
When was the project completed?
2017
How much space?
195,000 net
Was this new or renovated space?
Juno Therapeutics embarked on a project to combine their multiple locations into one new headquarter location in Seattle, Washington.
How many employees?
670
Describe workspace types.
Housing lab space as well as work space and collaborative meeting rooms. A fundamental goal of the overall project was to create a unique environment that supports collaboration, expresses the company brand and makes a positive impression on visitors. The design approach was intended to capture a feeling of grace and authenticity to design as well as materials. It was also driven by the inspirational character of the work Juno does.
What kind of meeting spaces are provided?
A range from kanban tables for impromptu meetings to conference room large and small, complete A/V design and integration. The choice of working with Studio Other was based on the firm’s capability to provide not just workstations, but the range of other requirements from kanban tables and conference room tables to complete A/V design and integration of Juno’s entire nine floors.
What is the project’s location and proximity to public transportation and/or other amenities?
Yes, Juno Headquarters location provides easy access to public transpiration with many buses that pass right in front of the office on an hourly basis.
What kind of programming or visioning activities were used?
The co-design process of the furniture included iterative design and testing of several prototypes, including workstations and conference room tables. First came input from Juno and Flad Architects on aspects such as materials and functionality. Then Studio Other engineers produced CAD concepts for review to determine solutions viable for prototyping. Juno and Flad then visited Studio Other headquarters to experience and refine the prototypes to a final design. Visits were also scheduled to see the operations of Studio Other’s suppliers to build a level of top-to-bottom trust.
Please describe any program requirements that were unique or required any special research or design requirements.
According to Ben de Rubertis, Design Director of Flad Architects, the team was “obsessed” with the idea of making technology not necessarily seem like technology by not having it dominate the space. He recalled that, in architectural design or design for an environment, technology is often added as a layer on top of what could be a very nicely conceived space, but the technology serves a disruptive function. Flad Architects turned to Studio Other Technology for the large-scale technology integration for the Juno project included more than 120 displays, multiple conference rooms on nine levels, remote room scheduling devices, a conference center, a video wall and additional signage displays. Behind the scenes is a sophisticated, networked system of 18 equipment racks that were built and thoroughly tested at Studio Other’s facilities prior to on-site deployment.
Was there any emphasis or requirements on programming for health and wellbeing initiatives for employees?Wellness was a main factor in the design of Juno Therapeutics New Headquarters. Studio Other collaborated with Flad Architects to design a workstation with a low privacy panels to allow for line of sight to the windows.
Were there any special or unusual construction materials or techniques employed in the project?
Juno and Flad evaluated custom furniture versus pre-manufactured furniture and it enabled them to get exactly what they wanted, including specialty materials and design concepts that type back to their branding. All of this was exclusive to Juno and Flad by collaborating closely with Studio Other and Studio Other Technology throughout the project.
Highlights of the custom furnishings include:
Workstations
One of Juno’s main priorities is the health and wellness of employees. Each employee received a height-adjustable workstation. In addition, to support an open and collaborative culture, all workstations have low end panels. The end panels are hot-rolled steel with Zintra bolted into them, a choice reflecting Juno’s drive for authenticity as one of its core values. Surfaces are 1” thick, multi-ply, wood-grain laminate. Each desk also includes a powdered-coated, magnetic white board as well as a personal pedestal.
Conference Tables
Because employees at Juno often spend long hours in meetings, the surface was an important consideration. The solution was a multi-ply surface with Fenix soft-touch laminate. The contemporary, triangular base of the tables is raw, hot-rolled steel. In addition to aesthetics, the approach of bending a single, flat piece of steel creates a strong base for the table. The concept is also a nod to the strength of the DNA helix. The tables also include an elegant, single slot running down the length of the surface for cable access, with the main cable hidden in a box underneath the tabletop.
Kanban Tables
These collaborative meeting tables were designed and produced in a variety of sizes, drawer configurations and angles based on the space in which they would reside. An iterative design process was used to address options such as 4” tall drawers and an angled edge of 45 degrees in line with the architecture of the building. Tall drawers are included to hold post-its and markers, ideal for spontaneous meetings reflecting the workstyle of Juno’s teams of scientists
Executive Conference Room
An elegant 20-ft.-long table was designed with an arched base. A highlight of the design is an impressive top made of back-painted glass that displays a layered-effect graphic showing T-cells (ghosted-looking under glass) that also matched other graphics throughout the building.
Storage Units
The materials and construction include powdered-coated steel with multi-ply laminate fronts.Juno preferred not to use glue or paints on the furniture for a raw and exposed look that, again, ties back to the concept of authenticity.
Are there any furnishings or spaces specifically included to promote wellness/wellbeing?
One of Juno’s main priorities is the health and wellness of employees. Each employee received a height-adjustable workstation. In addition, to support an open and collaborative culture, all workstations have low end panels.
Were there post occupancy surveys? If so, what were the most surprising or illuminating or hoped-for results?
According to Geoff Quinn, Senior Director, Engineering, Facilities & Capital Infrastructure atJuno Therapeutics, the team has been pleasantly surprised to see how much fun people are having with the building and in the space. It allows them to come together as a company and celebrate successes together. They have been able to collaborate and work together quickly and spontaneously. “I would honestly say that working with Studio Other has been great for us, and this is a partnership we hope to continue.”
How else has the design inspired collaboration?
A center stairwell was designed to connect all nine floors of the workplace. Off each stairwell are benches and touch down spaces, where staff can connect for quick meeting and promotes cross collaboration amongst the staff.
Tell us more!
Architect: Flad Architects
Real Estate Developer and Building Owner: Alexandria Real Estate
Electrical Contractor: Precision Electric Group Inc.
Construction Firm: Skanska
Project Manager: Westlake Consulting Group
Originally Posted on WorkDesign.com
