Barton
Malow
Headquarters
Southfield, Michigan
As
envisioned by Project Designer Algis Bublys,
FAIA, our new 110,000 sf headquarters rises
four stories,
with a dramatic glass curtainwall that slopes inward
at an 8-degree angle; on all upper floors, therefore,
it is possible to stand over the wetlands, and
at ground level, to look right out into the calming
landscape and become part of the idyllic surroundings.
This slope also creates a different floorplan on
each level, allowing great creativity in design
(and
posing unique challenges to engineers). Everywhere,
windows flood the building with natural light.
Four
and one-half stories tall, the elliptical atrium
is the distinctive visual center of the
building,
open to all floors. Ringed by tinted glass panels
on all levels and crowned with clerestory windows,
the atrium echoes the jewellike expanse of the
curtainwall, and simply designed, expresses that
same quietness.
By
contrast, the building infrastructure is open,
inviting inspection, embodying the pride
we take
in our craft. This choice provides angles and
detail that contrast with the sweep of atrium
and curtainwall;
everywhere, the columns, piping, metalwork
are meticulously positioned to add visual excitement
to the interior.
The everyday materials of our job are transformed
into works of art.
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