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Corporate Design Excellence Award Ziegler Cooper Architects – Houston Wachovia Executive Houston, Texas
Project Description Wachovia's new regional executive offices are located on Level 2 of Williams Tower, a signature building designed by Phillip Johnson in the Galleria area of Houston. Level 2 is one of four floors in the base of the building, each offering a 17'-0" finished ceiling height and floor-to-ceiling windows with views across a lawn and into the Water Wall, a well known post-modern water feature. The Wachovia culture and design model offers a substantial amount of private offices, larger individual workspace standards and a high level of material and detailing in all of their facilities.
The floor plan is designed to maximize public and executive office views of the Waterwall. The main entry to the space is, by building design, somewhat pinched, but contrasts to the monumental volume of the space upon arrival. Major circulation from the reception area to the conference rooms and executive offices is located along the windows. As a result, the two large conference rooms were located inboard, but floor to ceiling structural glass walls offer maximum light and view. This structural glass system was used on the executive offices as well, allowing natural light and view into the administrative workspaces and the interior executive offices beyond.
The design team proposed the maximum 17’-0"ceiling height throughout, and despite the significantly higher costs involved, the client accepted this concept. To facilitate power, cable and acoustics, a series of dropped drywall canopies within private offices and conference rooms were created which helped modulate the volume and define areas. The neutral color and material palette is provides a backdrop to Wachovia’s newly acquired contemporary art location. Figured walnut paneling and custom administrative workstations provide contrast and help balance the large volume.
Judges Comments
- bold architecture
- engaged views of the exterior
- elegant
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