DESIGNWORKS 2020

Confidential Optical Fiber Company

Charlotte, NC

Gensler Charlotte

While an industry leader, this confidential optical fiber company generally operates out of sight. Many of their most pivotal projects and developments escape the notice of both users and observers, playing behind-the-scenes roles in iconic inventions and major historic moments. When the time came for a new headquarters that could boost both employee recruitment and business development, the client knew their space had to make the invisible visible and put the company’s distinguished scientific approach on full display.

The design concept embraces maker culture and the arduously beautiful process of tinkering. The building is a living tour, with each floor branded around a division of the company. The design team intentionally exposed the ceiling and much of the architectural structure with an emphasis on keeping things raw, exposed, and transparent. A dramatic glass entry pavilion houses a maker space which puts the client’s current work front and center. The floorplate itself responds to the life cycle of a project, as each floor features unprogrammed space where teams can set up informal scrums for as long as needed. A cafeteria at the lower level is crafted to function as far more than the eatery that its nomenclature prescribes; it is a space for collaboration and productive work as well as dining. Adding to the variety of this work ecosystem are a number of occupiable terraces that offer a connection to nature. The workplace combines natural warmth with the crisp sophistication associated with technological development – a rare but refreshing blend.