DESIGNWORKS 2019

Capital One Workplace Remix

15000 Capital One Drive

Gensler

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

Rooted in a data-driven workplace design strategy and unrelenting drive for innovation, Capital One uses their West Creek office space redesign as a testbed for new ideas. The “remix” of this campus is driven by design in an active, aspirational, and whimsical way. The appetite for change in their Richmond, VA location led to the renovation of 1 million plus square feet over 6 buildings. Each building is used as a pilot to test space types, gather work mode data, and explore new materials and applications. The testing and learnings from real-time user input informs each subsequent project. This active study led to the creation of a building organization method, vibrant color palette, and personality-rich spaces that are applied campus-wide. Concepts derivative of natural and man-made principles are adapted to each building, lending a distinct experience from space to space.

Each workplace layout is clearly organized with four quadrant neighborhoods. Social, collaborative, and focus space types define primary connector arteries for easy access and wayfinding. At the intersection of it all is a striking glass and steel stair illuminated by skylights.

The “pattern” concept is brought to life in a watermark plaid. Realized on the walls, flooring, and ceiling, pattern at all scales is a unifying thread throughout the shared spaces. Bold color pops deliver an unexpected interruption to key areas and provide visual cues for collaboration and focus spaces. The juxtaposition of pattern and color provide a welcome disruption of elements indicative of Capital One’s brand ethos.