This commercial-industrial facility is located in a booming downtown area in Tampa that is promising to become the next American tech hub. The existing building has been occupied by the same tenant for over 20 years. There was a clear need for an upgrade and creation of public common areas, flexible co-working spaces where people can freely collaborate and create.
After meticulous studying of the area building code, taking into consideration budget goals, and lot configuration, our team came up with an idea of adding a separately standing training facility, as was required by the client, connected to a new two-story atrium with a glass bridge.
The facility's wide roof span is supported by sleek steel columns. The facade is enclosed with prefabricated concrete panels that are aligned together in a pattern designed specifically for this building. The light flows in through “boat-type” illumination windows that were planned in that size for security reasons. The main light source is coming through the skylights on the roof. Solar panels installed on the roof are an efficient sustainable source of energy.
Palm trees in the public main atrium are a continuation of the exterior alley. Raw concrete spiral staircase blends with facade panels of the training facility. The triangle lobby shape is reminiscent of a paper airplane that represents the aviation field the company works in.
Landscaping design is a synergy between architecture and nature. Now tenants can enjoy lunch walks along the promenade, dream about big ideas overlooking the serene pond area sipping a cup of coffee.
Hope this expansion will bring lots of inspiration to the people who are dedicated to what they do at this office.