311 W Monroe Transformation
Other Projects by JGMA
311 W Monroe Transformation
Firm
Type
Surrounded by newer stainless steel and glass high rise buildings, the311 W. Monroe building need not worry about these neighbors andmust rely upon its inherent strengths to counteract their scale and aesthetics.These attributes include a timeless material, solidity of mass,and most importantly, the opportunity to utilize its unique human scaleto engage pedestrians. The timeless material can be found in the granitefaçade. This material has stood the test of time and must be celebrated.The solidity can be found in the rhythmic play of solid and void along theentire façade. Human scale is achieved by the clever separation of theupper solid building mass from the lower more transparent façade. Thecollective attributes must be celebrated and used as the foundation uponwhich the building will be transformed.The human experience must be considered for tenants, guests, visitorsand passersby. The design must respond to people. We have achievedthis by relocating the entry to Franklin, eliminating the ground level parking, segregating retail from office, and transforming the building exterior in a manner which is most perceptible from the human, ground level experience. The proposed new design is sleek, modern, innovative and what is to be found in the next generation of commercial office buildings. What is of equal importance is how our design respects the past and builds upon it as a platform for creating and reinvigorated property at 311 W. Monroe.