With a mission to bring freight forwarding - the circulatory system for global trade – into the digital realm, this transportation technology company is all about movement and connections. Strong growth in the Chicago market meant it was time to progress from move-in ready spaces to a customized workplace that would reflect the energy of the organization. Strongly inspired by the concepts of forward motion and seamless connections, the design team translated the brand into a dynamic built environment rooted in the company’s values.
The starting point for the program is an egalitarian approach to space allocation, without any private offices and all employees working at similar desks. Technology-enabled meeting rooms, phone rooms, and breakout spaces provide employees alternative workplace options. To encourage gathering and sharing, a large break room/all-hands space is flexibly furnished to allow employees to have lunch together or meet for important announcements.
The idea of connection is further expressed through strong visual design elements. Large chevron graphics leveraged from the company’s brand are a present motif throughout. Carefully selected carpet colorways resembling the tides of the ocean are a reference to the company's "coast to coast" delivery model. The most dynamic gesture is a series of linear curving light fixtures winding through the space. A nod to Chicago’s transit system lines, these bolts of energy visually connect office neighborhoods and public spaces – a clear reflection of the company’s mission.
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