Doblin's business is based on "innovation". So, how do you house employees whose
job is to help companies like GE, Apple, Citicorp and Target evolve?
Create an office space that's always changing. Larry Keeley, president of the management consulting
firm, calls the design a "machine for team thinking.''
Central to that vision is the reception area, which serves multiple and
changing roles. It's an oversized space with an elegant collection of
simple furnishings-a thin metal reception desk, a few comfortable
chairs and a table. Although a typical reception area is designed as a transitional “waiting”
space, Doblin wanted an active space
that could also be used for a variety of business events and meetings. Here, Gensler
created a comfortable place for clients and staff to mix and overlap. But the
area can also turn into an active business forum. To create separate spaces for
presentations, meetings and social gatherings, sumptuous sliding
drapery can be drawn to section off parts of the space for varying
degrees of privacy. Every aspect of the design in this area reinforces the idea
of a warm and friendly environment. The reception desk doubles as a greeting or
host station for events — a place where an employee can welcome guests, help
them with coats and bags, and offer a beverage or snack.