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Feasibility study
Feasibility study
Chicago, IL, United States
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Other Projects by rka | ron kwaske, architect
Feasibility study
Chicago, IL, United States
This programming project and feasibility study was for a religious order with its Midwest headquarters in Chicago. They were operating out of a hundred year old building that was not optimized to meet the needs of the existing executive and operations team, and it was not configured for growth. With other properties along the same street, the clients were exploring the opportunities available through renovating the existing structure compared to gutting other properties they own.
Observations of existing work spaces, interviews with individual staff, combined with a focus group with key administrators and support staff, led to a detailed program including proposed adjacencies and key design elements that should enhance collaboration across functional units, communicate the mission of the religious order, and make efficient use of the space. The clients were eager to continue this exploration, as the program set the criteria for the space and could be used to direct the design using the existing structure or one of their other buildings.
After approving theprogram we developed for them, the clients asked us to propose a design to move their headquarters to a building they own across the street from their existing location.
Using the program we developed, we proposed a design scheme that provides openness and facilitates collaboration across departments. A key feature to the design is what we call 'The Lounge," which is an open, two-story atrium that serves as a hub for interior office life. The Lounge offers a space for casual conversation and brainstorming, along with more secluded quiet space on the second floor for prayer and meditation.
The proposed design scheme also includes individual offices and work stations for existing and potential staff, as the group is expected to grow within the next two years. Departments that work closely together are adjacent, with all departments surrounding The Lounge. Much more storage and additional conference rooms, essential elements according to the administrators and staff interviewed during the programming process, are amongst the benefits of the new design.
Observations of existing work spaces, interviews with individual staff, combined with a focus group with key administrators and support staff, led to a detailed program including proposed adjacencies and key design elements that should enhance collaboration across functional units, communicate the mission of the religious order, and make efficient use of the space. The clients were eager to continue this exploration, as the program set the criteria for the space and could be used to direct the design using the existing structure or one of their other buildings.
After approving theprogram we developed for them, the clients asked us to propose a design to move their headquarters to a building they own across the street from their existing location.
Using the program we developed, we proposed a design scheme that provides openness and facilitates collaboration across departments. A key feature to the design is what we call 'The Lounge," which is an open, two-story atrium that serves as a hub for interior office life. The Lounge offers a space for casual conversation and brainstorming, along with more secluded quiet space on the second floor for prayer and meditation.
The proposed design scheme also includes individual offices and work stations for existing and potential staff, as the group is expected to grow within the next two years. Departments that work closely together are adjacent, with all departments surrounding The Lounge. Much more storage and additional conference rooms, essential elements according to the administrators and staff interviewed during the programming process, are amongst the benefits of the new design.
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