Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects designed the new 86,000-SF world headquarters for the Murphy Oil Corporation to be a physical representation of the technological prowess of a world leader in energy exploration through a layering of forms, crisp lines, and machine precision detailing.
Occupying the entirety of a tight site formally occupied by three small nondescript houses, the project was designed as an urban infill that takes advantage of the block long green space located in front of the existing Murphy building next door, which is now the headquarters of a spinoff Murphy company. The two properties had to be physically separated, requiring two motor courts, but no new parking or visible property lines.
A clear glass cube two-story welcome pavilion breaks the entrance sequence down to a human scale that matches the neighborhood and town square storefronts just blocks away in the 19,000 population city of El Dorado, Arkansas. The pavilion acts as a lantern on the green, while a dark zinc ribbon wraps across its top and climbs the height of the five story office building's vertical circulation core, marking the flow of oil and its importance for over 80 years in this southern town. A four story atrium links the five story office building to the more public social hub, gallery, and multi-purpose meeting room all located in a two story wing, while providing separation for employees from these more public spaces. The building is layered horizontally and vertically in planes and detail like strata, with each layer increasing security and privacy for workers. Fritted glass vertical fins on the east and west facades filter sunlight while providing visual connections to the green and other prominent El Dorado landmarks, Combined with folded planes, deep overhangs, and light reflecting shelves, the facade treatment acts as a physical representation of Murphy's environmental efforts in exploration and harnessing natural resources.
The architecture acts as a portal that brings the world to El Dorado, and the Murphy Oil Corporation to the world.