Turf, a leading acoustics manufacturer, partnered with our team in the design of the company’s recently opened Turf Design Experience Center, located in the historic Merchandise Mart.

Designed with three distinct zones – a showroom, office, and prototyping space – the Turf Design Experience Center demonstrates the different roles and capabilities of Turf, including account management, product development, sales, and more.

The showroom offers visitors an immersive journey through the diverse possibilities of Turf’s innovative materials, with two distinct “pathways” to guide guests and demonstrate the versatility of Turf products. The journey, however, begins before visitors enter the showroom. Turf outfitted the entry hallway with its acoustic solutions, noticeably shifting the hallway's mood visually and aurally, giving visitors a taste of the Turf experience before they walk through the doors.

Upon entering the showroom, visitors step through a threshold and are presented with a pivotal decision that initiates their personalized experience. One side lies a vibrant and energetic pathway, embodying a playful and poppy aesthetic. Conversely, the other path offers a quieter, more intimate ambiance, characterized by darker, moodier tones. These initial pathways serve as an introduction to the expansive range of atmospheres achievable through thoughtful material selection and application.

Continuing their exploration, guests will discover a series of carefully curated vignettes. These dedicated spaces highlight how Turf materials can function as a "supportive actor" in realizing diverse design intentions, from high-energy and stimulating environments to tranquil and focused settings. The "decision point" encourages active engagement and exploration, revealing new design possibilities around every corner. The deliberate use of "kiss points" allows for peeks into the other side and its contrasting atmosphere, ensuring a dynamic and captivating experience that underscores the breadth and adaptability of Turf's product line.

As a transition space that seamlessly connects the showroom with the office, the experience center also houses an amenity space for both everyday employee collaboration and special events connecting with designers, architects, and other Turf partners.

The office provides a practical look at all the different ways Turf's acoustic solutions can support the varying needs and working styles within a workplace. The office features a spectrum of spaces, from lighter and energetic areas to darker and moodier zones.

Three distinct lounges serve as retreats for work, breaks, or conversations: the dark and moody "Merlot Lounge," the bright and high-energy "Green Lounge," and the more private yet energetic "Groovy Lounge.” The space also features a number of rooms and environments for employee well-being, including a wellness room, an in-office gender-neutral bathroom, and an expansive amenity space to further team connectedness.