 |
|
|
 |
|
|
| |
NMA Design Architects /
Zehren & Associates, Architect of Record |
|
|
| |
Situated on
a elevated bluff overlooking dramatic 360 degree panoramic views of
the Pacific ocean to the south and the Los Padres mountain range to
the north, the QAD property occupies one of the most unique and beautiful
commercial land sites in the California Central Coast region. Through
an intensive initial design competition process between several architecture
firms, NMAA was selected by QAD to meet the challenge of designing
a 130,000 square foot corporate headquarters building that is both
sensitive to the natural site and the local community while personifying
the corporate image of a highly successful international software
development company.
Our design solution creates a campus of detached open-plan buildings
that works well on several fundamental levels: the imagery and flexibility
of the campus layout fits well with the corporate culture and the
needs of QAD. A series of detached buildings also allows the site
to flow through the structures, maximizing the orientations, views,
natural daylighting and access to the outdoors while minimizing the
visual impact of the buildings on the site. The detached building
design also facilitates a two-phase master plan and construction process,
allowing the short term use of existing facilities during the construction
of phase one, and the ultimate future build-out of the phase-two facilities.
The site planning, building massing, forms, materials, and detailing
are all designed to integrate the structure with the natural features
of the site and minimize the impact of the structure to the neighboring
community. A low profile flat roof structure that is recessed into
the site, transparent exterior walls, freestanding columns, extensive
overhangs, and native landscaping blend the structures within the
backdrop of the bluff hilltop. Durable naturally weathering materials
including earth tone plaster, exposed concrete and copper veneer were
selected for the harsh coastal environment and to blend with the site
over time.
A sweeping curved entry creates a very dramatic sense of arrival and
corporate presence for visitors and qad employees alike. It is the
central point of the internal “street” which links the
individual campus buildings together and encourages interaction amongst
employees. Flexible floor plates are designed to optimize views and
daylighting. Enclosed offices are clustered within the interiors and
open plan office partitions are located at the perimeter, allowing
the maximum penetration of light and optimization of views. The egalitarian
philosophy of the corporate culture permeates the design. There is
a sense of openness and freedom within the building and outside to
the many courtyards and landscape pathways. Common amenities including
a cafeteria and gymnasium open up to a generous terrace and the natural
site meadows beyond. The visitor center is well designed to meet the
needs of guests with convenient hoteling office spaces, snack areas,
conference and presentation rooms.
A highly qualified team of design and engineering consultants was
assembled to ensure a successful solution that meets the demanding
and specialized technological requirements of a high-tech computer
software company. Advanced environmental control systems including
natural daylighting and ventilation, indirect lighting, flexible floor
plates, specialized computer facilities and networks, electronics
and back-up power systems were all incorporated into the design solution.
Lenvik and Minor Architects were consulted to provide project construction
document and administration services, and to be the architect of record.
Planning and permit approval was achieved for the project with minimal
delays and with great accolades from the local community, the Planning
Commission and other local governing agencies. It is a great testament
to sound planning and design for a highly visible project constructed
on a commercial property surrounded by residential neighborhoods and
the small bedroom community of Summerland to be so well received by
the community. |
|
