The Stark County Commissioners IT Department decided it was time to refresh their spaces to better serve the County by improving efficiencies within the department. The new offices are more functional for their staff of technology-reliant laptop users. Their existing offices were outdated, did not support the advancements in technology and daily programming requirements, and the departments were divided across the building creating wasted square footage. After two existing buildings were studied for their potential to meet the current and future needs of the expanding departments, the 1970s former tile company’s building was chosen to be transformed into a modern, industrial office setting. The renovations create new spaces that maximize capacity, integrate technology, and allow collaboration between departments.
The IT Department required both public access and secure spaces. To accomplish this, conference and training spaces were placed on the lower level for easy visitor access, while offices and private meeting rooms were located on the second level behind a locked curtain wall. Within the secure area, walls were deconstructed, opening up the spaces for the 3 departments to co-exist on the same floor and share spaces, increasing opportunities for collaboration.
A large conference room provides the perfect space to hold community meetings for 30+ people. Also located on the lower level is a medium-sized training room with individual computer stations. While their old offices did not provide a lunchroom, the new spaces offer a kitchenette that spills out into an open work lounge, which allows for changes in posture throughout the day.
The client’s vision for their new space was a contemporary aesthetic with an industrial feel, and to have technology integrated in every space. The interior design concept for the space was inspired by data cables in linear troughs, paying homage to one of the organization’s primary functions. Carpet design is reminiscent of a circuit board, while exposed data cables above provide energetic pops of blue, red, and orange. Circuit lines highlight these colors and lead occupants to three color-themed touchdown meeting rooms, helping to delineate departmental meeting locations.
Conference rooms are loaded with video-conferencing technology, and all collaboration spaces are adorned with ample power stations located in the tables, furniture, and floor boxes throughout. An open work lounge is flushed with natural daylight and provides functional furnishings for either concentration or a comfortable meeting place. Acoustic treatments double as lighting and greenery adds comfort to the open office and café – a preserved moss acoustical element helps cut down sound transmission from the bustling kitchenette, while providing a biophilic touch to the space.
Design:
Design Team: Domenic Ferrante, Abigail Maurer, Andrew Lallathin
Photography:
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