‘ billboard ’ in itself . The oversized metallic logos mounted to the blank concrete end walls reinforce this strong impact at first sight . But with a second glance , it ’ s the elegance of the realisation that speaks the best of technologies and skill . The building ’ s composition as an almost classical piece of architecture would make it stand as a proud and confident architectural object in any setting .
Here , a close collaboration between the developer , Zenprop , the architect , Paragon , and the contractor , Duncanrig , shows what involvement and passion can achieve . The material palette is simple and consistent but innovative . The team experimented to express the full potential of concrete construction , with the intention to get the best out of one trade rather than coping with layers of average finishes in an industry short of skills .
Smooth off-shutter panel work neatly dresses the end walls , while wood grain patterns are cast into the concrete strips suspended in the glass façade . Rough bush hammered concrete gives the final touch to the sculptural free-standing stairway in the courtyard .
During the day , the black glass and black aluminium frames appear to be mute but shiny surfaces around the rougher concrete insets . The courtyard surfaces and planting are reflected in the smooth glass surfaces . At night , the building transforms entirely , with the glass being lit internally and the aluminium grid becoming a strong ordering presence . The immensely colourful and dynamic interior design scheme developed by Infinitude breaks through , and transforms what is a sophisticated corporate look during the day into an almost playful landscape visible to passing traffic at night .
Teamwork Motorola head office is a statement of the excellent results within reach when all parties involved are willing to learn from one another . If budget is always a constraint , it is all the more important that the team talks to one another about the expressive possibilities within this ever present limitation .
The developer intended to push the envelope for a tenant who understood the value of architecture as part of their branding strategy . The architect was willing to explore the possibilities with a contractor ready to experiment with new techniques . The result is a crisp piece of architecture that would stand confidently in any setting .
Conclusion From a design process point of view , the building was developed entirely on an electronic Building Information Model platform , with three-dimensional presence and testing throughout . It would have been difficult to achieve such careful compositional effects using conventional software , given the tight programme and cost engineering environment in which Motorola ’ s head office was procured .
The Woodmead North Office Park is a measure of many things that can be achieved when ambition is re-inserted into each project in a different and new way . For the architectural team , Motorola ’ s head office is a giant step forward in terms of design consistency and material quality and effect .
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