look,” he said. “Plus, it contains great
working space for residents.”
That was the primary goal: to
have a building that would work in
partnership with residents to facilitate
creativity and the continued success
of the company.
Finishing touches
add value
About 25% of the building’s exterior
is glass, providing welcome natural
lighting for workers. Vertical sun
shades attached to the exterior
frame of windows help deflect bright
summer sun from the interior spaces
while letting in ample natural lighting.
“In the other building there were
places where, if you tried, you might
be able to see a window someplace in
the distance,” Johnson said. “We now
have this great natural light and great
views for everybody.”
The design built in accommodations
for solar panels, should the company
decide in the future to incorporate
a photovoltaic system. The building
is also bigger than what JAMF needs
at present, to accommodate future
expansion. The first floor is available
for lease until that time.
6│ TRENDS
A time lapse video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwvTb-yLEsQ
shows precast concrete column, beam, and panel construction at JAMF.
The interior layout is surprisingly
open, with only one traditional
office space. Staff members work at
groupings of desks based on the team
they are with.
“It makes it easier to have face-to-face
conversations. It shortens response
time. We value being in the space
together,” Johnson said. “It also
encourages eavesdropping so you can
join in others’ collaborations and offer
help.”
Many of the interior walls are coated
in dry erase paint to provide a
platform for impromptu brainstorming
sessions, sketches, formulas, and
team members’ thoughts – again, to
foster collaboration and encourage
creativity.
The core of the building, away from
windows, houses mechanicals and
several meeting rooms. JAMF showed
its commitment to the local art
community by commissioning 70
pieces of art from 55 artists to give
each of the meeting rooms color and
character. The works are all 3½ feet
tall and range from 5 to 13 feet wide;
they include photography, graphic
design, paintings, and mosaics.
The biggest area of discussion turned
out to be just how much of the fourth
floor to dedicate to patio space. The
fourth floor includes an open area
that serves as an employee cafeteria
and can also be used as a meeting or
work space. A balcony overlooks the
rivers.
“We wanted a covered outdoor
workspace, but it had to be functional.
How big to make the balcony was a
big issue,” Johnson said. “The ‘Garage’
was a compromise.”
The Garage is an interior glassed-in
area that connects to the outdoor
space via a glass “garage door.” In
good weather, the door can be raised
and the glassed-in area becomes part
of the balcony. In inclement weather,
the door can be closed to provide
shelter while still giving the feeling of
working outside.
“It provides a more sheltered space
and extends the period of time when
we can use the balcony,” Johnson said.