Early in the design phase of the project, it was realized that traditional, rigid planning was inappropriate for this particular client.  It did not fit their philosophy of human interaction or service their “partners” (name given to those being helped) in far away lands.  Therefore, the space is planned as an abstraction of a village in Tanzania, Togo or Nepal.  This experience begins in the lobby/gallery where an 8′ diameter clear inflatable globe illustrates a worldly commitment.  Generally, the functions are composed of small, independent structures, seemingly randomly placed along a “foot path.”  Along this path are located individual structures, as well as three “villages” (actually departments), comprising sections of the “town.”  The stained concrete foot path meanders through the structures where patches of mossy green carpet delineate work spaces.  The planning concept includes the creation of individual work stations with systems furniture, along with “team conferencing” or “gathering areas” for spontaneous interaction.

Concept and budgetary restraints determined early in the design process that basic, off the shelf, materials would be used for construction.  The material palette includes stained concrete floors, wood stud framing, oriented strand board for all new interior walls, pre-hung door frames, and exposed wood roof structure. Sheet metal ductwork and electrical conduit are suspended within the roof lattice work and below the Kraft paper backed insulation.  Modern door hardware, seen as beyond necessity, is replaced with handmade leather fringe tied in a decorative rosebud knot.

The existing structural steel was left with its primer red coating, including “hieroglyphic” fabrication markings that are still evident.  The existing building shell remains as smooth white painted gypsum board in contrast to new textured surfaces.  An added benefit to using oriented strand board is that it serves well as a self-healing tackable surface; a project requirement.

The spaces vary dramatically in size, shape and ambience.  The central element is the main conference room whose “round house” shape is reminiscent of meeting halls in many third world countries.  The room has an undulating rear wall for sound diffusion.  The projection screen is the vertical plane of a geometric volume enclosing the audio/visual room.  A standard residential overhead door provides direct access from the main conference area to the lounge for food service.  An existing steel beam bisects the room while a 20′ diameter modular conference table bespeaks the democratic decision making process of the organization. In fact, staff members were asked to select their own chair fabric color thus allowing individuality.