Gensler has designed the new Chicago offices of Motorola Mobility.

Motorola Mobility partnered with Gensler to lead the programming, design and construction of its new headquarters in Chicago’s historic Merchandise Mart. The concept utilized a holistic design process that incorporated interior architecture with the latest thinking in technology, workplace wellness, industry research and sustainable design. The new 605,000 square-foot workspace was programmed, designed and built in 19 months. The project includes open, collaborative office spaces, focus areas, lab benching and prototyping equipment. The team intentionally preserved the Mart’s concrete columns, terrazzo floors, punched windows and blemished concrete walls as a textured backdrop for the downtown headquarters.

The Merchandise Mart has become a hub for technology companies, with Motorola Mobility as its first large-scale technology tenant. The vast floor plates were broken down into scalable spaces through the dispersion of serendipitous connections—micro-kitchens, a game room and multi-purpose spaces. Unique uses of materials and graphics created additional, notable moments within the space along circulation paths, egress stairs and within the workplace. By bringing Motorola to the center of technology in Chicago and the Midwest, they now stand as a contender in recruiting the nation’s greatest talent. In addition, commitment to sustainability was an important element in the design of the space. The new headquarters was awarded Platinum LEED certification.

Design: Gensler / Carlos Martinez – Project Principal / Todd Heiser – Design Director / Helen Hopton – Project Director
Photography: Eric Laignel

via Office Snapshots