When tasked with the renovation of their Chicago office, the SOM design team created a high-performance office space within the historic, Daniel Burnham-designed Santa Fe Building. Specific design goals included achieving an image of design excellence to reflect the architectural practice that it houses, and integrating the firm’s sustainable ideal into every aspect of the design. The 45,500 sf space was awarded LEED® for Commercial Interiors Silver certification.
The renovation team placed strong emphasis on open office planning to promote collaboration between the company’s various disciplines. Conference rooms and team areas were relocated from previously enclosed spaces to the perimeter to enhance natural daylight and provide views of Lake Michigan. Designers created a customized and automated lighting system to enhance daylight penetration from both the perimeter glazing and interior atrium of the building, resulting in an elegant and light-filled space that increases the productivity and well-being of staff. The integration of daylight harvesting reduces energy consumption 5% below the energy code (ASHRAE IES 90.1 2004).
Material selection was equally integral to the design and involved thorough life-cycle analysis and indoor environmental quality considerations to ensure a space with reduced embodied energy and improved air quality for staff. Notable aspects of the material selection include: rapidly renewable bamboo flooring, carpet with high-recycled content, low-toxicity paint and recyclable furniture. An emphasis on waste reduction was applied throughout design, construction and post-construction phases.
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