Page 57 - ArchDC_Summer2021
P. 57
Lounge space.
At the Wharf, “the connection to nature is really strong, The story continues beyond the reception area, where the
and we wanted to take advantage of that as much as we could,” floor plan’s unusual V-shaped layout, carved by the open atrium,
said Perkins&Will design principal Ken Wilson, FAIA, FIIDA, created challenges and opportunities. The designers took
ASID, LEED Fellow. The highly collaborative team of client and advantage of the extra-long corridor leading to the executive
architects drew inspiration from the surrounding environment conference room to create one of the office’s distinguishing
and the worlds of retail design and hospitality to add color, features: a lenticular wall that serves as a project gallery. In its
movement, and versatility. Natural, nautically-inspired previous office (a converted motel), the firm had limited ability
materials and biophilic details throughout the office accentuate to update or customize its display of legacy projects. “We knew
connections to the river and landscape beyond. The wood they would want to display projects in their new space,” said
ceiling evokes the deck of a ship, and was specially constructed Wilson, “but we wanted to think about how to do that in a
through a complex joint effort by contractor, millworker, and very intentional way. We have this corridor going down to the
architect to achieve the right look while maintaining access to conference room—how can we make it more interesting?” Thin
the building’s mechanical systems. “Spotlights in the reception and flexible aluminum fins are evenly spaced down the corridor,
area and circulation space are randomly placed,” explained arranged in a lenticular pattern, so that when viewed from the
Cordell, “and hidden within the patterns are constellations correct angle, the abstract shapes on the fins line up perfectly
from the night sky,” a wink towards the seafaring tradition of to reveal a composite photograph, captured in soft-focus bokeh
navigating by the stars. photography, of the Wharf’s fire pit area. Walking from one
The reception area highlights Madison Marquette’s tradition end of the corridor, one sees the scene in daylight, and from the
of hospitality, with a fireplace, living wall, and landscaped other at night. Between the blades, photos of legacy projects
terrace creating a cozy, relaxed environment. A flat-screen display hang on a magnetic strip, able to be quickly and easily changed
teases photos and fly-throughs of future projects, and a cafe area out. “We thought about the art of development, and wanted to
is kept stocked with refreshments for guests. “It’s a very comfortable showcase their work in a way that was artful,” Cordell said.
space,” Cordell reported. “People can come and get a cup of coffee At the end of the corridor, the bright executive conference
and then start this journey through the story of Madison Marquette.” room sits at the prow of the building, showcasing an impressive
INSIDE MADISON MARQUETTE’S COMFORT ZONE 55