The CareerBuilder HQ in Chicago occupies 75,000-sf across three and a half floors at 200 N LaSalle Drive. The renovation project turned the workspace into an open-plan concept that houses executive staff, administrative staff, and sales in an inclusive and non-hierarchical workplace.
Visitors and employees are welcomed into the space via a multi-use lounge and pantry space and a wide reception area that serves as a large hub. Deeper into the space, a centrally-located feature stairway functions as a main artery to connect all of the levels. The stairs are framed by two exposed columns, encased and illuminated within corrugated polycarbonate sheets that display the building’s industrial interior. A training center is separated from other areas with a garage door to allow the center to be acoustically isolated when needed and open when not in use.
Tall partition workstations and private offices were eliminated to strip the space of hierarchical design elements and were replaced with low partitions and benching-style workstations for a more horizontal organizational structure. The workspace is split into neighborhoods to promote movement and employee connections through spatial planning and vertical connections. Conference rooms, which were wrapped around the core to allow natural light to permeate the office throughout, and phone rooms were integrated into the floor plan to provide employees with breakout spaces for meetings and quiet focus.
See Also: 1010 On-The-Rhine creates a walkable destination in an underutilized part of Cincinnati
In order to help with employee health and wellbeing, uplighting was installed to help reduce glare and eye strain, workstations were outfitted with height-adjustable desks, and the dispersion of smaller breakout spaces encourages employees to move around the office throughout the day.
Related Stories
Office Buildings | Jul 12, 2016
CF Møller designs LEGO world headquarters complex in Denmark
The 52,000-sm complex will incorporate many familiar motifs from the popular plastic building block toys.
Office Buildings | Jul 11, 2016
CetraRuddy designs office tower for Manhattan’s Meatpacking district
Plans originally called for a hotel, but the architect and developers adapted their design for commercial use.
Market Data | Jul 6, 2016
A thriving economy and influx of businesses spur construction in downtown Seattle
Development investment is twice what it was five years ago.
Contractors | Jul 4, 2016
A new report links infrastructure investment to commercial real estate expansion
Competitiveness and economic development are at stake for cities, says Transwestern.
High-rise Construction | Jun 29, 2016
Best Tall Buildings around the world favor unusual shapes and hybrid functions
The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat selects winners in four regions.
Office Buildings | Jun 16, 2016
Ability to focus, not perks, is top concern for office employees
Open-plan offices found to worsen distraction problem.
High-rise Construction | Jun 15, 2016
WilkinsonEyre designs diamond-patterned Bay Park Centre for Toronto
A sloping plaza with trees, grass, and gardens connects the two downtown towers.
Office Buildings | Jun 14, 2016
Let's not forget introverts when it comes to workplace design
Recent design trends favor extroverts who enjoy collaboration. HDR's Lynn Mignola says that designers need to accommodate introverts, people who recharge with solitude, as well.
Movers+Shapers | Jun 13, 2016
THE DISRUPTORS: The Millennial generation is imposing its will on design
AEC firms, particularly those that design hotels and offices, gain a competitive edge by knowing how to appeal to the largest share of the American workforce.
Office Buildings | Jun 10, 2016
Buildings that invest in wellbeing see healthy returns
Healthy workers are more productive workers, but fitness can be tough when employees at the office for 50 hours a week. Perkins+Will's Janine Grossmann offers the wellness components that landlords and companies should prioritize.
