When one of the “Big Four” networks of firms offering audit, tax, and advisory services reinforced its commitment to Chicago with a new headquarters, the global giant sought a design providing social, collaborative and personal space while optimizing real estate to control costs. Designed by Perkins+Will, the result features a mix of open and private meeting areas combined with advanced technology on six floors and a mezzanine.
The mezzanine includes a frosted vinyl pattern applied to existing glass windows; a similar technique on entry doors, with a direct-printed clear vinyl logo plot cut to match the profile; and three ceiling “hoop” graphic scrims. For corridor anchor light boxes, Xibitz produced custom graphic applications to fit supplied niches, and mounted a white translucent polycarbonate panel between the glass face and backlight source.
Noteworthy techniques in the Conference Center include back-painted glass; custom-layered graphics applied to existing surfaces; panels with recessed text installed to appear as if part of the wall surface; and glass panels which float in front of the wall and connect at the floor via a low-profile channel.
