Project Data:

Firm Name:              LPA, Inc.

Completion Date:     7/14/2017

Square Footage:      97000

Building Use:           Commercial Office

Location:                 Irvine, CA

Project Description:

DESIGN NARRATIVE

Transitioning from an antiquated corporate campus facility to a new 17 story multi-tenant tower provided Mazda North America with an opportunity to create a space which more closely reflected the future of their brand and their product. This 97,000 SF, LEED CI Certified Gold workplace embodies a new dedication to innovation, sustainability and technology.

Abstract Japanese cultural and spatial metaphors are seamlessly woven into the overall design narrative providing strong ties to Mazda’s legacy and heritage.
With an eye toward recruiting and retaining top industry talent, the workplace integrates the latest in wellness strategies, technology and comfort.
An innovative “free address” system enables the staff to work and collaborate in different ways daily depending on preference or team structure. To facilitate a totally flexible workplace strategy, each floor is populated with a wide variety of meeting, collaborative, focus and huddle spaces. A subsidized “Sky Café” serves specialty coffee and pastries while encouraging staff socialization and comradery.

The design intent of the workplace strengthens the staff’s cognizance of the brand’s heritage.
Circulation is designed to transition the staff and visitors from “darkness to light” mimicking a traditional Japanese concept called “Kage” or “shadows”.
Each floor is then focused around two “neighborhood hubs” which become the centers of social activity. The hubs are anchored with the use of floor to ceiling illuminated frames which focus the expansive views. The frames adjust horizontally from floor to floor depending on the view providing spatial variation between the hubs. Exterior illumination of the frames provides a distinctive brand presence on the face of the curtain wall tower signaling Mazda’s presence.
Design proportions and details throughout the workplace relate to Eastern rather than Western sensibilities and stress an organic, handmade quality.
The Mazda workplace as a three-dimensional extension of the brand, is a fully immersive spatial experience designed to challenge and inspire.

DESIGN/SUSTAINABLE FEATURES:

• The LEED Gold CI space was certified in December 2017 and meets the 2030 Challenge for interior spaces.
• The project exceeds Title-24 by 16.8%
• The space takes full advantage of the 10-foot tall windows allowing natural light to flood the interior, providing 96% of the occupant access to daylight and views.
• An indirect/direct lighting strategy provides ambient lighting in the public areas and complements the individual LED task lights at each workstation. The lighting design reduces the space’s Lighting Power Density (LPD) by 49% from the baseline allowed by ASHRAE 90.1 which exceeds the current 2030 Challenge LPD by 96%.
• The modular furniture system is purposely flexible and has 70% recycled content. The work zone finishes of carpet tiles and acoustic ceiling tiles also have a high-recycled content.
• A unique free address system and universal work station design creates a very flexible space that allows for efficient moves and team reconfigurations.
• Low-flow urinals and efficient water closets reduce water consumption by 40%.
• Construction Waste Diversion of 75%. Construction IAQ plans, low VOC paints and products, green housekeeping practices and in-house recycling have been incorporated into the project.

C.O.T.E. | Committee on the Environment

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