Project Data:

Firm Name:              Gensler

Completion Date:     9/30/2017

Square Footage:      550000

Building Use:           Creative Office Campus

Location:                 Irvine, CA

Project Description:

Orange County’s Airport Area is a stimulating mix of office, industrial and retail businesses that form one of its most recognized commercial hubs. Situated in the prime office-centric city of Irvine, is The Boardwalk. The Boardwalk is a new state-of-the-art, next generation office project whose unique design will bring unmatched flexibility and connectivity to the market.

To respond to an unusually wide range of tenant types, the project employs the latest office technologies and next generation trends, such as large floor plates, unsurpassed views, intelligent above standard building power, and an unparalleled hospitality-like amenity package. The Boardwalk’s purposeful implementation of shared spaces will foster collaboration and creativity among its tenants in an environment that is both casual and relaxing, modern and sophisticated.

To address the plaguing challenge of typical office building monotony, the design and development teams sought out to redefine the future of the workplace with this project. The building design, largely made up of energy-efficient glass and steel, is comprised of two towers connected by staggered bridges that frame a vibrant courtyard. A result of extensive collaboration between the architectural team, engineers, and real estate professionals; the staggering of the bridges allows for unobstructed views and the implementation of linking “Skyparks”. These unique elevated exterior spaces allow for semi-private amenities and can become tenant specific.

A spec office building that draws increasingly sophisticated and diverse office tenants, The Boardwalk questions the traditional conventions of design, leasing, and construction. At nine levels and over 550,000 square feet, The Boardwalk offers varying floorplates and flexibility, adhering to current and future market needs and appeals to a variety of tenants. The large floor plates can be connected to provide blocks of contiguous space exceeding 60,000 square feet. The taller, more expansive floor to floor plates yield unsurpassed views of the surrounding area. Offering both highly functional indoor and outdoor space, The Boardwalk’s amenities include: onsite conference rooms, a fitness center, interactive connect lounges, a test kitchen, a boutique restaurant and a 2-acre courtyard. The courtyard, with its fully integrated A/V pavilions, blurs the lines between inside and outside work environments.

Strategic exterior planning and landscape design further infuses lifestyle into the campus, making the most of the world-class Southern California climate and offering tenants an abundance of outdoor amenity space. The 7.5-acre site is robust with native plants and water features while evoking a sense of place with various pavilions, meandering paths, and even a Zen garden. With over two acres of curated outdoor space, individuals and groups have unique opportunities to work, relax, or socialize.

As future generations choose office buildings based on lifestyle and amenities, The Boardwalk reinvents the traditional office building with an abundance of architectural innovation while employing elements of indoor-outdoor living. With a focus on lifestyle and comfort, this user-centered office campus weaves Southern California culture and lifestyle with iconic ultra-high-performance architecture and design that embodies office tenant success.

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

Download