Judges' Comments
- N/A
Project Data:
Completion Date: 7/1/2016
Square Footage: 210000
Building Use: Corporate
Location: Foothill Ranch, California
Project Description:
To mark its 50th anniversary in the United States, Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA, a leading distributor of motorcycles, side x sides, Jet Ski® watercraft and ATVs, decided to relocate from Irvine, where it had operated for nearly three decades, to a new Foothill Ranch office that it would call the future home of its North American headquarters. The iconic distributor of powersports vehicles tapped the design team to fully-renovate the 210,000 square-foot facility and transform the space into an environment that exemplifies the Kawasaki brand, and increases team-member engagement and collaboration.
Since Kawasaki is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles, it sought to create a place of excitement and pride for employees and clients. To evolve the company and its culture in the new headquarters for decades to come, the team designed a space that brought the Kawasaki brand to life with large open workspaces, ample and appropriately sized meeting areas and natural light. Taking the Kawasaki motto “Let the good times roll™” one step forward, the design team also incorporated the Kawasaki museum to showcase vintage products and company memorabilia. Additional design elements pay homage to the company’s client-centric brand and high-energy persona, with all new finishes, bright green accents, an expansive ground floor and a host of environmentally-friendly additions. With a completely refaced exterior that bleeds Kawasaki, the design reinforces Kawasaki’s goals of creating an environment that cultivates engagement and collaboration.
The building features a mix of corporate offices, enhanced research and development facilities, racing and technical workshops, warehouse space and parking. The building also is equipped with a first-of-its-kind interactive training and mock dealership that unites the company and its dealer network for enhanced collaboration and communication across teams and boasts an array of lifestyle amenities – from a large eating area with food-service options to a fitness center, table tennis and yoga studio.
Kawasaki wanted a progressive space that sets the tone for the future of its North American operations, while also bringing authenticity and passion for its brand to the workspace. To meet this objective, the design team integrated Kawasaki’s products into the building’s architecture, complete with a dealer showroom that reflects the company’s deep history and racing heritage. The new building nods to Kawasaki’s best-in-tech mindset, and also includes technology-driven elements for enhanced connectivity throughout the space.
With more than 300 employees, the new headquarters celebrates team members, promotes a high-performance work environment and a community-like culture. The branded-office experience injects life to the Kawasaki brand, and creates a space that supports the company’s continued growth and expansion for years to come. The new headquarters is more than just a building – it’s now a destination that drives the heartbeat of Kawasaki’s brand, culture and the people behind it.
C.O.T.E. | Committee on the Environment
Submitted By: |
Cindy Baca |
Design Architect: |
H. Hendy Associates |
Associate Architect or Firm: |
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Landscape Architect: |
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Owner / Developer: |
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Engineer: |
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General Contractor: |
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Consultant: |
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Photographer: |
Sherman Takata |
Kawasaki
Category
Commercial Interiors