GlaxoSmithKline officially opened its new double LEED Platinum certified facility in Philadelphia’s Navy Yard Corporate Center earlier today, ushering in a new era of how people work in Philadelphia. Employees, families and friends celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony with GSK President of North America Pharmaceuticals Deirdre Connelly, Liberty Property Trust Chief Executive Officer Bill Hankowsky, Synterra Partners Principal Bill Wilson, design architect Robert A.M. Stern, workplace strategist and interior architect Francis Cauffman Principal John Campbell and Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter.
“Our new work space is designed to inspire and connect people,” says Deirdre Connelly, President, North America Pharmaceuticals, GSK. “My teammates and I are energized by this new environment, where we can do our best work and collaborate without the constraints of office walls.”
The 208,000 square foot building at Five Crescent Drive represents an $80 million investment by Liberty Property/Synterra, and an investment of approximately $70 million by GSK. GSK has signed a 15.5-year lease at the building, which includes a four-story central atrium, a monumental stairway, a coffee shop, cafeteria, fitness center, meeting centers and a large multi-purpose room.
“GSK’s new facility reflects the reality of The Navy Yard: it is a Philadelphia magnet for creative, forward-looking companies,” said Bill Hankowsky, Chief Executive Officer, Liberty Property Trust. “Innovation and growth are now synonymous with this dynamic environment.”
Photo: Francis Dzikowski / Esto for Robert A.M. Stern Architects, LLP
The four-story, glass-encased building with an open floor plan and grand central staircase has been awarded both Core & Shell™ and Commercial Interiors™ LEED® Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. It is the first double LEED® Platinum building in Philadelphia. It is anticipated that the innovative building systems will save as much as 30% of energy use when compared to a traditional building.
These substantial energy savings are the result of the state-of-the-art building façade and high-performance glass which maximize daylight in winter while reducing heat gain and providing shading in summer. ENERGY STAR-rated lighting and equipment, as well as an astronomical time clock and cloud sensor program, activate the automatic shades on windows to control glare. In addition smart meters track and monitor the building’s energy and water use and provide ongoing accountability for utility consumption and performance.
Photo: Francis Dzikowski / Esto for Robert A.M. Stern Architects, LLP
“It was GSK’s commitment to Philadelphia that put The Navy Yard well over the 10,000 employee mark,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “Just 18 months ago we stood here to break ground on this project, and I am thrilled to be here today to celebrate the grand opening of one of the most innovative, healthy, and green work spaces in the US.
Sweeping views of Philadelphia are accessible from nearly 90% of the workspaces. In the office-less layout, employees are located in “neighborhoods” and can work in a variety of settings throughout the day. These include custom-designed sit-to-stand workstations, team tables, meeting areas, social areas with soft seating, and quiet rooms.
“Francis Cauffman is very excited to see employees working and interacting throughout the entire building, and to hear the highly positive employee response to their new workplace,” said John B. Campbell, LEED AP, AIA, RIBA, Principal-in-Charge of Workplace Strategies at Francis Cauffman. “By creating an open and healthy workplace environment focused on providing the right physical and IT tools with a wide variety of work settings throughout the building, the new workplace has transformed the level of energy, engagement and connectivity across the organization.”
Photo: Eric Laignel for Francis Cauffman
Daily service to and from Center City via The Navy Yard Express Shuttle along with plentiful parking and key amenities, such as parks with Wi-Fi access and recreational activities and the soon-to-be-completed Courtyard by Marriott, a flagship property with an upscale bar and restaurant, attract employees to a unique and vibrant setting.
Innovation and sustainability from top to bottom
Whether one starts on the top of the building, which offers a green rooftop, or at the front door apron which features Five Standards (Dazzle), a Mural Arts Program commissioned piece of public art by Virgil Marti, GlaxoSmithKline at The Navy Yard delivers excitement and energy. The five 16’ x 7’ foot steel and mirror polished stainless steel sculptures resemble looking glasses; their design fitting seamlessly along the GSK facade, which appears as a large transparent ship docked at Five Crescent Drive.
The roof is covered 40% with vegetation and an herb garden provides many benefits including: reducing energy costs by providing natural insulation; absorbing storm water reducing the burden on the public storm water system; offering a beautiful space for events and meetings; and providing additional workspace for employees. High-efficiency, low-flow plumbing fixtures are expected to reduce water use by as much as 50% as compared to a traditional building, which will save an estimated 1.8 million gallons of water per year.?
The building’s ventilation system provides 30% more fresh air than required by code and monitored by carbon dioxide sensors installed at high-density spaces which increase the amount of fresh air in those spaces as carbon dioxide levels increase. The GSK facility and its grounds have been designated as a non-smoking site.?
For more about the building, visit http://us.gsk.com/html/media-news/navy-yard-press-kit.html.
Photo: Francis Dzikowski / Esto for Robert A.M. Stern Architects, LLP
Photo: Francis Dzikowski / Esto for Robert A.M. Stern Architects, LLP
Photo: Eric Laignel for Francis Cauffman
Photo: Eric Laignel for Francis Cauffman
Related Stories
Building Team | May 9, 2022
Cincinnati’s Andrew J Brady Music Center transforms the city’s riverfront
In Cincinnati, Ohio, the Andrew J Brady Music Center aims to connect audiences with live music while transforming Cincinnati’s riverfront.
Sponsored | Multifamily Housing | May 8, 2022
Choosing the right paver system for rooftop amenity spaces
This AIA course by Hoffmann Architects offers best practices for choosing the right paver system for rooftop amenity spaces in multifamily buildings.
Market Data | May 6, 2022
Nonresidential construction spending down 1% in March
National nonresidential construction spending was down 0.8% in March, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Building Team | May 6, 2022
Atlanta’s largest adaptive reuse project features cross laminated timber
Global real estate investment and management firm Jamestown recently started construction on more than 700,000 sf of new live, work, and shop space at Ponce City Market.
Sponsored | BD+C University Course | May 5, 2022
Designing with architectural insulated metal wall panels
Insulated metal wall panels (IMPs) offer a sleek, modern, and lightweight envelope system that is highly customizable. This continuing education course explores the characteristics of insulated metal wall panels, including how they can offer a six-in-one design solution. Discussions also include design options, installation processes, code compliance, sustainability, and available warranties.
Higher Education | May 5, 2022
To keep pace with demand, higher ed will have to add 45,000 beds by year-end
The higher education residential sector will have to add 45,000 beds by the end of 2022 to keep pace with demand, according to a report by Humphreys & Partners Architects.
Multifamily Housing | May 5, 2022
An Austin firm touts design and communal spaces in its student housing projects
Rhode Partners has multiple towers in various development stages.
Legislation | May 4, 2022
Washington is first state to mandate all-electric heat for new large buildings
Washington recently became the first state to require all electric heat for new buildings.
Building Team | May 4, 2022
Mancini Acquires Gertler & Wente Architects, Expanding the Firm's Opportunities in New Market Sectors
National design firm Mancini Duffy - with a 100+-year-old history and tech-forward approach based in New York City - announces the acquisition of Gertler & Wente Architects to further expand its footprint in the healthcare, multi-family residential, restoration, institutional, and religious sectors.
Contractors | May 4, 2022
CFC Construction names Pat Smith president
CFC Construction is proud to announce that Pat Smith has been promoted to President of the Colorado-based general contractor.