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
Architects | Mar 11, 2016
AIA survey finds many women and minority architects still feeling underrepresented and unfulfilled
Dissatisfaction with “work-life balance” and compensation are cited as reasons why companies’ diversity strategies may be faltering.
University Buildings | Mar 11, 2016
How architects can help community colleges promote community on campus
Even in the face of funding challenges and historic precedent, there are emerging examples of how partnership between two-year academic institutions and designers can further elevate community on campus. CannonDesign's Carisima Koenig has a few key examples.
Architects | Mar 10, 2016
Value engineering: How to manage the process and limit the risk of VE
AEC consultant Steve Whitehorn shares several ways in which architects can be more effective managers of value-engineered change.
Architects | Mar 9, 2016
Two Houston firms merge to form Method Architecture
In mid-2016, Architects-Plus and Three Square Design Group will join to make a studio that will design industrial centers, corporate interiors, breweries, and more.
Hotel Facilities | Mar 7, 2016
Exclusive villas and spa in China will be built at the center of a lake
The only connection between the complex and the mainland will be a narrow pedestrian bridge.
Office Buildings | Mar 2, 2016
HDR redesigns Twin Cities' studio to have coffee shop vibe
With open spaces, huddle rooms, and a design lab, the firm's new digs are drastically different than the old studio, which felt like working in a law office. Design Principal Mike Rodriguez highlights HDR's renovation plan.
Architects | Feb 25, 2016
12 architects selected for 2016 AIA Young Architects Award
Winners include Amy Kalar and Karen Lu, both with HGA, BNIM's Carey Nagle, and MSR Design's Bob Ganser.
Architects | Feb 24, 2016
Is the booming freelance economy a threat to AEC firms?
By shifting the work (and revenue) to freelancers, “platform capitalism” startups have taken considerable market share from traditional businesses.
Industry Research | Feb 22, 2016
8 of the most interesting trends from Gensler’s Design Forecast 2016
Technology is running wild in Gensler’s 2016 forecast, as things like virtual reality, "smart" buildings and products, and fully connected online and offline worlds are making their presence felt throughout many of the future's top trends.
Market Data | Feb 17, 2016
AIA reports slight contraction in Architecture Billings Index
Multifamily residential sector improving after sluggish 2015.