A division of Snyder Communications Inc., Brann Blau was located in suburban Baltimore, MD, but desired a move downtown in order to attract a larger employee base for its growing international operations, as well as to establish a larger presence. Also, with harsh lighting and walled offices, the space Brann Blau occupied was not appropriate for the editorial, copywriting and graphics work that many employees performed. Thus, last March, Brann Blau moved to a 17,000-square-foot space on the 20th floor of Harbor Tower, an A-class building close to the city's popular Inner Harbor.

Two of the top priorities in the new space were the use of natural light and, in conjunction with that, taking complete advantage of the views around the harbor. To do this, the design team from Greenwell Goetz Architects, Washington, DC, paid particularly close attention to the location of public spaces such as corridors and conference rooms. According to Joseph Hittinger, IIDA, project leader, the main circulation paths are along exterior walls, thereby giving employees and visitors opportunities to see the same views as executives in private offices. Conference rooms are located across from the windowed exterior walls.

"These conference rooms all have storefront-like windows on the outside walls, so occupants can still see the views beyond the corridor and natural light can pass directly into the rooms," says Hittinger. "Private offices on the perimeter walls have large clerestory windows and side lights, which also allow the light to pass into the interior office space."

Located along one exterior wall on the floor are the top executives' offices. Requiring a bit more high-end design than the other private offices, these utilize the same storefront system as the conference rooms for light transmission to open work areas. To give the executives a greater degree of privacy, frosted and mirrored glass was used as well as clear glass on these walls. And while the execs and managers are along the perimeter of the space, they are in close proximity to the people they manage.

To make narrow spaces in the office appear wider, and to add a touch a fun and excitement to the overall space, the design team relied on simple geometries of design. For example, the corridor that runs along the executive offices is almost straight, but not quite. That row of windowed walls is a wide obtuse angle that alleviates the pressure of an otherwise tight corridor and adds a sense of movement along the way.

In the reception area, the grid wall behind the reception desk is canted. As it moves from behind the desk, past the waiting area and toward the main conference room, the wall gradually steps back to create the illusion of a larger space. The wall on the other side of the reception desk, which is directly opposite the elevator lobby, is curved. According to Hittinger, this wall juxtaposes other angular movements in the space. But whether an angle or a curve, the net effect is added drama without much added expense or lead time.

Thhroughout the space, Greenwell Goetz incorporated as many green initiatives as possible. From the start, the designers worked closely with the project's engineers to ensure their understanding of the green process.

During the demolition stage, steel studs, the ceiling grid and ductwork were all recycled. VAV (variable air volume) boxes, exhaust fans and insta-hot water heaters were kept for reuse. Ceiling tiles in poor condition were recycled through Armstrong's tile reclamation program, as was the old carpet, which was bundled and sent to DuPont's reclamation center.

Green initiatives during design covered everything from lights to floors. Light levels were kept low, using California Title 24 as a guide (1.6 watts per square foot), but highly reflective ceiling tiles and a light finish palette made up the difference. The ceiling tiles also were high in recycled content. For better daylight transmission and better air circulation, the partitions between work stations were kept low.

"When we met with the client about the design of the space, they wanted high walls," says Hittinger. "But we really made an effort to educate them about the advantages of lower walls, and now they're glad they went with that choice. In addition to the improved lighting and air quality, the lower walls also create a greater sense of openness."

Other examples of green design include the grid wall in the reception area. This wall is made of squares of wheat board painted with a water-based polomyx that adds texture and color. In the elevator lobby, the flooring is stained cork tiles. According to Hittinger, cork is softer under foot, absorbs sound and is a renewable resource. Linoleum was used in the file room, pantry and central computer room, and rubber flooring made from recycled tires was used in the production studio.

Throughout the space, the design team chose recycled furniture or furniture made with recycled polyester fabrics. In the conference rooms, partitions and tackable panels are wrapped in fabrics made from recycled soda bottles. Huddle, or team rooms are interspersed around the office to promote team thought and action. To furnish these rooms, Hittinger shopped used furniture stores and found everything from bean bag chairs and sleeper sofas to tables and plant stands with a retro feeling.

To better maintain air quality, a ventilation system was added especially for the art studio and spray booth, where presentation boards are pasted-up. The studio, Hittinger, notes, is visible to passing employees and clients, thus making the need to vent out the fumes all the more important. Also, zero-VOC paints and low VOC adhesives were used.

Overall, the green initiatives had a negligible effect on the project budget, and with a compressed construction schedule actually helped to bring the project in on time, says Hittinger. "Many times companies want to do as much as they can for the environment and their employees. Their greatest fears are that it will cost more money and delay the project. This job was a shining example of give and take from all team members to do the best job possible. Although we would like to have done more, we all feel good about what was done."

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