Project Name/Client: Fluor Headquarters
Design Firm: Gensler
Location: Irving, TX
Products: Shatter, Break, Diamonds

Challenge:
To complete a project within a short timeframe while adhering to firm sustainability guidelines. From site details down to the interior finishes, the design team focused on achieving LEED certification within the timeframe outlined by the client.

Solution:
Gensler sought an “inside out – outside in” design approach to incorporate the sustainable elements of the project. Through emphasis on day lighting, natural views, an open office environment and environmentally sustainable products, the Fluor staff’s well being was a top priority for the design team. The signature feature of the dynamic 55-foot high light-filled atrium with cantilevered balconies is a wood clad dining room, which seems to float 40 feet in the air. The total design exceeded the client's goals to create a series of spaces that create an open and diverse environment with increased opportunities for collaboration.  

Design Is . . . collaborative and pragmatic, satisfying the functional requirements of the Flour Corporation headquarters in Irving.

What is Design?
Design for us is both an art and craft. Our work is pragmatic, satisfying functional requirements. At the same time, it makes a significant contribution toward enriching the human spirit. Our most successful work is collaborative, drawing the best from each participant in order to achieve each project’s unique potential.

Our work adds value well in excess of the cost of our services. We create value in two ways: by carefully selecting appropriate materials and systems that accomplish project goals at the lowest overall cost and by enhancing the performance of our clients’ enterprises through design.

Our work contributes to the well-being of our clients, our communities and the planet. We are committed to enhancing life and preserving the natural resources that sustain it.

How is Design best illustrated through the project?
A true “inside out–outside in” design approach was integrated with a sustainable response. The well being of the staff was a driver from the client. The use of increased day lighting, connection to views, open office environment and environmentally friendly products, drove an aesthetic solution, as well as meeting sustainable messages. Even the inclusion of a green housekeeping program was designed and promoted to meet the clients goals.

In addition, Gensler demonstrated it’s graphic and messaging capabilities through the creation of a History Walk depicting the Fluor story. The graphically rich History Walk running from the parking garage to the building is a means to reinforce Fluor’s global messages to employees daily.

Biggest Design Challenge?
The schedule posed the greatest challenge to the team. Due to the expedited schedule to complete the project in 9 months, the notion of creating a sustainable project was not ever lessened. We started with a strong commitment to sustainability from the site to the interior finishes. Keeping all parties involved in the project to adhere to the qualities and values of a LEED certified project, was a time consuming, and a critical undertaking. Education to all team members, at the beginning of the project, was the key to the success.

What made it Innovative or Unique?
The 132,000 sf building is divided into two wings by a dynamic three-story light-filled 55-foot high atrium with cantilevered balconies and a wood clad dining room, which seems to float 40 feet in the air.

The History Walk provides the visual link from the Office Building to the Amenities Building and terminating at the parking garage.

Keeping with the sustainable effort, the design team incorporated design strategies which included energy star rated equipment, energy efficient curtain wall and overall water reduction.

The total design exceeded the client’s goals to create a series of spaces that create an open and diverse environment with increased opportunities for collaboration. Incorporating the regionalization of a California firm into Texas through use of local materials, textures and colors reminiscent of native flora and fauna.

How did Design make a difference?
Creating a sustainable design for the headquarters was fully aligned with Fluor’s global message. We identified design strategies, key products and environmental /mechanical systems offering the greatest client savings, while maintaining the intended design direction for the project through the use of local materials, textures and colors reminiscent of native flora and fauna, provided the cohesive bridge for the project.

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