To convey its commitment to the environment, technical innovation, and emphasis on human resources, Dow Chemical asked Gensler to transform an existing office complex into the company's new Asia Pacific headquarters. The firm overhauled a pair of parallel L-shaped buildings in Shanghai's Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, using one for administrative offices and the other for research-and-development laboratories. In between, the architects redesigned a long atrium so it works as an important promenade connecting the two halves of the 100,000-square-meter headquarters. The facility also includes conference spaces, a large cafeteria, a customer innovation center, and outdoor running paths.
The primary goal of the project was to consolidate Dow's diverse business units in one place and reinforce the company's core cultural values. It brings together more than 500 engineers and scientists working on innovative solutions for the construction, transportation, energy, water, electronics and personal-care industries. More than just bringing these people together, Gensler's design enhances communication between diverse groups of Dow employees—from introverted scientists to more out-going administrators. Dow hopes that by encouraging synergy between different business groups, it can help them create products that address the market in new ways.
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