Client: IMM

Overview

Digital advertising agency IMM relocated from downtown Boulder to 30,000 square feet of office space in Flatiron Park. The challenge was to create a unique office environment that would excite their employees, since they were being moved from their outgrown downtown location. Unique features include the statement millwork “object”, called the Analog Room, off the main entry, and smart planning of collaboration zones which provide employees efficient standing work spaces. Large windows, skylights and garage doors were added to maximize daylight and biophilic design (indoor planting) adds to the owner’s goal of increasing the indoor air quality.

Goals

Our design strategy for IMM, a digital advertising agency located in Boulder, Colorado, focused on three main considerations: revitalization, productivity, and identity. Our goal was to create a space for IMM that was not only unique, but supported their staff and exuded their professional yet playful persona. Because the physical location was in an a-typical office environment (existing warehouse), it was identified early that a critical measure of success would be to integrate impactful design features. A bold art mural was commissioned at the building entry to offset a bland building context and establish the first connection with company identity. Transformation of the interior environment was conceived through conceptual iterations of form and function and highlighted by the creation of “The Analog Room”. This sculptural piece of millwork is the primary feature when one enters the space, and provides a crafted environment for employees in the digital media world. Both of these designs can be considered “landmark forms” for IMM and are highly recognized and experiential elements, and fully embody our initial goals and design considerations.

Process

The process for the Analog Room began as an extremely challenging vision that required input from all trades early in the design process. The concept began as sketches, imagery, and conceptual 3D modeling and required collaborative strategizing between the team on how to evolve our design from concept to reality. As the project proceeded, we relied heavily on the millworker, our artist, to work with us to ensure the design, execution, materials, and construction embodied the design intents. Simultaneously, ongoing conversations regarding keeping budget and schedule in line occurred between the Architect, GC, client, and millworker. Compromises on components of the design such as materiality and certain small details did occur during this process in order to meet the aforementioned criteria but the critical elements and goals of the design were maintained and the finished product showcases a successful collaboration between all stakeholders.