The Story:
Occupying a prominent spot on a recently redesigned central urban plaza, BGE looked to Arris for solutions to revitalize the main entrance to its corporate headquarters. Arris’ design process centered on using 3D modeling technology to provide BGE with various concepts presented in real-time walk-through environments. The client’s first thought was to add overhead coverage for persons accessing the existing nondescript box entry vestibule. That, plus limiting the expense of the new feature, determined that a simple form integrating aspects reflective of the lobby was the most realistic avenue for solving BGE’s uncomplicated criteria. Unable to support the structure on the adjacent property, an understated aluminum clad ellipse connected to the existing steel structure of the building provided the entry protection desired while, in material and geometry, created a counterpoint to the rigid, repetitive colonnade of the 1960’s era Brutalism architecture.