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.
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