FX Awards 2018 Winners
Workspace Environment Large (over 40,000 sq ft)
Winner Uber Advanced Technology Group R&D Center by Marcy Wong Donn Logan Architects
Image Credit: Billy Hustace
Sponsored by Future Designs
Uber Advanced Technology Group is a self-driving technologies engineering team whose R&D Center is housed within historic Pier 70 in San Francisco. The Center’s four massive buildings, constructed between 1885 and 1937 for ship repair, now extend the site’s legacy of transportation endeavours into the 21st century.
Challenges of upgrading physically deteriorating and seismically deficient historic landmark edifices for a modern company, are both technical and architectural. The insertion of mezzanines, bridges and stairs preserves the historic perimeter brick walls and is integral to the seismic upgrading strategy.
Precision craftsmanship is required to both refurbish deteriorated existing construction and accommodate new building components into the highly irregular existing structures. Demising large industrial spaces with steel and transparent glass walls preserve the spatial character of the cavernous industrial building while separating tenants, while conference rooms and other programmed functions are new freestanding elements within the large volumes.
Lab, shop and kitchen spaces are located under mezzanines to control noise, temperature and dust.
The judges said...
‘Light-handed intervention into the incredible existing space, allowing it to ‘sing’’
Finalists & Judges’ Comments
Uber EMEA Headquarters by Assembly / CannonDesign
‘Seismic and spectacular upgrading within a historic building’
One Angel Square by BDP
‘Attention to detail reflects modern work practices’
Adobe by Gensler
‘Truly flexible space for all’
Microsoft Ireland by Gensler
‘Campus that creates multiple workstyles’
NVIDIA Headquarters by Gensler
‘Beautifully precise, great light details define the space’
Havas UK by MCM Architecture
‘Strong concept, presented clearly and delivered with integrity’
Evolution Gaming HQ by Neoklasika
‘Looks a great fun environment’
Boden Head Office by Spacelab
‘Wonderful transformation’
The Ministry by Squire and Partners
‘Captures the rawness and values of the nightclub within a working space’
Blend by Studio O+A
‘Beautiful insertions create softness with materiality and colour'
