IDC Architects

A confidential computing client approached IDC Architects to lead a team in the voluntary seismic upgrade of one of its corporate office buildings on the Corvallis R&D campus. During an intense interdisciplinary design charrette based on emerging seismic engineering principles, we developed a solution that accomplished the client's goals of orienting visitors and vendors to a new campus front door, while economically providing a seismic upgrade and modernizing the facility.

Through the reconfiguration of vehicular circulation and site landscaping, we created a new "vista" to the building entry. A site entry sequence was developed and reinforced by the introduction of landscape wall elements, new plantings, and the creation of a paved entry plaza. This sequence of planning elements culminates at a dynamic new building entry/lobby.

Leaving the corporate office building envelope as a relatively unadorned "background," a two-story-high glazed lobby addition—back-lit by the translucent glazed stair beyond—creates a bold entry lantern. A stone-clad wall pierces the glazed lobby and directs visitors to the entry while creating a secluded view garden visible from the lobby but only accessible to the client's employees and their special guests.

For the seismic upgrade, we used new unbonded "K" braces, resulting in half the number of previous seismic solutions and thereby greatly reducing construction costs. The expressive "K" brace also provides a modern aesthetic that unifies the overall project. This latest upgrade to this client's Corvallis campus reflects a fresh design aesthetic based on the strengths and character of the existing buildings.