IDC Architects

Challenge

Nike envisioned a new factory in Vietnam as a model of best manufacturing practices in Asia, blending lean manufacturing techniques with sustainable building practices. Nike's goal was to attract, train, and retain the best management and skilled labor force talent in Vietnam, setting a best-practices example for footwear manufacturing in Asia.

Investigation

Working with the factory's owner/operator, Chang Shin Co Ltd., Nike imagined a manufacturing facility that would improve the workers' comfort and productivity. Nike turned to our senior designers to evaluate and recommend changes and improvements to its planned "standard" factory. The international project team combined onsite observation and traditional regional design practices with IDC Architects' multidiscipline design evaluation process, including airflow/daylight modeling techniques. We drew from the expertise of architects, engineers, and technologists from across the CH2M HILL enterprise to produce a report outlining design concepts, recommendations, and improvements for the creation of a "model" sustainable factory supportive of Nike's goals.

Chang Shin welcomed our recommendations as a "challenge" and sought to incorporate as many as possible in this landmark facility. We were subsequently engaged by Chang Shin directly to advise the company on specific means and methods for executing our recommendations.

Solution

As a result of exploring these sustainable design strategies, we were able to incorporate into the final factory design features and practices that catered to staff comfort and general health and well-being. A beacon of sustainable practices in manufacturing, the Nike factory reduces its environmental footprint while increasing economic performance. Balancing environmental, economic, and social objectives is possible and even achievable, as this facility demonstrates.