Discovery Communications' 880,000 square-foot headquarters was designed to showcase the client's cutting-edge work culture and a product philosophy committed to exploration, lifelong learning and community involvement. Clark was selected as both the base-building and interior fit-out general contractor for the new headquarters facility that helped revitalize the Silver Spring neighborhood.
The Discovery Communications Headquarters is set on a 4.5 acre lot, the headquarters features a full-height glass and stainless steel multi-level lobby, 17 conference rooms, offices, and theaters, as well as a 320,000-square-foot parking structure.
The facility incorporates state-of-the art technology, communications and security systems throughout. A screening room has high definition video capability, and an executive board room/conference center features 60-inch plasma screens with surround sound and video-conferencing capability. A multipurpose area has three distinct rooms with vertically folding acoustical panel room dividers. Each of these rooms has state-of-the-art video projection capability. All 17 conference rooms have plasma display screens and stereo surround sound. Other high-tech features include a video display wall in the main lobby, comprised of 16 television monitors making up one image.
The project is a significant element in the redevelopment of the Silver Spring neighborhood, located outside of Washington, D.C. Design for the headquarters emphasizes the structure as the major gateway for downtown Silver Spring, as well as a center for community life. The façade, configured in an L shape, fronts two main public thoroughfares. A public green space and plaza link the headquarters to the surrounding neighborhood.