Project Falcon, a global financial firm relocating to North Texas, charged Corgan with designing a corporate campus with sustainability topping its list. Primary goals included establishing a strong presence in North Texas, achieving Environmental Social Governance (ESG) and net-positive by 2030, and ultimately creating a beautifully designed, healthy environment to attract and retain up to 4,000 employees. The Commercial Studio met with stakeholders to envision the ground-up construction for the LEED Platinum project, resulting in a plan encompassing twin office towers, two parking garages with connector bridges, amenities, and outdoor spaces for employees to connect with nature.
To achieve ESG and sustainability, the design team considered direct upstream and downstream emissions, the proximity to DART Light Rail, bike lanes, and restaurants, as well as on-site renewable energy alternatives like solar and hydro to offset annual Energy Use Intensity (EUI). The recommended design utilizes solar PV canopies on the buildings and parking garages and reclaims gray water from a nearby lake for the water-cooled HVAC system. Environmental solutions include sourcing regional building and landscape materials and capturing abundant daylighting for interior spaces.
The design team honed in on several key design decisions for the exterior, creating engaging architecture and a landscape environment accentuated by the beauty of the surrounding area. Replicating ripples in a nearby lake, vertical precast concrete panels in varying widths span the building’s façade to create a rippling effect, with a curtain wall system of reflective glass to let in natural light. Connecting the 4,000-car garage to two entry points in the office towers, an open-air boardwalk element with variegated plantings provides an outdoor experience. The WELL-certified project offers scenic walking trails and outdoor terraces with elevated views of the lake for employees to gather, exercise, and eat. The well-planned design strives to promote sustainability and conserve natural resources while providing a healthy, attractive environment where employees look forward to going to work.