Clark, Ladner, Fortenbaugh & Young

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Space Design Incorporated began work on the interior design phase of this project in November 1988 following completion of Building Analysis Services and a decision by Clark, Ladner, Fortenbaugh & Young to relocate to One Commerce Square. Having designed the law firm's existing offices eight years earlier, we had seen their space needs expand to a 50,000 square foot relocation requirement, with a corresponding increase in the use of computers and related equipment. Our task in providing comprehensive Interior Architectural Design Services for the project was to achieve a solid, substantial interior styling with a plan layout and engineering design which would accommodate a state-of-the-art universal cabling scheme for this increasingly computerized work environment.

To satisfy the first requirement, a decision was made early in the project planning process to create a high-impact classic revival design evocative of stability and substance as well as of images of justice and of the legal system. Architectural elements were kept light in color, texture and finish, so that when combined with the client's preferred darker mahogany wood tones for furniture and built-in millwork, the overall effect would not become stodgy or overbearing. The main reception area is set within a twenty-eight foot diameter rotunda, complete with marble flooring, columns, a flattened-dome ceiling and an oculus. Smaller domed areas are located at the four corners on each floor serving to provide both a visual terminus and a unifying design element. White painted cornices, panel doors and sidelights, and fluted door and sidelight frames are used throughout the offices, with the fluted components echoing Clark, Ladner, Fortenbaugh & Young's pre-existing logo design, which is a stylized fluted design.

The plan was developed to provide an organized and rational response to the firm's work flow requirements, with specific attention to the usage of computers and printers. Secretarial areas are arranged in groups of two, three or five with shared printers housed in niches set within mahogany wood file walls. The custom workstation panel system incorporates the fluted trim elements utilized elsewhere and is fully electrified and pre-wired with universal communications cabling for flexibility in accommodating future technologies. Move-in was completed on schedule in November 1989, with construction costs on budget at the dollar amount of the Tenant Improvement Allowance.

Space Design Incorporated's commitment to the best of our talent, resources and experience has resulted in an esthetically pleasing and functional office environment for Clark, Ladner, Fortenbaugh & Young.