DPR Construction: Regional Office, 1997
Size: 4,800 s.f.
Location: Sacramento, California
The Sacramento branch office of DPR afforded PWA the opportunity to showcase the skill and craftsmanship of the contractor as well as to creatively devise an integrated natural lighting system for the office. The ceiling is dominated by a north facing light monitor, which scoops natural light and distributes it into the open office area. DPR's workplace philosophy is formed around a workgroup open office environment, which facilities communications and an awareness of current office events.
Contrasting the high vault of the light monitor, the entry / receptionist area is purposefully compressed by the low ceiling. This architectural compression reduces the conversational volume when visitors enter the space. This lowered ceiling is also punctuated by a rhythm of small scallops derived from the form of the large light monitors in the open office areas.
DPR requested that their new office was to have some reference to the Art Deco period in architecture. Given the nature of DPR's business (construction) and the occasional mention of a duck-hunting weekend, the Art Deco reference evolved. Instead of a Diego Rivera Mural - an interpreted Leger mural. Instead of floral ornament, bent birch sticks, "the duck blind."
