Design firm wins communications awards in marketing collateral and holiday video categories
BOSTON – June 13, 2018 – Margulies Perruzzi Architects (MPA), one of New England’s most innovative architectural and interior design firms, today announced that the firm was honored with two 2018 Communications Awards from the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Boston Chapter. MPA achieved the second place honor in the Marketing Collateral category for an inventive multi-media project pursuit and the first place honor in the Holiday Piece/Digital category for its 2017 holiday video entitled “Choose Your Own MPA-dventure!”
“Our creative marketing team has once again demonstrated the firm’s extraordinary design capabilities as well as what makes MPA a great place to work,” said Marc Margulies, FAIA, LEED AP, principal and senior partner at Margulies Perruzzi Architects. “We are humbled to have our peers acknowledge our marketing ingenuity with these awards.”
Both marketing initiatives were spearheaded by MPA’s internal marketing staff, Stephanie Tyll, marketing manager, and Jennifer Ragan, marketing content manager. The project pursuit video was edited by Seth Bender, and the 2017 holiday video was produced by Good Life Productions.
Marketing Collateral: Project Pursuit
When placed on a competitive RFP list to design a headquarters project in Boston, MPA created an attention-grabbing proposal to demonstrate its commitment to workplace innovation and determination to push the boundaries of design. Project team members created a full floor plan and fly-through, while the marketing team recorded footage of the team and worked with a video editor to create a “Welcome to Boston!” introductory video, formatted for a custom video folder that would automatically play the video upon being opened. The video folder, along with other marketing components featuring brand elements and documentation to reinforce MPA’s position as workplace strategy experts, were packaged in a stylish silver presentation box and hand-delivered to the client.
The engaging video folder led to MPA’s selection to provide architecture and interior design services for the project.
The Marketing Collateral category recognizes print or electronic marketing collateral, including proposal layout redesign. The jury found MPA’s marketing collateral, which was designed to appeal to a specific prospective client, to be “creative, fun and worth a project win” and an “awesome submission and great collateral.”
Holiday Piece/Digital: MPA’s 2017 Holiday Video “Choose Your Own MPA-dventure!”
The holiday video is MPA’s annual signature piece, a stand-out marketing tool that humanizes and differentiates the firm and its staff within the competitive Boston marketplace. MPA sought to incorporate a message of giving and caring with its 2017 holiday video theme, “Choose Your Own MPA-dventure!” The video featured multiple story paths and successfully expressed both MPA’s fun-loving culture and its caring, philanthropic spirit. Each story path ending revealed that MPA was making a charitable donation to Heading Home, an organization that provides emergency, transitional, and permanent housing and support services to low-income homeless and formerly homeless families and individuals in the Greater Boston area. The video invited viewers to make a donation as well.
The entire firm participated in the planning, production, and distribution of the video, including sending personal emails to 2,724 past, present, and potential clients and colleagues; an e-blast to 3,946 contacts; and a series of social media posts (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) to MPA’s various followers. The responses received from clients and industry partners were overwhelming in their positivity and holiday spirit, and the video received high engagement rates and social media impressions.
The Holiday Piece/Digital category recognizes a one-time piece produced for a specific holiday. MPA’s 2017 holiday video may be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ4FYPtut5I. The jury “loved the concept, very innovative” and noted the video’s “solid results.”
MPA has received numerous past awards from SMPS Boston and SMPS National, including honors for an integrated marketing campaign, target market pieces, alternative media, a special event, and several holiday videos. In total, MPA has won 12 SMPS Boston awards and three national awards since 2007.
About Margulies Perruzzi Architects
As one of New England’s top architectural and interior design firms, Margulies Perruzzi Architects (MPA) designs Workplace, Health+Science, and Real Estate projects that inspire and nurture human endeavor. More information may be found at www.mp-architects.com.
Media Contact:
Michele Spiewak
Rhino PR
617.851.2618
MPArchitects@rhinopr.com
Margulies Perruzzi Architects and Gilbane Building Company lead project team for PTC’s cutting-edge workplace design
BOSTON – May 8, 2018 – The Boston office of Cresa, the world’s largest tenant-only commercial real estate firm, announced today that key project team members have been selected for the interior fit-out of the new global headquarters at 121 Seaport Boulevard in Boston’s Seaport District for PTC, a global provider of technology that transforms how companies design, manufacture, operate and service things in a smart connected world. In addition to lease negotiation, transaction management, and workplace strategy, Cresa’s project management team will oversee the buildout and relocation to PTC’s new global headquarters.
Margulies Perruzzi Architects was selected to provide architectural and interior design services for PTC’s transformational and technology-rich new workplace, and Gilbane Building Company was named construction manager for the 250,000 SF interior fit-out. To assist PTC and the design team with evaluating the most appropriate workplace management technology in an industry known for lightning-speed evolution, the MIT Center for Real Estate (MIT/CRE) was engaged as a research collaborator in the use of disruptive technologies.
“We are thrilled to have such a forward-thinking project team dedicated to advancing workplace design strategies for our new global headquarters,” said Eric Snow, senior vice president, corporate marketing, PTC. “Cresa took the time to understand our needs, expectations, and concerns, and provided us with a locally sourced and innovative project team. We feel confident that these collaborative and enthusiastic design experts will deliver a vibrant headquarters, and we look forward to welcoming employees, customers, and partners from around the world to our new space.”
PTC’s relocation of its headquarters from Needham, Mass. to downtown Boston is a key part of its business transformation. The new headquarters will enhance PTC’s ability to attract and retain the talent required to maintain the company’s technology leadership position and will serve as a premier destination for visitors seeking to experience PTC technologies hands-on. As part of the design of a new physical work environment, PTC recognized the opportunity to meld its role as an innovator in software for product design, IoT, and Augmented Reality (AR) to make its headquarters a global model for excellence in the use of workplace technology.
In order to best research, implement, and evaluate the use of workplace technology, PTC and the design team will collaborate with MIT/CRE on the technology aspects of the project. With a strong background in understanding disruptive technologies, MIT/CRE is well-positioned to help facilitate a conversation about the goals, opportunities, challenges, and processes for a variety of potential technological directions. After a collaborative team process, MIT/CRE provided recommendations and a roadmap for researching disruptive technologies to incorporate into PTC’s state-of-the-art headquarters.
Developed by Skanska Development, one of the world’s leading project development and construction groups, and designed by Boston-based CBT Architects, 121 Seaport is a 17-story, 400,000 SF, Class A elliptical-shaped glass office building now under construction in Boston’s Innovation District. PTC will occupy the building’s top nine floors with direct access to the rooftop terrace from the top floor and access to a common area with outdoor deck on the third floor. A design highlight of PTC’s new headquarters includes its Customer Experience Center (CXC), an interactive showcase of PTC’s industrial innovation platform and related solutions. PTC is expected to house approximately 1,000 of the company’s 6,000 worldwide employees at 121 Seaport.
Bala Consulting Engineers is providing mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection engineering plus tele, data, and security services for PTC’s new global headquarters, in addition to serving as the core and shell engineer for the entire 121 Seaport building. The project team also includes McNamara Salvia for structural engineering and CRJA-IBI Group for landscape design of PTC’s rooftop terrace. The project is expected to be complete in early 2019 and is targeting LEED Gold.
About Cresa
Cresa is the world’s largest tenant-only commercial real estate firm. By representing only one party – the tenant – Cresa avoids inherent conflicts of interest and provides conflict-free advice to clients. The firm leverages its expertise, market insight and years of experience to give clients leverage with the landlord. Cresa applies strategic solutions that reduce costs, improve operations and enhance the performance of a client’s workforce. Integrated services cover every aspect of a real estate transaction from site selection and financing to project management and relocation services. Cresa offers clients customized solutions with more than 60 offices in 75 markets worldwide. For more information about Cresa Boston, visit https://www.cresa.com/boston.
Media Contact
Susan Shelby, FSMPS, CPSM
Rhino PR for Cresa Boston
cresaboston@rhinopr.com
978.985.4541
100 Crossing Blvd. renovated into modern, amenity-rich office building
BOSTON – May 8, 2018 – Margulies Perruzzi Architects (MPA), one of New England’s most innovative architectural and interior design firms, announced today that it has completed the design and renovation of 100 Crossing Blvd. in Framingham, Mass. for National Development, one of New England’s largest development companies. National Development engaged MPA to provide space planning and interior design services to reposition the 100,000 SF office building to meet the demands of today’s office tenants.
Built in 1997, the three-story 100 Crossing Blvd. required an updated look and modern amenities to reposition it as a high-quality, amenity-rich building. To create an open and brighter space upon entry, MPA redesigned the two-story lobby with new lighting, flooring, and glass handrails along the stair and mezzanine. Artwork and casual seating provide an intimate lobby nook for conversation along the window line. The updated ground floor includes a new food service area with seating, a 1,525 SF conference center, and a fitness center with locker rooms. A re-designed landscaped front walk with new plantings and an outdoor patio with seasonal seating enhance the exterior main entrance for both tenants and visitors.
To offer tenants a fresh and exciting food selection in the new cafeteria, National Development partnered with Fooda to provide a diverse mix of lunch choices from highly-rated local restaurants.
“MPA recognizes what tenants require in order to attract great talent and retain key employees, and their design for 100 Crossing Blvd. really transformed a dated office building into a bright building with appealing amenities,” said William Kennedy, asset manager at National Development. “Based on our previous experience working with MPA, they understand our commitment to providing highly attractive workspaces for tenants looking to offer their employees areas to eat, gather, recharge and connect. With its updated look and amenities, we feel confident that 100 Crossing Blvd. will appeal to a wide array of tenants.”
Cranshaw Construction served as construction manager for the project, and AHA Consulting Engineers provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering services. The project team also included Daigle Engineers, Inc. as structural engineer and Hawk Design, Inc. as landscape architect.
About Margulies Perruzzi Architects
As one of New England’s top architectural and interior design firms, Margulies Perruzzi Architects (MPA) designs Workplace, Health+Science, and Real Estate projects that inspire and nurture human endeavor. More information may be found at www.mp-architects.com.
Media Contact:
Michele Spiewak
Rhino PR
617.851.2618
MPArchitects@rhinopr.com
Photo by Gregg Shuppe
Originally published in High-Profile Monthly. By John Fowler, AIA, EDAC, LEED AP, associate principal at Margulies Perruzzi Architects
BOSTON – January 26, 2018 – Transparency and privacy considerations are inherent to most workplace environments, especially those with an open office layout. Healthcare and science projects pose further challenges, as such spaces often have stricter requirements regarding confidentiality and proprietary information. While research and development teams rely on a high degree of collaboration, there is also the need for security and privacy, even internally between departments. Thoughtful design can strike the right balance for transparency and privacy in busy healthcare and science workplace environments.
Acoustical considerations
It’s important to understand all the acoustical requirements involved in a project, as well as take the needs of end users into consideration. Designing walls and ceilings to their respective specifications — sound transmission classification (STC) and noise reduction coefficient (NRC) ratings —may not be sufficient for the purpose of the space.
Sound masking adds background noise to reduce distractions and protect privacy and can be useful when used appropriately; however, it is often misused to cover up sound that can be reduced with active noise control. Before utilizing sound masking, it is recommended to look at the acoustical design and try to correct any areas of deficiency. Electrical outlets, doors, and end wall conditions with exterior glazing are some of the usual suspects that contribute to sound leakage. For projects with complex acoustical conditions, consider hiring an acoustical consultant and/or building mock-ups and testing of the design concept.
In addition to HIPAA privacy law requirements and mandated acoustical guidelines for healthcare projects, there are further privacy concerns to be addressed for specific clinical programs. For a recent project with behavioral consult rooms, the project team designed and built a mock-up consult room to evaluate the acoustics for noise control and speech privacy. The client clinicians noticed that although words were not discernible between spaces, emotional vocalization (laughter and crying) was clearly detectable in the mock-up design. In behavioral health environments, the free expression of emotion is entirely encouraged and speech privacy of the spaces need to support that philosophy. The mock-up led the design team to consider additional acoustical measures that went beyond the guidelines and standard best practices.
Transparency and visual connection
Glass walls can create literal transparency that fosters an open and inviting atmosphere, as well as provide exterior views, natural light distribution, and connection between adjoining spaces. Of course, glass also creates visual privacy challenges. There are several methods to address privacy concerns with the use of interior glass. Clerestory windows that start above eye level can help distribute natural light and offer views to the exterior when there is no desire to have transparency between adjoining spaces.
When there is a desire for full-height glass, art glass or films can be used to change the levels of transparency. There is a plethora of options available for glass treatments, including frosted glass or patterned effects that transition between varying levels of transparency. Glass options can also combine frosting with custom patterns to achieve a certain look or incorporate brand identity. Glass treatments offer a lot of flexibility for balancing transparency with privacy while still transferring light.
Shades and blinds allow users to change the wall condition completely at will and also can be specified with a wide variety of finishes and levels of opacity. In healthcare spaces requiring higher levels of infectious control as well as manufacturing clean rooms with stringent requirements, blinds can be placed between two pieces of glass to eliminate the dust control issues with shades and blinds.
Another option gaining popularity is smart glass, which can transform from clear to opaque (frosted) with the flick of a switch. There are also smart films that can be applied to existing glass and microscopic blinds that are nearly invisible when open and create a frosted appearance when closed. In addition to the up-front costs of smart glass, maintenance and life cycle costs need to be considered.
Many of the visual screening techniques create a blurred effect that will conceal identities but still allow some light and connection between spaces. Another aspect to consider is that motion may still be noticeable, and that is not always desirable. The motion of blurred figures behind frosted glass or nearly opaque shades can sometimes be a distraction to researchers, clinicians, or patients.
Acoustic and visual considerations often go hand in hand and can create contradictory project requirements. In a cancer center infusion space, clinicians required direct visual observation of each patient from a shared work space but wanted their conversations in the space to be private. The design of the wood and glass work area provided enough acoustical privacy and made the clinicians seem accessible to patients without creating a fish bowl effect. Wood finishes and natural color schemes can also help to soften the cold and hard feeling sometimes associated with glass.
In health and science projects, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to balancing transparency with acoustical and visual privacy. Designers need to look at the specific needs of each client and use several acoustical strategies for individual spaces within the project.
Originally published in Banker & Tradesman.
Boston – January 8, 2018 – Each week, Banker & Tradesman commercial real estate reporter Steve Adams spotlights a commercial real estate property in Massachusetts notable for its high deal activity, unique design or one-of-a-kind special features.
What: Boston Scientific Global Customer Fulfillment Center
Where: Commander Shea Boulevard, Quincy
Owner: Boston Scientific Corp.
Built: 1970
-Boston Scientific Corp. has completed its 694,000-square-foot customer fulfillment center designed by Margulies Perruzzi Architects in Quincy’s Squantum peninsula.
-The facility modernizes and expands Boston Scientific’s logistics and distribution functions.
-Boston Scientific has since 1997 located its call center and distribution center operations in the north building of the base warehouse complex. “The new customer fulfillment facility consolidate Boston Scientific operational and distribution functions into the south building on the site. More than half of the company’s global product manufacturing, including medical device products such as cardiac stents, will move through the 24-hour customer fulfillment facility.
-The 64,000 square feet of open office space includes a mix of workstations and glass-fronted offices, supported by town squares, breakout cafes, training spaces and a variety of meeting rooms.
They said it:
“This modern and energy-efficient building is part of a multi-phased approach to bring our global facilities in line with the company’s evolution and business goals. Since collaboration on the design and workplace strategy of our new global headquarters in Marlborough, MPA has been a vital partner in evaluating real estate choices and advising our global real estate and facilities team.” -Marc Margulies, principal and senior partner, Margulies Perruzzi Architects
Modern 694,000 SF facility part of multi-phased approach to global facilities master plan.
Boston – December 15, 2017 – Margulies Perruzzi Architects (MPA), one of Boston’s most innovative architectural and interior design firms, announced today the completion of a new, 694,000 SF global customer fulfillment center for Boston Scientific Corporation, a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices. Located on Squantum Point in Quincy, Mass., the state-of-the-art facility expands and modernizes the company’s logistics and distribution functions, and aligns with the goals of the company’s Global Facilities Master Plan. Boston Scientific selected MPA to design the interior fit-out and building envelope renovations for this sustainably designed building, which was completed in September 2017.
“As worldwide demand for medical devices grows, the expansion and modernization of our global logistics center is an important milestone,” said Paul Donhauser, vice president of global real estate, facilities operations, and environment, health and safety at Boston Scientific. “This modern and energy-efficient building is part of a multi-phased approach to bring our global facilities in line with the company’s evolution and business goals. Since collaborating on the design and workplace strategy of our new global headquarters in Marlborough, MPA has been a vital partner in evaluating real estate choices and advising our global real estate and facilities team.”
Since 1997, Boston Scientific has located its call center and distribution center operations in the north building of the vast warehouse complex on Quincy’s Squantum Point. Situated on the Neponset River and visible from Interstate 93 on approach to Boston, the new customer fulfillment facility consolidates Boston Scientific operational and distribution functions into the south building on the site. More than half of the company’s global product manufacturing, including medical device products such as life-saving stents, will move through the 24-hour customer fulfillment facility.
“Boston Scientific has shown its unwavering commitment to sustainable and efficient facilities and innovative workplace design, and we are thrilled to collaborate with them again on this new global customer fulfillment center,” said Marc Margulies, FAIA, LEED AP, principal and senior partner at Margulies Perruzzi Architects. “While MPA’s design transformed an antiquated warehouse building into an attractive, energy-efficient, and natural light-filled office and fulfillment facility, this Quincy project significantly advances the medical device manufacturer’s facilities and real estate strategy. MPA is proud to be collaborating with them on this important project.”
Comprising 64,000 SF of office space and a 630,000 SF customer fulfillment center, the building’s office space was designed to meet global workplace strategy standards that Boston Scientific is deploying around the world. The customer fulfillment center includes 2.5 miles of high-efficiency, “smart technology” conveyor and the first installation of an enterprise warehouse management system for Boston Scientific Global Distribution. The sustainably designed building is expected to achieve LEED Gold certification for existing buildings.
MPA inherited legacy warehouse conditions that guided the repositioning of the south building and the development of the open office floor plan. Different weight-bearing capacities of the existing floor slab informed the location of major building functions such as the warehouse and its accompanying storage. The large building features a unique, L-shaped footprint, so MPA’s design stretched the office spaces along the building’s edge to distribute natural light to the interior. Different corporate functions occupy each of the L’s wings, maximizing operational efficiency from the unique layout. The existing precast façade was completely replaced with an energy-efficient, metal panel rain screen system and new ribbon windows. The corner of the building was removed and updated with a multi-story curtain wall to create a dramatic canopied main entry.
The open office space features a mix of workstations and glass-fronted offices, supported by town squares, breakout cafés, training spaces, and a variety of meeting rooms. To enhance the employee experience in the new building, Boston Scientific chose a variety of amenities including a fitness center, 24/7 grab-and-go food kiosk, and game room. Adjoining the full-service corporate café, the waterfront roof terrace with outdoor casual seating and conference spaces offers stunning views of downtown Boston and provides a compelling amenity for employees.
Formalized in 2012, the Boston Scientific Global Facilities Master Plan is an enterprise-wide initiative that aligns the company’s real estate and workplace portfolio with its global business strategy through 2022. The master plan provides sufficient flexibility to accommodate anticipated change, creates a work environment that promotes productivity, innovation, and collaboration, and supports continuous improvement in a sustainable, cost-effective manner. In 2012, Boston Scientific engaged MPA to assist with the evaluation of its real estate choices, leading to the decision to consolidate its global headquarters and design a new 110,000 SF building in Marlborough, Mass.
The project team for the global customer fulfillment center in Quincy includes:
About Margulies Perruzzi Architects
Consistently ranked as one of New England’s top architectural and interior design firms, Margulies Perruzzi Architects (MPA) designs Workplace, Health+Science, and Real Estate projects that inspire creativity, attract and retain talent, and enhance mission engagement. More information may be found at www.mp-architects.com.
Media Contact:
Michele Spiewak
Rhino PR
617.851.2618
MPArchitects@rhinopr.com
Photo courtesy of Cresa Boston
Margulies Perruzzi Architects selected to design office for one of Boston’s largest leases this year
Boston – October 31, 2017 – Cresa Boston, a part of the world’s largest tenant-only commercial real estate firm, is pleased to announce that it has negotiated an 18.5-year lease of 250,000 SF at 121 Seaport Boulevard in Boston’s Seaport District on behalf of Needham-based PTC, a global provider of technology that transforms how companies design, manufacture, operate and service the “things” in the Internet of Things (IoT). In addition to lease negotiation, Cresa Boston will manage sublease and disposition services for PTC’s current lease at 140 Kendrick Street in Needham, Mass., and its project management team will oversee the buildout and relocation to PTC’s new global headquarters at 121 Seaport. Margulies Perruzzi Architects (MPA) has been selected to provide interior design services for PTC’s new headquarters.
Following a competitive RFP process, Cresa Boston was engaged by PTC as a global partner across multiple service lines, including site selection, lease administration, transaction management, workplace strategy, and project management. PTC is expected to house 1,000 of the company’s 6,000 worldwide employees at 121 Seaport, with an expected occupancy date of early 2019. As the first signed tenant, PTC has leased 63 percent of the building.
“It is an exciting time to be at PTC as we look forward to moving to the heart of Boston’s Innovation District and contributing to the technology innovation that has given rise to Boston’s global reputation as a hub for technology leadership,” said Eric Snow, senior vice president, Corporate Marketing, PTC. “121 Seaport’s design, amenities, and location made the selection of our new global headquarters an easy one. Cresa Boston, Skanska Development, and their respective partners were instrumental in helping us to achieve this major lease in a short time.”
Developed by Skanska Development, one of the world’s leading project development and construction groups, and designed by Boston-based CBT Architects, 121 Seaport is a 17-story, 400,000 SF, Class A elliptical-shaped glass office building now under construction in Boston’s Innovation District. Slated for base building completion in the first quarter of 2018, 121 Seaport boasts large floor plates, two floors of retail, and spectacular views of the Boston Harbor and Downtown. With progressive design and technologies, the highly-sustainable, energy-efficient building is targeting LEED Platinum certification and an anticipated 15 percent energy savings due to less direct solar exposure from the innovative elliptical design.
PTC will occupy the building’s top nine floors with direct access to the rooftop deck from the top floor and access to a common area with outdoor deck on the third floor. A design highlight of PTC’s new headquarters includes its Customer Experience Center (CXC), an interactive showcase for PTC’s industrial innovation platform and related solutions. PTC selected MPA to design a transformational workplace that is productive, persuasive, and integrated with exciting and disruptive new technologies of the future.
Founded in 1985, PTC revolutionized the computer aided design software market and, in the 1990s, brought to market the first web-based product lifecycle management system. Today, the company is recognized as a market leader in the Internet of Things and Augmented Reality – two of the most disruptive technology trends in decades. The company’s headquarters have been in the Greater Boston area since its inception. PTC expects that its new headquarters will be occupied by employees across all company operations, including executive leadership, customer success, research and development, sales, marketing, finance, and legal teams.
Jack Burns, Adam Subber and Dan Sullivan of Cresa Boston negotiated the lease for PTC, and Bill Anderson and Dave Martel of Newmark Grubb Knight Frank represented Skanska Development.
About Cresa
Cresa is the world’s largest tenant-only commercial real estate firm. By representing only one party – the tenant – Cresa avoids inherent conflicts of interest and provides conflict-free advice to clients. The firm leverages its expertise, market insight and years of experience to give clients leverage with the landlord. Cresa applies strategic solutions that reduce costs, improve operations and enhance the performance of a client’s workforce. Integrated services cover every aspect of a real estate transaction from site selection and financing to project management and relocation services. Cresa offers clients customized solutions with more than 60 offices in 75 markets worldwide. For more information about Cresa Boston, visit https://www.cresa.com/boston.
About Margulies Perruzzi Architects
Consistently ranked as one of New England’s top architectural and interior design firms, Margulies Perruzzi Architects (MPA) designs Workplace, Health+Science, and Real Estate projects that inspire creativity, attract and retain talent, and enhance mission engagement. More information may be found at www.mp-architects.com.
Media Contact:
Susan Shelby, FSMPS, CPSM
Rhino PR for Cresa Boston
cresaboston@rhinopr.com
978.985.4541
Originally published in Banker & Tradesman. By Marc Margulies, FAIA, LEED AP, and Alvaro J. Ribeiro, AIA
October 17, 2017 – Renovating and re-purposing a building can involve several factors: preserving existing features, updating building infrastructure, and energizing spaces for their new use. Warehouses offer their own challenges, especially “legacy” buildings that have long become obsolete. An outdated warehouse in a high-profile location in Quincy, Mass. has been transformed into a new 694,000 SF global customer fulfillment center for Boston Scientific Corporation, a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices. Completed in September 2017, this modern, energy-efficient, and state-of-the-art facility expands and modernizes BSC’s logistics and distribution functions and aligns with the company’s Global Facilities Master Plan, an enterprise-wide initiative that brings the company’s real estate and workplace portfolio in line with its global business strategy.
Since 1997, Boston Scientific has located its call center and distribution center operations in the north building of the vast warehouse complex on Quincy’s Squantum Point. Situated on the Neponset River and visible from Interstate 93 on approach to Boston, the new customer fulfillment facility consolidates Boston Scientific operational and distribution functions into the south building on the site. More than half of the company’s global product manufacturing, including medical device products such as life-saving stents, will move through the 24-hour customer fulfillment facility.
Comprising 64,000 SF of office space and a 630,000 SF customer fulfillment center, the building’s office space was designed to meet global workplace strategy standards that Boston Scientific is deploying around the world. The customer fulfillment center includes 2.5 miles of high-efficiency, “smart technology” conveyor and the first installation of an enterprise warehouse management system for Boston Scientific Global Distribution. Boston Scientific selected Margulies Perruzzi Architects (MPA) to design the interior fit-out and building envelope renovations for this sustainably designed building, which is expected to achieve LEED Gold certification for existing buildings. Lee Kennedy Construction is the general contractor for the project.
MPA inherited legacy warehouse conditions that guided the repositioning of the south building and the development of the open office floor plan. Different weight-bearing capacities of the existing floor slab informed the location of major building functions such as the warehouse and its accompanying storage. The large building features a unique, L-shaped footprint, so MPA’s design stretched the office spaces along the building’s edge to distribute natural light to the interior. Different corporate functions occupy each of the L’s wings, maximizing operational efficiency from the unique layout. The existing precast façade was completely replaced with an energy efficient, metal panel rain screen system and new ribbon windows. The corner of the building was removed and updated with a multi-story curtain wall to create a dramatic canopied main entry.
The open office space features a mix of workstations and glass-fronted offices, supported by town squares, breakout cafés, training spaces, and a variety of meeting rooms. To enhance the employee experience in the new building, BSC chose a variety of high-end amenities, including a fitness center, 24/7 grab-and-go food kiosk, and game room. Adjoining the full-service corporate café, the waterfront roof terrace with outdoor casual seating and conference spaces offers stunning views of downtown Boston and provides a compelling amenity for employees.
While MPA’s design transformed an outdated warehouse building into an attractive, energy-efficient, and natural light-filled office and fulfillment facility, this Quincy project significantly advances Boston Scientific facilities and real estate strategy. As worldwide demand for medical devices grows, the expansion and modernization of this global logistics center is an important milestone for the company, the City of Quincy, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
About the authors
Marc Margulies, FAIA, LEED AP, is a principal and senior partner and Alvaro J. Ribeiro, AIA, is a senior architect at Margulies Perruzzi Architects. For more information, please visit www.mp-architects.com.
Real estate investment trust takes space in Boston’s Federal Reserve Building
BOSTON – September 7, 2017 – Margulies Perruzzi Architects (MPA), one of Boston’s most innovative architectural and interior design firms, announced today the completion of a new office in Boston for AvalonBay Communities, Inc., a publicly traded real estate investment trust focused on high-quality apartment communities. MPA provided space planning and interior design services for AvalonBay’s new 15,000 SF regional office, which is ideally located on the 20th floor of the landmark Federal Reserve Building at 600 Atlantic Avenue.
MPA created an open, modern, and collaborative office that maximizes natural light and exterior views throughout the space. AvalonBay was committed to ensuring that all workspace and common areas had full visual access to Boston Harbor on the south side of the building and downtown Boston on the north. MPA’s highly efficient workplace design features a blend of glass-fronted offices and workstation clusters. To break up the glass-fronted offices, workstation clusters are staggered in breaks along the perimeter and aligned with internal open office areas to offer staff an easy connection to the window line. The mirror-image floor plan of the work area provides ample opportunities for both city and water views.
On entry from the updated elevator lobby, the public zone of AvalonBay’s office provides a branded and welcoming space with spectacular views. A centrally located reception area ushers visitors into an adjacent conference center on one side, and a café with adjoining training space on the other. Two retractable glass walls open the training room fully to the café, providing a multi-purpose space, with water views, to accommodate full-company gatherings and hosted events. With counter space for buffet-style catering and tables, bar stools, and banquettes for casual seating, the café offers a comfortable, well-appointed space for employee interactions and impromptu meetings. The public zone of the space is branded with beautiful photography of AvalonBay’s Boston projects.
“We are thrilled with our move to the Federal Reserve Bank tower. Our full floor layout accommodates our recent and anticipated growth, and the abundance of natural light and sweeping views it offers has energized our entire team,” said William M. McLaughlin, executive vice president of development at AvalonBay Communities, Inc. “From the beginning of our relationship, MPA understood that we needed a space that reflects our culture, fosters collaboration, and accommodates a variety of uses. MPA’s design provides us with beautiful and functional features that we will enjoy for years to come.”
One aspect of the design that is particularly striking is the treatment of the ceilings. To reinforce the size of the open spaces, ceiling clouds float below an exposed structure in many areas, creating a dramatic effect of height and a less traditional feel. Linear pendants with direct and indirect lighting illuminate the clouds and provide appropriate task light to workstations below. Coupled with stunning artwork and graphics, sparkling light fixtures, and subtle variances of color and texture, the office has a dynamic, airy effect.
The Federal Reserve Building at 600 Atlantic Avenue in Boston is a LEED Gold-certified building with a roof garden, cafeteria, and fitness center, located across the street from urban transit. AvalonBay’s new office is anticipated to achieve LEED Gold certification.
J.J. Vacaro, Inc. served as general contractor for the project, and Vanderweil Engineers provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering services. Furniture was provided by American Office, and light fixtures were provided by Omni-Lite. Entegra Development was the LEED consultant on the project.
About Margulies Perruzzi Architects
Consistently ranked as one of Boston’s top architectural and interior design firms, Margulies Perruzzi Architects creates buildings and interiors for clients who value the quality of their workplace. The firm services the corporate, professional services, healthcare, science/technology, and real estate communities with a focus on sustainable design. MPA has designed high performance workspace for Iron Mountain, Zipcar, Boston Scientific, Philips, Cimpress/Vistaprint, Forrester Research, Hobbs Brook Management, and Reliant Medical Group. For more information, please visit http://www.mp-architects.com.
Media Contact:
Michele Spiewak
Rhino PR
617.851.2618
MPArchitects@rhinopr.com
New member-centered space promotes fresh brand, identity for vibrant business organization
BOSTON – July 18, 2017 – Margulies Perruzzi Architects (MPA), one of Boston’s most innovative architectural and interior design firms, announced today that it has completed a new office at 265 Franklin Street in Boston for the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce (GBCC). For more than a century, the GBCC has helped drive economic growth throughout the region while building a vibrant business community of 1,400 organizations of varying size and industry.
“At the Chamber, our membership is more dynamic, innovative, and focused on the strength of the collective greater Boston business community than ever before,” said James E. Rooney, president and CEO, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. “We wanted our new office space to be reflective of the Chamber’s work today, and of our vision for the future of our organization. Margulies Perruzzi Architects demonstrated their ability to understand that vision, and made our new office space reflective of who we are and how we want to serve our growing membership.”
The GBCC was evaluating new office space and engaged MPA to assist in weighing options for staying or relocating. MPA provided programming and fit-plans for several locations, and assisted the GBCC in choosing to relocate to a higher floor within the same building. A primary driver for GBCC’s new office space was the ability to host their own events and offer touchdown workspace to their business members. The GBCC’s new office also dovetailed with a broader effort to reshape their image through the rollout of a new brand identity and website.
The new 11,000 SF space offers an abundance of natural light and sweeping views of the city. The GBCC’s new brand image is prominently featured through the incorporation of screen displays and brand colors, as well as wall graphics promoting the organization’s mission, purpose, and logo.
MPA designed the public event area to allow GBCC staff to flexibly reconfigure the space to suit event needs. The furniture can be arranged for classroom style lectures, theater-style seating, or emptied for networking events. By collapsing a glass wall, a corner conference room can be subdivided from the space. When an event is not in session, staff and GBCC members can avail themselves of the dining area or soft-seating collaboration space, above which the GBCC’s mission statement is proudly displayed. Telephone closets adjacent to the event space allow attendees to discreetly step away and attend to pressing business.
In the office area, the GBCC’s purpose statement is prominently visible, strategically placed at a height above the cubicle walls. In their new space, staffers enjoy modernized cubes, informal collaboration space, and sit-to-stand desks.
About the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce is the region’s leading business association connecting 1,500 businesses of all sizes from virtually every industry and profession. We help Greater Boston-area businesses grow and succeed through strategic networking events, influential business advocacy, exclusive leadership development programs, and initiatives that foster the region’s innovation economy. For more information, visit www.bostonchamber.com.
About Margulies Perruzzi Architects
Consistently ranked as one of Boston’s top architectural and interior design firms, Margulies Perruzzi Architects creates buildings and interiors for clients who value the quality of their workplace. The firm services the corporate, professional services, healthcare, science/technology, and real estate communities with a focus on sustainable design. MPA has designed high performance workspace for Iron Mountain, Zipcar, Boston Scientific, Philips, Cimpress/Vistaprint, Forrester Research, Hobbs Brook Management, and Reliant Medical Group. For more information, please visit http://www.mp-architects.com.
Media Contact:
Michele Spiewak
Rhino PR
617.851.2618
MPArchitects@rhinopr.com
