Sustainable workspace signals the growing tech prowess of Long Beach
Architecture, urbanism and landscape-design firm Studio One Eleven has announced its creative-office design for Laserfiche, a leading global provider of business process and information management software. The sustainable building will be the firm’s new headquarters in Long Beach, California, and another symbol of the city’s innovative industries.
The new Laserfiche campus is also the anchor for the renaissance of the creative-office corridor of Long Beach Boulevard, in the Bixby Knolls community.
On Long Beach Boulevard near the San Diego Freeway, the Mid-Century-Modern-inspired landmark will be visible to over a half a million motorists daily. It will be Laserfiche’s fourth structure in the area, solidifying a growing campus. It also converts an underutilized site originally designed for oil extraction into a much more sustainable use.
Rendering by Studio One Eleven
The developer is Urbana Development, LLC, also in Long Beach. The 100,000-square-foot building is scheduled for completion in 2021.
“We worked closely with Laserfiche and Urbana Development to create a place that is healthy, energy-efficient and fosters innovation and collaboration,” said Studio One Eleven Senior Principal Michael Bohn, AIA. “The building’s strength and elegance captures the firm’s vibrant role in the tech world, and it establishes a firm cornerstone for the Long Beach Boulevard Creative Corridor, with several other creative tenants already in place.”
Rendering by Studio One Eleven
Long Beach Boulevard Creative Corridor
Laserfiche is the first new-construction office building to arrive on this stretch of Long Beach Boulevard in nearly 30 years. But the design legacy of the strip was already in place.
“When the area was developed in the 1950s it was a haven for premiere architectural and engineering firms such as those of Edward Killingsworth, FAIA, a significant player in California’s Case Study movement, and Donald Gibbs, FAIA, who designed the Walter Pyramid at Cal State University Long Beach ” said Bohn. “The Corridor’s renaissance includes diverse web, branding, design, research and development and production firms attracted to the classic Mid-Century Modern buildings here.”
Current tenants on the Corridor include design and construction firm Howard CDM, creative branding company Summerjax, and a vibrant co-working space in the Mid-Century Clock Building, by Killingsworth, Brady and Smith.
“The younger tenant base of such firms is excited about the neighborhood-centric vibe and Mid-Century pedigree of the Long Beach Boulevard Creative Corridor,” said Graham S. Gill Principal, with GRG Management Services, who works in the area.
“The arrival of Laserfiche’s 100,000-square foot Laserfiche offices cements the Corridor’s credentials and connects it with its rich design legacy,” said Bohn.
Rendering by Studio One Eleven
Design Highlights
The design team underwent a thorough programming exercise to ensure the building enhances Laserfiche’s operations and company culture.
- Mid-Century-Inspired: Studio One Eleven’s design reflects a landmark garden-office building — directly across the street — by noted Mid-Century architect Edward Killingsworth. Studio One Eleven mirrored the massing of the building, stacking it vertically and sliding forms horizontally to create shade and multiple outdoor spaces.
- Space Configuration: The design shifts the service core – typically in the center of an office building – to the outer western edge. This allows for a more contiguous workspace and a communal environment. The solid core also serves to block unwanted western solar heat gain.
- Health and Wellness: Essential elements include natural daylight, biophilia (connection with natural elements to decrease stress and enhance productivity) and components that promote physical fitness. The office is targeted for LEED and WELL Gold certifications.
The building’s massing mirrors the structure across the street by Mid-Century architect Edward Killingsworth. Stacking it vertically and sliding forms horizontally creates shade and multiple outdoor spaces. Rendering by Studio One Eleven
The new headquarters will accommodate the company’s rapid growth, with employees projected to double from 300 to 600 by the year 2025.
“Laserfiche is entering an era of accelerated innovation, which requires workforce growth and the evolution of our headquarters to align with our visionary products,” said Laserfiche Chairman and CEO Chris Wacker. “We are committed to continued investment in Long Beach, and look forward to bringing hundreds of well-paying tech jobs to the city.”
The development’s sustainable elements extend to its repurposing of a site originally intended for oil extraction. What was once an environmentally and economically challenging site will now be a contribution to Laserfiche employees, customers and the City of Long Beach.
“Laserfiche has shown a real commitment to Long Beach,” said Urbana Development Managing Partner Richard Lewis. “This architecturally significant building will support an open and collaborative work experience for employees while resolving unique environmental challenges.”
Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia agreed, saying, “The City of Long Beach is committed to embracing technology and innovation that will move our community forward. As a rapidly growing leader in the tech sector, Laserfiche is a valued city partner for the software it builds and its contributions to the city.”
