Michael McDonough | Architect
Frogdesign, Inc. Digital Media Offices
Austin, Texas 1997-1999
- Entry Lobby
- Photo: Nic Lehoux
Austin, Texas Chapter, American Institute of Architects Design Award 1998
Digital Media Offices for the globally-based frogdesign incorporate and celebrate environmentalism and advanced computing (“green-tech”). The entire facility is future-proofed: Designed-for-disassembly, it allows for re-configuration of network cabling and partitions. At the end of the project’s useful life, efficient deconstruction can be achieved with a screwdriver and a materials list (cf. automotive disassembly using embedded chip technology).
Emergent sustainable technologies are everywhere. Partitions are post-consumer recycled-newspaper panels. Ceilings are recycled slag panels. Biotech panels made from sustainably grown wood are used as acoustic baffles. All project components have mechanical connectors rather than adhesives. Cork flooring, sisal carpet, low-VOC paints were used throughout. Day-lighting is maximized for energy-efficiency and the psychological well-being of office staff.
Walls and ceilings are leaning, skewed, or curved suggesting the intuitive, anti-Cartesian thinking of nonlinear creative models. The distinctive green, red, yellow, blue of frogdesign’s logo are used as accent colors throughout.
Photos (click to enlarge)
- Open Studio
- Photo: Nic Lehoux
- Conference Room
- Photo: Nic Lehoux
- Executive Office
- Photo: Nic Lehoux
