After working with Charles Schwab on several projects in the southwest region, DMJM was selected to design the investment firm’s new data operations center project in Phoenix. Project criteria included the need to maximize the site, provide opportunities for a pedestrian-scaled campus incorporating the existing data center, and provide amenities appropriate to Schwab employees and facilities. The design of the 150,000–square foot building incorporates basic rectilinear forms for ease of construction, space planning, and economy, with simple curves and arcs used to create a more contemporary image. Stone and precast concrete have been combined with glass, stainless steel, and aluminum to accommodate the unique floor plate while altering the perception of the building’s length. DMJM studied multiple variations of structural bay spacing, and concluded that a 30-by-40-foot structural bay provided the necessary interior flexibility and economy. |
