LG Electronics’ status as a cutting-edge corporation providing a warm and collaborative working environment for its employees provided the inspiration for RMJM’s design for the new Research and Development Campus. The campus, designed in partnership with Chang-Jo Architects (Executive Architects), provides 4,200 workstations and 1,300 parking spaces for LG’s employees. The 25-story, 1,248,614 gsf complex boasts a state-of-the art, slender tower of glass and steel that illustrates the company’s high-tech nature.
Connected to both the natural topography as well as to the lower podium building, the slender tower rises above adjacent buildings as an elegant landmark. The delicate glass façade is anchored by the elevator and mechanical cores located on the ends of the tower, which links LG’s identity with technology.
This dual-ended core allows for simultaneous north and south views and an abundance of natural sunlight, but also reinforces the company’s emphasis on teamwork by creating intimate workspaces. The lower podium building wraps around and defines the north and east edges of the site.
In response to neighbouring buildings, designers broke the mass of the podium into smaller scaled components which at times float, slide, or protrude. The landscaping celebrates a number of different spaces conceived as outdoor “rooms”, including a dramatic lobby exhibition space which overlooks a small lake and waterfall.
Awards:
2005: American Institute of Architects, Chapter Awards, Honor Award