When the rapidly growing Park Place Technologies outgrew their space, Vocon stepped in to redesign the 16,536-square-foot expansion space at the Ohio headquarters.
Vocon completed the redesign for a 16,536-square-foot expansion space at the Mayfield Heights-Ohio headquarters office for Park Place Technologies, a global leader in storage, server, and networking hardware maintenance.Park Place Technologies sought a space that would offer employees and clients cutting-edge technology and engaging amenities and in a contemporary environment. The Vocon team provided the headquarters with dynamic new meetings and workspaces along with productivity and wellness enhancements to support employees and provide an environment that promotes creativity, productivity, and positive workplace culture.
To accommodate Park Place Technologies’ need for company-wide town hall meetings and employee training, a combined, collapsible room with moveable glass walls was created to support both uses. Another core element of the project is the “UpTime Cafe,” a coffeehouse and market that is staffed with a full-time barista.
When was the project completed?
2019
How large is the space?
16,536 SF expansion
Was this new or renovated space?
Renovated.
Describe workspace type.
The space needed to accommodate for company-wide town hall meetings and employee training so collapsible rooms with movable glass walls were created to be able to support both uses. It was important that to have the option to keep the space seamless and be able to open it up as much as possible. The glass walls can be removed to create an open meeting space whenever needed. This unique space has four training rooms and a break out area for smaller groups and also features writable wall surfaces, multiple screens for presentations and full technological capabilities. As the walls are connected, the technology is connected with lasers that connect everything.
What kind of meeting spaces are provided?
Training complex that can be divided into multiple rooms or one large space for company-wide meetings. The spaces include AV technology that will allow PPT to interact globally with all of their offices. Also provided is a market place and café that offers hot and cold lunches. As well as a full-service coffee and smoothie bar.
What other kinds of support or amenity spaces are provided?
The space features a coffeehouse and market that is staffed with a full-time barista called the UpTime Cafe. The cafe uses the latest identification and payment technology, enabling employees to purchase items through an advanced thumbprint scan payment system. The café also offers a variety of dining seating options that serve as workspaces, including convertible Ping Pong tables. The redesign also enabled Park Place Technologies to offer in-house catering. As part of the project, Vocon redesigned the firm’s multi-purpose fitness room, remodeling locker rooms and showers while positioning the facility to offer yoga and exercise classes.
What kind of programming or visioning activities were used?
We met with multiple employees during the programming process. This allowed us to understand how each department functions on their own and with other departments. We also interviewed companies for the market place and café. Sampling of products were provided to PPT for review and evaluation.
Were any pre-planning surveys conducted to get employee input?
Employee surveys were completed to determine what type of products they would like to have included in the café and market place.
Please describe any program requirements that were unique or required any special research or design requirements.
We researched multiple companies that provide glass dividable wall partitions that would collapse back to create an open space. As well as allowing us to integrate screens, cameras and other equipment to support their technology.
Was there any emphasis or requirements on programming for health and wellbeing initiatives for employees?
Vocon redesigned the firm’s multi-purpose fitness room, remodeling locker rooms and showers while positioning the facility to offer yoga and exercise classes.
Were there any special or unusual construction materials or techniques employed in the project?
Acoustical panels were installed to allow for sound absorption in the open ceiling design.
What kind of branding elements were incorporated into the design?
Importantly, Vocon’s redesign of Park Place Technology’s needed to reflect the brand and company culture. The design team’s color scheme references the company’s branding, using different shades of blue throughout the project. They also created a founder’s wall in the café and dining space that features the three founders, the company’s mission statement, and includes a globe showcasing the company’s locations across the world. The lobby space includes a store area that features Park Place Technologies gear for sale and that is often offered to employees as giveaways.
What is the most unique feature of the new space?
To accommodate Park Place Technologies’ need for company-wide town hall meetings and employee training, Vocon created a combined, collapsible room with moveable glass walls that can support both uses. The glass walls can be removed to create an open meeting space whenever needed. This unique space has four training rooms and a break out area for smaller groups and also features writable wall surfaces, multiple screens for presentations and full technological capabilities.
Are there any furnishings or spaces specifically included to promote wellness/wellbeing?
Vocon redesigned the firm’s multi-purpose fitness room, remodeling locker rooms and showers while positioning the facility to offer yoga and exercise classes.
What kinds of technology products were used?
Vocon included state-of-the-art audio-visual and video conferencing capabilities in all meeting rooms.
Project Details
Design: Vocon