At its future headquarters site in Vancouver, yoga-inspired athletic apparel company Lululemon proposes ‘the healthiest workplace in the world.’ The ambitious design comes from Morphosis Architects in collaboration with locally based Francl Architecture.
The proposed site (at the end of Great Northern Way and Foley Street) currently only permits high-tech and industrial uses. Lululemon has therefore asked the City of Vancouver via their rezoning process to allow for commercial use here. In total, the rezoning application includes 6,157 square feet of retail space and 4,358 square feet of restaurant/café space. In addition to permitting commercial use, the application also seeks an increase in the permitted building height from 120 feet to 250 feet, allowing for a 13-story massing with a carved façade.
The distinctive carved façade will incorporate three main green spaces. The first is a covered entry off Foley Street. The second is a new public plaza along Great Northern Way, which will include opportunities for a café, outdoor seating, and lush planting. The third is a northwest corner enhanced with views of Downtown Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains.
Greenery will be used to provide shading to workspaces on the south and west façade. Further to this, the green spaces will help to bring in naturally filtered fresh air to office spaces, thus enhancing natural ventilation while reducing energy consumption.
Inside, the office floors are organized around a large atrium that penetrates through all of the floors, with a staircase connecting the levels. A widened staircase between the fourth and seventh levels doubles as an amphitheater-like gathering space for company presentations and announcements.
‘Lululemon’s love for design and attention to detail will be exemplified through a new, state-of-the-art destination facility in the community. The design of the building is organized around a central atrium space that will bring daylight and connectivity to the heart of the building,’ the company says in their design rationale. ‘The company is also committed to creating a healthy work environment for the employees through the design and creation of a space that promotes and supports healthy lifestyles. The goal of the new Store Support Centre is to become the healthiest workplace in the world by implementing a design that will address health, wellness ad mindfulness, as well as broader sustainability goals.’
According to the rezoning application, the design will meet and exceed the municipal government’s standard for green building design and operations, including rooftop solar panels that have a double purpose of screening building mechanical equipment.
