The industrial and chemical industries are growing exponentially in Louisiana. As a result, many of the plants and companies have outsourced their training and certification needs to this new industrial education and certification company.

Each day over 200 first-time clients arrive to attend classes and be tested for certification. On any given day classes may be given on a variety of technical topics, or new employee orientation for literally dozens of manufacturing plants. And, these courses may be given in one of several languages! Obviously, an intuitive, easily-understood building design was critical to the success of this building.

From the entrance, an open, naturally-lit lobby gathers and disseminates various user groups – large groups for educational classes, individuals for certification and testing, and patients of the independent occupational medicine clinic that is a separate tenant within the building. Spaces are large and welcoming, with dramatic sloped ceilings and an abundance of natural light.

The building reflects the progressive, quick-moving pace of the industry it serves. As the first commercial building to be constructed in a new TND, the architects were challenged to work within the scale and architectural language of the new development, while creating a dramatic statement about the progressive nature of the user. The design solution involves a series of folded metal and wood planes wrapping around a burnished masonry base – the resulting massing maintains an appropriate scale, while projecting a clean and inviting image to the community.