With a mission to bring freight forwarding - the circulatory system for global trade – into the digital realm, this transportation technology company is all about movement and connections. Strong growth in the Chicago market meant it was time to progress from move-in ready spaces to a customized workplace that would reflect the energy of the organization. Strongly inspired by the concepts of forward motion and seamless connections, the design team translated the brand into a dynamic built environment rooted in the company’s values.
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The starting point for the program is an egalitarian approach to space allocation, without any private offices and all employees working at similar desks. Technology-enabled meeting rooms, phone rooms, and breakout spaces provide employees alternative workplace options. To encourage gathering and sharing, a large break room/all-hands space is flexibly furnished to allow employees to have lunch together or meet for important announcements.
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The idea of connection is further expressed through strong visual design elements. Large chevron graphics leveraged from the company’s brand are a present motif throughout. Carefully selected carpet colorways resembling the tides of the ocean are a reference to the company's "coast to coast" delivery model. The most dynamic gesture is a series of linear curving light fixtures winding through the space. A nod to Chicago’s transit system lines, these bolts of energy visually connect office neighborhoods and public spaces – a clear reflection of the company’s mission.
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