Mapping the scales of the surrounding context and celebrating Oakland’s vibrant arts scene inspired the design concept for Telegraph Tower, a 28-story, 875,000-square-foot creative office building. The tower is broken down into discrete glass volumes that respond to the proportional scales and views of the neighborhood. A perforated patinaed metal seam features balconies for each office floor, separates the glass volumes, and visually connects the base with the tower.
Targeting LEED Gold and Fitwel Certification, each glass façade contains a unique pattern of pleated curtain wall modules with exterior vertical fins optimized to reduce solar loads and glare. The building spans an underground BART tunnel that runs diagonally through the site, necessitating the inclusion of several long-span trusses. These trusses create column free retail space and also inform the stepped office profile above the building base.
The lobby and outdoor plaza incorporate several large, local art pieces including Oakland artist Karen Cusolito’s stunning steel sculpture of a figure that appears to be holding up the corner of the building. Inspired by the notions of community, connection and wellness, the interior of the tower features virtually column-free, expansive floorplates with interconnected workspaces and high ceilings that provide panoramic views and maximize daylight.
The building incorporates the latest advances in smart and energy efficient building design, including 100% outside air filtration systems. Amenity offerings include a 10,000-square-foot fitness and wellness center, a community theatre, and a maker/art gallery space with integrated retail on the ground floor.
