Looking to connect its future to the past, Vail Systems, a communications software developer, found a perfect home in the former Chicago Daily News pressroom. The once industrial space has been transformed into a collaborative environment that inspires innovation. Unique structural elements organize functional requirements. Staff is located in large reconfigurable areas, while meeting spaces are organized under mezzanines and catwalks. The central focus is a meeting room under a mezzanine that is encased in charred wood planks and tinted glass with black frames, providing strong contrast to the white space. Limited daylight presents a challenge, but bright and reflective materials are introduced so the space is not solely dependent upon artificial light. Ambient reflections from the high gloss concrete floor enliven the space. Red metal coil drapery cascading down from the 20’ high ceilings defines lounge areas without restricting natural light or creating visual disruption. Warm furniture finishes provide an element of contrast against a neutral industrial finish palette. While focused on supporting Vail’s future success, the design employs rich historical elements with meeting areas named in honor of communication pioneers. Photos of the old pressroom are also layered onto glazed partitions providing privacy while retaining lightness. Vail's new office embraces history while supporting its dreams.

RESILIENT TILE FLOORING ARMSTRONG

TILE CARPET MOHAWK: RIOT

LAMINATES FORMICA ARPA

CABINETRY HARDWARE DOUG MOCKETT

FABRIC CUSHION PANELS HBF TEXTILES: HIGH RISE HBF TEXTILES: FAUX REAL

CONCRETE COUNTER TOP SADLER STONE

ALUMINIUM FRAME WILSON PARTITIONS

SLIDING GLASS DOORS CR LAURENCE DORMA

GLASS ENTRANCE CR LAURENCE

DOOR HARDWARE SCHLAGE DOUG MOCKETT ROCKWOOD LCN GLYNN HAGER RIXON DORMA

GLAZING ARCHETYPE SOLUTIONS MCGRORY GLASS

ACOUSTICAL PANEL CEILINGS CHICAGO METALLIC USG ARMSTRONG

WALL BASE JOHNSONITE

WALLCOVERING KNOLL WALLCOVERING

PAINT SHERWIN WILLIAMS BENJAMIN MOORE

RESIDENTIAL APPLIANCES MAYTAG ULINE BOSCH INTERPURE

LIGHTING PLUMEN YLIGHTING PHILIPS LIGHTOLIER DIESEL LIGMAN LIGHTING AXIS LIGHTING PHILIPS LEDALITE DWR ALKCO LUMINII LEVITON

WINDOW SHADES MECHO SYSTEM SLIMELINE

DRAPERY CASADE COIL DRAPERY CARNEGIE TEXTILES FILZFELT

PLUMBING FIXTURES MOEN ELKAY EVERPURE TOTO WALL HUNG KOHLER BRADLEY BOBRICK DORNBRACHT

CEILING GRID- CHICAGO METALLIC ROCKFON