Realizing that its executives were spending a significant amount of time in New York City, the Pittsburgh-based Materials Manufacturing Company hired SOM to design a modern, highly functional “touchdown” space that would translate its corporate culture into an urbane setting where senior staff could hold meetings with lawyers, bankers, and heads of state.

The corporate headquarters in Pittsburgh is a fully open office environment where the hierarchy, in terms of spatial planning, has been flattened. This influenced the design of the new space, where open workspaces define the perimeter of each floor while more private, individual offices surround the core. The layout fosters communication and easy interaction. An elegant, glass-encased spiral staircase connects and unifies the various floors.

The interior design pays careful attention to corporate needs. With clean lines, ample light, and modern furnishings, the visual concept is timeless yet contemporary. State-of-the-art technologies are incorporated throughout the refined space.