A consistent design for a fluctuating office

Every 10 years for the census taking, the U.S. Census Bureau’s staff headcount expands and then contracts by one third. SOM’s award-winning design for the federal agency’s headquarters accommodates this fluctuation in a large office building that nevertheless maintains an open, elegant feel.

The complex consists of two long, low-slung, curving volumes separated by a courtyard. Their narrow footprints ensure daylight penetrates throughout the interiors. A brise-soleil of wavy, white oak panels reduces solar glare and helps the structure blend into its wooded, 80-acre site in suburban Maryland. The interdisciplinary approach of this project minimized the building’s impact on the natural environment, maximized aesthetics and functionality, and encouraged the highest level of comfort for its occupants.

“Neighborhoods” and their amenities

In response to the cyclical nature of the U.S. Census Bureau’s work, SOM conceived an open plan with flexible “neighborhoods” of employees, stacked vertically and connected by stairs and two-story common areas containing pantries and meeting areas. Amenities such as a library, gymnasium, credit union, and medical facilities are clustered around an underground street that ties the complex together. The interior core is marked with a bright color spectrum to enliven the space and help with wayfinding. Individual workspaces are natural-hued and daylit and feature personal climate controls.

Meeting and exceeding sustainability goals

Designed to meet LEED Silver standards, the U.S. Census Bureau Headquarters was ultimately awarded LEED Gold. The building’s many green design features include a brise-soleil made of sustainable wood, a narrow floor plate that maximizes daylight and views, energy-efficient building systems, green roofs with walking paths, a sustainable landscape plan, and excellent access to public transit. Two large water retention ponds, one of which doubles as a reflecting pool, collect stormwater runoff and recycle it for landscape irrigation. Waterless urinals and low-flow faucets reduce water use by more than 36 percent. Moreover, construction crews worked around two fully occupied buildings, avoiding the need to temporarily relocate thousands of employees.
The typical office floors are served by a low-pressure under-floor air distribution system. Interior zones are provided with adjustable swirl diffusers for thermal comfort control. The raised floor plenums contain telephone, data, and power distribution systems and can easily accommodate layout changes.