This non-profit organization, JCI, whose mission is to provide vocational training and behavior counseling to special populations, requested a modest building program for 10,000 square feet of flexible work areas, client observation, and support functions. The client wanted the building and site to enhance a respectful work environment, require minimal maintenance, and provide for future expansion.
The contrast between JCI's mission for productive self-discipline and its stimulated site context provided the conceptual basis for the design. Clients-in-training need to feel connected to the outside world without distraction. Communal work areas to the north are protected against seated views to a business highway and focus the client's attention to the sky and surrounding treetops. Support areas to the south are highlighted by a single row of observation windows to the entry court beyond. Entry portals occur at modulated intervals and are divided for workers and forklift machines. The design is based on economy, functionality, contextual sensitivity, clarity, simplicity, and integrity.
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