Givaudan

Originally constructed in the late 1980’s, the existing entry sequence and customer experience of Givaudan’s International Headquarters was uninviting, outdated, and left visitors exposed to the elements. Further, it did not reflect the company’s vision or brand and did not provide the desired impression for visitors.

The new design is a modern and airy visualization of the Givaudan brand. The gently angled glass entrance canopy combined with an expansive walkway gathers visitors from the parking lot and delivers them into the main lobby “pavilion” located in between the natural outdoor space at the front door and the plant-filled atrium “garden” at the center of the building.  Using a careful composition of white planes, aluminum edges and glass, the clean precision of international lines are subtly reinforced throughout the space.  Natural elements such as rocks, wood and slate textured tile along with soft lighting emulating rays of sunlight in a forest support a relationship to nature.

Through the use of graphics, the Givaudan identity is integrated into the customer experience.  As the visitor gradually progresses into the interior, layers of translucency provide required privacy while allowing a constant connection to natural light and the outdoors.

On the exterior, a series of horizontal metal fins were installed to help control the strong southeastern sunlight and screen the existing glass curtain wall. The fins are connected to a free-standing steel frame integrated into the new entrance canopy and are configured based on solar and daylight analysis.