RAND Corporation Headquarters: New Construction

Description

The RAND Corporation is a world-renowned, innovative research organization that relies heavily on its ability to attract and retain leading researchers who perform cutting edge exploration around public policy and other issues that impact daily lives.

The primary objective of this project was to reflect this reputation in its new, state-of-the-art facility located in downtown Santa Monica.

Strategy

Given its heavy focus on attraction and retention of a knowledge-based work force, sustainable design concepts for the Rand headquarters focused on those that could both optimize perimeter office/laboratory spaces - which have high appeal to researchers - and those that would maximize resource efficiencies for this owner/occupier organization. Therefore, the primary strategy included an innovative, 52’ floor plate design that creates a continuously daylit lease span, accompanied by an interior courtyard that optimizes perimeter floor area, and that is connected and responsive to the natural environment.

The 300,000 square foot building utilizes a low profile, underfloor HVAC system which saves energy, improves air quality and allows adaptive space use over time. Low toxic finishes and recycled content materials take sustainability down to the finest grain of the project.

Results

The new office facility now serves as an exemplary model of sustainable design and construction while maintaining a conventional project budget. The design meets the owner’s goals of providing a healthy, inviting atmosphere in which its employees can foster creativity and personal interaction.