{"id":197426,"date":"2022-06-07T10:45:05","date_gmt":"2022-06-07T14:45:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/interiordesign.net\/?post_type=id_project&p=197426"},"modified":"2025-03-17T17:58:32","modified_gmt":"2025-03-17T21:58:32","slug":"hok-creates-a-streamlined-office-for-a-freight-rail-operator-in-atlanta","status":"publish","type":"id_project","link":"https:\/\/interiordesign.net\/projects\/hok-creates-a-streamlined-office-for-a-freight-rail-operator-in-atlanta\/","title":{"rendered":"HOK Creates a Streamlined Office for a Freight Rail Operator in Atlanta"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\"Beneath
Beneath train track\u2013inspired custom ceiling baffles, the employee canteen is fur\u00adnished with Graham Design tables, Alexander Gufler armchairs, and black stools by Daniele Lo Scalzo Moscheri, and opens to a terrace on one side.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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June 7, 2022<\/p>\n\n\n

Words: <\/span>Rebecca Dalzell<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photography: <\/span>Eric Laignel<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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HOK Creates a Streamlined Office for a Freight Rail Operator in Atlanta<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Transportation company Norfolk Southern Corporation traces its history back to 1827. But today it\u2019s firmly rooted in the 21st century. Its subsidiary, Norfolk Southern Railway Company, which oversees 19,000 miles of train tracks across 22 states, relies on technology to ensure safety, move goods efficiently, and reduce fuel emissions. But to be innovative and nimble\u2014and attract top coders and engineers\u2014NS needed to consolidate into a state-of-the-art headquarters. For decades, the corporation was based in Norfolk, Virginia, but its operations and technology teams were in Atlanta. In 2018, NS decided to bring everyone together, and HOK<\/a> won the bid for the interiors of a new 750,000-square-foot complex in Midtown Atlanta\u2019s Tech Square.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe client didn\u2019t want this to be treated like a train museum,\u201d HOK firm-wide director of interiors Tom Polucci begins. \u201cThe existing buildings had beautiful models of locomotives, but NS said, \u2018No, we\u2019re more sophisticated than that.\u2019\u201d Betsy Nurse, HOK Atlanta\u2019s director of interiors, adds: \u201cNorfolk Southern sees itself as a tech company, not a railroad company.\u201d The client envisioned a timeless concept where track workers and administrators alike would feel at home, with ample flex spaces to help the 3,000 on-site employees meet and collaborate. Robust amenities\u2014fitness center, food hall, game room, childcare center\u2014would help the company compete for talent against the likes of Google.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
A three-story staircase of Corian-clad steel and white oak forms the center\u00adpiece of the Norfolk Southern Corporation headquarters in Atlanta, with interiors by HOK.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With architecture by Pickard Chilton, the ground-up headquarters is composed of two office towers (10 and 17 stories tall) joined by a five-story podium, which houses the lobby, amenities, and parking. HOK was at the table from the beginning and helped shape some of the architectural solutions, especially in the podium. The parking deck constrained the volume that would become the lobby, which could have been one to three stories high. \u201cWe studied different options and how the floors wove together,\u201d Polucci says. The team landed on a 32-foot-high lobby that\u2019s open to loungelike collaboration zones on the second floor and creates energy and buzz. This gave HOK the opportunity to create a monumental circular stair, the defining element of the interior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The firm conceived of the stair as an iconic sculpture that would make the headquarters unique. Its ribbon of Corian-clad steel twists from the ground floor to the fourth, but the white-oak treads only begin on level two. In the lobby\u2014detached from the stairs for security reasons\u2014the Corian curls to wrap the reception desk. \u201cOur goal was a pure form,\u201d Polucci says. \u201cThe ribbon is consistent all the way up; it doesn\u2019t flatten out at each floor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
The stair begins on the second level, which is populated by various flex and gallerylike spaces united by white oak flooring.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The stair grew out of the idea of movement, the guiding theme of the project. \u201cNorfolk Southern was looking to celebrate the idea of motion in subtle, special ways,\u201d Polucci notes. Outside the building\u2019s entrance, a site-specific sculpture evokes tunnels and curved tracks in weathering steel. Nurse points out that the artwork is right outside the lobby, where you can see its relationship to the stair: \u201cOne is super refined, the other is raw.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Artwork populates the interior, as well. In the ground-floor caf\u00e9, which is open to the public, there\u2019s a 19-foot-high mural by HOK\u2019s Experience Design team of a train on a track under a golden moon. Nearby, a painting by local artist Mar\u00eda Korol hangs at the end of the main elevator lobby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Standing
Standing on the plaza outside the building, a new structure by Pickard Chilton that consists of a pair of 10- and 17-story towers joined by a five-story podium, the sculpture is visible from the honed sandstone and natural quarried stone\u2013floored lobby, simultaneously echoing and juxtaposing the Corian stair. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On the fourth floor, the stair terminates in front of the network operations center, which is like an air-traffic control room for trains. \u201cFrom a visitor experience, it tells a story, because you land at the heart of the facility,\u201d Nurse says. The room vividly channels the concept of motion with angular pendant fixtures and 2,000 feet of recessed LED strips that streak across the ceiling and down the walls. The center, which operates 24\/7, also glows with blue lighting chosen to be soft on the eyes of dispatchers staring at screens all day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Employees come together in the fifth-floor canteen that doubles as an all-hands meeting space. Designed like a food hall with six different vendors, it sits between two outdoor terraces; one has a retractable glass wall so the spaces can flow together. Totaling 55,000 square feet, the outdoor areas include another terrace by the gym on the floor below, where employees can do laps on circular walking paths. \u201cMovement is also important to Norfolk Southern from a health and wellness perspective,\u201d Nurse states. Glass-walled stairs in both towers further encourage physical activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Can\u2019t
Can\u2019t You See, a weathering-steel sculpture by Pennsylvania artist Dee Briggs, alludes to train tracks, movement, and tunnels.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While the array of amenities might seem like a post-pandemic bid to lure workers back to the office, the program had already been in place. The headquarters was mid-construction in March 2020, and Norfolk Southern stuck to the plan\u2014even keeping a permanent desk for each employee. \u201cThat was a key tenant from the beginning,\u201d Annie Adams, Norfolk Southern\u2019s chief transformation officer, says. \u201cIt was important that everyone have a space to call their own.\u201d The company, which had a phased move-in that began last fall and was completed in April, had always planned on accommodating hybrid work; meeting rooms are wired to connect remote participants seamlessly. Adams estimates that the headquarters is typically at 80 percent capacity. For her, the project\u2019s success goes well beyond its anticipation of flexible work schedules. \u201cThe design reflects who we are and where we\u2019re going,\u201d she says. The future of freight rail, it seems, is right on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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See Interior Design\u2019s Best of Year Winners and Honorees<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Explore must-see projects and products that took home high honors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2022 WINNERS<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Every
Every two office floors share a double-height break room, furnished with LVT flooring, Jehs + Laub tables, and custom banquettes. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"In
In a second-floor lounge, Lievore Altherr Molina armchairs flank a live-edge table made with sycamore from a tree in Bronson Forest, North Carolina, which Norfolk Southern owns. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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\"The
The stair\u2019s Corian ribbon, with double LEDs on its underside, curls down to form the custom reception desk.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Custom
Custom light fixtures outside the fitness center. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"The
The stair\u2019s con\u00adsistent 15-degree slope.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Carrara-clad
Carrara-clad walls in the main elevator lobby.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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\"LED
LED pendant and recessed linear fixtures in the network operations center.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"The
The conference center\u2019s custom quartz counter with built-in seating.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"The
The HOK-designed, Meg Mitchell\u2013painted mural in the public caf\u00e9.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Beneath
Beneath train track\u2013inspired custom ceiling baffles, the employee canteen is fur\u00adnished with Graham Design tables, Alexander Gufler armchairs, and black stools by Daniele Lo Scalzo Moscheri, and opens to a terrace on one side.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"In
In the gym, ceiling fans are painted to match the custom digitally printed wall\u00adcovering.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Tin-plated
Tin-plated ceiling panels and Donna Piacenza\u2019s flush-mount fixtures bring a vintage vibe to the game room.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Nylon
Nylon carpet tiles and LVT floor the childcare center.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
PROJECT TEAM<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n
HOK<\/span><\/a>: danielle schmitt; kay sargent; diana stanisic; vivien chen; richard saunders; weronika cichosz; francesca meola; crystal latham; valerie roosma; irina sai; erin ezell; emily payne; bethany foss; claire pellettiere; matt mcinerney<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
HKS<\/span><\/a>: architect of record<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
OJB<\/span><\/a>: landscape consultant<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
HOK Experience Design<\/span><\/a>: custom graphics<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
one lux studio<\/span><\/a>: lighting con\u00adsultant<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
uzun + case<\/span><\/a>: structural engineer<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
integral consulting<\/span><\/a>: mep<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
onsite woodwork corporation<\/span><\/a>: custom fabrication workshop<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
hitt<\/span><\/a>: general contractor<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
PRODUCT SOURCES<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n
FROM FRONT<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n
masland carpets<\/span><\/a>: rug (lobby)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
hbf<\/span><\/a>: sofa (lobby), chairs (caf\u00e9)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
luum<\/span><\/a>: sofa upholstery (lobby), chair fabric (lounge)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
shaw contract<\/span><\/a>: lvt (break room); rugs (break room, lounge), carpet tile (daycare)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
Courtesy of Davis Furniture<\/span><\/a>: tables (break room)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
jamie stern design<\/span><\/a>: custom banquettes<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
pollack<\/span><\/a>: banquette upholstery<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
mortensen woodwork<\/span><\/a>: custom screens (lounge)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
curry sawmill co.<\/span><\/a>: custom table<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
Andreu World<\/span><\/a>: chairs (lounge, caf\u00e9)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
Holly Hunt<\/span><\/a>: chair (reception)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
art & associates<\/span><\/a>: custom light fixtures (gym entry), custom wallcovering (gym)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
wolf-gordon<\/span><\/a>: wallcovering (gym entry)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
Bentley Mills<\/span><\/a>: carpet tile (conference center)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
russ bassett<\/span><\/a>: workstation (operations center)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
lambert & fils<\/span><\/a>: pendant fixtures (caf\u00e9)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
nydree floor\u00ading<\/span><\/a>: floor tile (canteen)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
martin brattrud<\/span><\/a>: tables<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
sandler seating<\/span><\/a>: stools<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
ton<\/span><\/a>: chairs<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
nanawall<\/span><\/a>: folding glass wall<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
atomic 50<\/span><\/a>: ceiling panels (game room)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
flor<\/span><\/a>: carpet tile<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
CB2<\/span><\/a>: ceiling fixtures<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
hightower<\/span><\/a>: red chairs<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
ofs<\/span><\/a>: ping pong table<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
big ass fans<\/span><\/a>: fans (gym)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
pliteq<\/span><\/a>: floor tile<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
flos<\/span><\/a>: track fixtures (daycare)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
ef contract<\/span><\/a>: lvt<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
THROUGHOUT<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Dupont<\/span><\/a>: corian<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
basaltite<\/span><\/a>: stone flooring<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
k\u00e4hrs<\/span><\/a>: wood flooring<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
axis lighting; genled brands; hubbell; led linear; 3g lighting; usai lighting<\/span><\/a>: lighting<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
decoustics; ritz acoustics; usg<\/span><\/a>: acoustical ceilings<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
benjamin moore & co.<\/span><\/a>: paint<\/span><\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n