As a national advocate for early detection, treatment, and eliminating the stigma surrounding the word dementia, Legacy Bridge’s owner embraced designing a building that will support physical and mental well-being. Biophilic principles such as connections to the natural outdoors (visual and physical), daylighting, notions of prospect and refuge, and integration of dynamic and diffuse light informed the design. The building is a neutral palette for art and furniture that further reinforce natural materials, textures, and colors.

Spaces, including circulation, were designed to keep a constant visual connection to the exterior. Core spaces at the interior, including office and support functions, were designed as two bars linked by a connector. The connector is a fully transparent section of the building, including entry, reception, meeting spaces, and executive offices. The simple organization of this small office building prioritizes views while creating public and private zones that are demarcated, respectively, by a centralized circulation path at public areas which splits at private areas and is pushed to the building edges.

Interior cores are visually connected through wood as a wrapping material. To accommodate the level of transparency, the glass is moderately tinted and the building features a unifying sunshade trellis that protects the glazing and outdoor spaces.

As the new, permanent home for the Legacy Bridge business, consideration for how the small family-owned company could continue to grow over time was important. As the name implies, the building will also be a legacy for the company. Nearly every space in the building, especially offices, were designed as modular spaces. This approach proved valuable even during construction, when, at two separate times, two single offices were combined to create larger suites. Evolution has continued during and after move-in. Unbuilt shell space with infrastructure in place will support continued growth.

This small but complex project integrates very specific site conditions, owner objectives, and the ability to change. Client and user groups as well as the entire design and construction team were involved from day-one, incorporating elements of design-build throughout the process. In addition, the design team coordinated with the city throughout design and construction on roadway widening and pedestrian and bike trail connections that were occurring simultaneously.  The project demonstrates how integrated design and delivery can produce successful outcomes.