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New Albany, Ohio
Anderson Architects in association with NBBJ
Photography © Anderson Architects
A bucolic campus caters to young trendsetters
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"Abercrombie
& Fitch epitomizes the trend of capturing the
brand—which here is clearly a youth brand—in the
design work."
— Tim O'Brien, V.P.,
Real Estate, Ford Motor Company
Architect
Anderson Architects www.andersonarch.com;
NBBJ www.nbbj.com
(associate architect)
Client
Abercrombie & Fitch www.abercrombie.com
Key
Player(s)
M-Engineering (mechanical, electrical)
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Program:
The original offices for Abercrombie & Fitch were generic
and nearly windowless; their identity was not expressed beyond
a sign in the lobby and a few images placed around the interior.
Both client and architect wished to create an environment
for employees where they would experience a world that both
reflected the brand and would play a significant role in shaping
it. They sought a workplace to stimulate interaction and innovation,
a place of natural beauty that could be used to recruit talent.
Solution:
A rural site in Ohio with 300 acres of woodland was
selected for the new headquarters. Its natural beauty was
the perfect setting for offices that could mingle with the
landscape and offer scenic views to the outside. From the
parking lot to the offices, employees weave their way on narrow
wooded paths that lead to a boardwalk and wood-trussed entry.
At the entrance, one experiences the character of the new
headquarters' brand. Open workstations promote interaction
among staff and encourage collaboration. Work areas are designed
as an easily adapted kit of parts. Areas for work and play
coexist throughout the campus. The offices are open-ended,
informal, hip, and democratic. The project has enabled the
client to grow and has become a sought-out place to work among
young trendsetters.
For more images please see the November
2002 issue or Architectural Record.
The Winners: Abercrombie
& Fitch | Allsteel
| Cellular Operations
| Gateshead
Millenium Bridge | Multi-Use
Centre | Paul
Brown Stadium | Texas
Children's Hospital | Toys
"R" Us | Trumpf
Customer & Technology Center | Univ.
of Penn. Dept. of Facilities and Real Estate | Valeo
Electrical Systems
The Finalists:
Arcs
de Seine | Boeing\
Leadership Center | Gasometer
B | Hansen
Construction Office | ING
Direct | KeySpan
Park Stadium | Matha
Stewart Living
Unbuilt Projects:
BMW Event and
Delivery Center | Hollister
Headquarters
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