Farmington, Conn.
Barkow Leibinger Architects

Photography © Paul Warchol

A building that proclaims the spirit of enterprise

Program: Trumpf Customer and Technology Center is the American subsidiary of a European-based manufacturer of high-tech laser machine tools. Originally intended as a training center for machine operators, the acceleration of sales in the U.S. prompted the decision to change the program to include client demonstration and sales. The new building lies within a suburban industrial office park, where a large pond and extensive natural wetland areas are maintained. To serve a customer center, it was imperative to improve the pedestrian circulation from the existing buildings to the new one.

Solution: The building is large enough to demonstrate the company's entire range of products and services and includes a presentation theater, employee cafeteria, dining for clients, a lobby, conference rooms, and offices. A new central walkway that terminates in a terraced stair to the pond's shore unites the separate buildings of the site into a campuslike assemblage and improves circulation. A hierarchical office structure has been replaced by a design that emphasizes collaborative work and maximizes a larger cross section of the company's talent. Each month, more than 20 groups of customers visit the center, and three out of every four purchase a machine or service from the client—a 50 percent increase from the time prior to construction of the facility.

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

ADVERTISEMENT