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would," says Rick Nichols, PHFA Director of Information Technology. "It's
important for us to convey a sense of confidence, security and institutional endurance."
In addition, the agency was determined to have its headquarters earn LEED (Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design) certification through the U.S. Green Building
Council.
There were also civic considerations, due to the fact that the agency was moving
into "the last remaining prime space on the banks of the Susquehanna River."
Last - but far from least - the PHFA wanted to be sure its new space supported high
morale among its 300 employees, all of whom were moving from hard-walled offices.
"It's always a challenge when people feel like they're losing their office,"says
architect Benedict Dubbs. "We did mock-ups to show them they'd have more storage
and more work space. Those were very beneficial."
The Kimball Office Solution
As one of six furniture companies contending for the PHFA contract, Kimball Office
was chosen because its products were "aesthetically pleasing, made with quality
materials," says Rick Nichols.
"To earn LEED certification in an urban site such as ours, we had to rely a
lot on interior elements such as HVAC, lighting, and furniture," he points
out. "It's not like a rural or suburban site where the concerns are more about
drainage and erosion."
Fortunately, Nichols noted, Kimball Office offers furniture that is also made to
last, which makes buildings more sustainable. Also, Kimball Office products are
designated label-free by the EPA for ozone-depleting chemicals.
These factors helped make Kimball Office products "important in obtaining our
certification," Nichols said.
"We used light woods and fabrics that don't show much wear and tear, and lots
of glass," says architect Dubbs. "The result is a space that's very bright
throughout. In fact, more than 90% of the spaces have some direct natural light,
which is also an important LEED consideration."
Power and data connectivity were also significant factors in employee satisfaction.
"We rely on advanced technology and a highly controlled environment, with lots
of sensors for light and temperature," says Rick Nichols.With abundant base
options and flexible outlet/port placement, Kimball Office products easily supported
the agency's needs for plentiful power access and data connectivity.
Installation went smoothly, according to all reports. "The systems went together
fast, and the installers were very complimentary of how things were packed and shipped,"
Dubbs notes.
The end result? "When you walk into this space and see all the wood, it's so
comfortable, you immediately feel at home," says Rick Nichols.
Product Specifications: Product specifications: Cetra® systems; Footprint®
worksurfaces and storage; Definition® casegoods; Aspire®
tables and Conferencing Solutions; Fundamental® files; Skye®,
Coliseum®, Bingo®, and VistaTM seating;
Transwall's Corporate Wall and ZWall.
Project Team: Rick Nichols, PHFA; Benedict Dubbs, Murray Associates; Reuel Ryman,
Total Office Solutions.
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