More than ever, accuracy and efficiency are paramount. As offices across North America gradually come back to life, the amenities — and design — of workplace life are a key draw for returning professionals, which means that take offs and bids must come together quickly. In Phoenix, Arizona, the revitalized Papago Buttes III complex is a case in point. Reimagined as a more flexible, sociable space, the 8,800 square-metre building’s new lobby is a welcoming design, punctuated by a showpiece installation by Armstrong Ceilings.

A symbol of the building’s new identity, the elegant ceiling is also a showcase of design innovation, facilitated by the innovative ProjectWorks Design & Pre-Construction Service. To bring the bespoke installation to life, project architects SmithGroup utilized a distinctive system that allows designers to create dynamic one-of-a-kind ceilings using a standard set of 2D and faceted 3D geometric shapes and perimeter panels.

Inside the lobby, visitors are greeted by the eye-catching presence of luxurious silver-colour MetalWorks Torsion Spring Shapes panels. Rippling across the ceiling with a distinctly kinetic energy, the intricate yet impressively cohesive panels feature swing-down accessibility as well integrated lighting and noise-reducing acoustical fleece, making for a technically sophisticated — yet visually seamless — installation.

To bring SmithGroup’s design vision to life, the ProjectWorks design-to-installation service offered a vital toolkit. “We quickly made adjustments to the original design and created four small flat areas using 2D square panels,” explains Armstrong’s ProjectWorks Design Specialist, John Lutz. “Canned light fixtures were then installed in those areas. Thanks to the configuration of the 3D panels the flat section adds a dynamic yet practical element to the overall installation.”

By creating a closer partnership between the manufacturer and the designer, the complimentary ProjectWorks service also streamlines the construction process. At Papago Buttes III, ProjectWorks also provided a drawing package that included a reflective ceiling plan in which all the panels were labeled with a letter designation. “This reduced the risk factor greatly by showing the contractor where each panel belongs,” Lutz says. “There was no guessing.”

According to SmithGroup designer, Simone Schoen, the result is a pièce de résistance for the office complex.“The owners were looking for a unique signature ceiling that would draw eyes up as tenants and visitors entered the space,” Schoen explains. And Armstrong and SmithGroup certainly delivered. “All who see it agree it’s an amazing ceiling. It is the focal point we desired.”

This content was published by Azure on behalf of Armstrong Ceiling Solutions.