Project Details
- Project Name
- Whole Foods Regional Offices
- Location
-
Chicago ,IL ,United States
- Architect
- Gensler
- Client/Owner
- Whole Foods
- Project Types
- Commercial
- Project Scope
- New Construction
- Awards
- 2012 AIA - State/Regional Awards
- Shared by
- Annie Milewski
- Project Status
- Built
Project Description
Whole Foods Market (WFM), a high-value, purpose-driven company, needed their regional headquarters to boldly tell their story.
The workplace was an opportunity to draw connections between the people they serve : employees, customers, local farmers and partners.
To begin, we met with every group in the office to hear their stories. The tale that unfolded centered on the Midwest region and their core values that focused on sustainability on every level: sustaining people, product, culture and values. As we moved into the planning and design phase, we continually returned to these values to ground their vision.
WFM cares about community, nutrition and eating. Upon entry, food service is featured at both ends of the corridor. One side serves large-group events in a new multipurpose room. The other houses the kitchen and community table for WFM employees. This provides transparency throughout the office and showcases food and the communal aspect surrounding around eating.
The story continues to unfold once you enter the space. The work area is adjacent to display much like a store shelf that features WFM culture, product, and initiative that helps connect employees to the mission.