Project Description
Program:
Blitz provided comprehensive exterior renovation, reconfiguration and design of interiors, and design of campus-wide amenity spaces. In addition, Blitz provided complete architectural and interior design services for the building tenant in 5000 Marina Boulevard.
Design:
Blitz’s project includes the complete renovation of two office buildings on the 150,000-square-foot Marina Landing campus in Brisbane, CA, located just seven miles south of San Francisco. The goal of the building repositioning was to transform the location into a sought-after creative office campus. Both buildings, which had remained vacant for more than four years prior to the renovation, underwent complete exterior and interior repositioning. Blitz created a cohesive campus design that visually unifies the two buildings and fosters an instantly recognizable identity. The design embraces the surrounding mountains and marina.
Creating a people-centered experience that improves efficiencies and visual connections between interior spaces was paramount to the design. Similar exterior color palettes, textured materials, and metal panel systems on main entry canopies are used in alternating and opposing schemes on both buildings to create a sense of connection between the structures while preserving each building’s distinct identity. Shared campus amenities, such as bay-view walking trails, outdoor seating, and native landscaping, provide a connection and a clear path of travel between the two buildings.
The 7000 Marina Boulevard building includes approximately 85,000 square feet on six floors. Originally built in 1986 as the headquarters for plush toy manufacturer R. Dakin Co., the building possesses strong architectural characteristics, now enhanced with increased access to light and views—attributes desired for modern offices. By replacing the existing awning windows with floor-to-ceiling high-performance insulated glazing, the architects maximized views and daylight while improving thermal performance. Exterior walls further push outward on existing cantilevered slabs to create pop-out areas for informal breakout spaces and small meeting pods that showcase collaboration from the inside out. New exterior feature lighting highlights the new elements and provides a distinct street view of the building at night.
The main entrance of 7000 Marina was rotated from the south to southwest side of the building to directly relate to the 5000 Marina building. The entrance opens to an expansive two-story lobby with green walls, custom front desk, and renovated elevator lobby. The lobby provides direct access to the building’s impressive five-story atrium, which was previously built out as office space. Blitz removed the existing wall components to expose the structural steel. Designed for ultimate flexibility, the large open space includes area for a multi-use stage for meetings and events. Large roll-up doors and an outdoor patio create collaborative space that can easily expand to the exterior. The atrium can also be used as a main employee gathering and all-hands area for both buildings.
The 5000 Marina Blvd. building, constructed in 2001, is situated to the south of the 7000 Marina building. To open up the approximately 65,000-square-foot, three-story building and take advantage of expansive and unobstructed views of the bay and Candlestick Park, Blitz added glazing to the north side of the building. Existing exterior panel features were repainted to correspond with the neighboring 7000 building. The reoriented entry canopy uses similar color palette and materials to create a clear connection between the two entrances. The space is currently being leased by Ultragenyx, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company.
The interior scope for 5000 Marina includes a complete gut of the office floors as a build-out of a common lobby with a green wall. Floor and wall graphics correspond with its neighbor to the north. A custom, reclaimed-timber security desk is the focal point of the lobby entry. Graphics on the main floor harken to the nearby airport and provide distinctive wayfinding.
Firm:
By applying a human-centered design approach across various scales and typologies, Blitz brings the personality, culture, and values of each client to life in physical form. As an award-winning full-service architecture and design firm, Blitz specializes in creating fresh and innovative environments that disrupt the status quo. Founded in 2009 by Melissa Hanley, AIA, IIDA, LEED AP, and Seth Hanley, AIA, LEED AP, the firm offers a variety of design solutions, including architecture, interior design, graphics, and branding, for a range of typologies that comprises workplace, hospitality, retail, and education. To heighten the human experience, Blitz engages in an investigative process that includes immersive observation to understand clients’ needs, while using technology to optimize the design delivery process. The firm operates from offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles, and works with clients throughout the US, Europe, Australia, and Asia.