Collaborators

General Contractor: Dumarc Construction
Furniture Vendor: Tangram
MEP Engineers: MEP California
Photographer: Tanveer Badal

Role: Architect of Record
Location: Downey, CA
Client: Southern California Gas Company

The Southern California Gas Company’s Energy Resource Center has always been at the forefront of innovation and sustainable design.  Home of the Hydrogen House and the go-to location for all sustainable building events, the ERC embraces new ideas and healthy environments daily.  As part of this forward-thinking mindset, SoCalGas teamed up with NCA Studio to bring Activity Base Work to their office spaces and welcome their staff back to the office after the pandemic hiatus. Rethinking the office for collaboration and a healthy workspace.

Prior to the pandemic, this 7,500 square-foot office space had been a sea of grey cubicles that was reminiscent of office space from thirty years ago and made for an unwelcoming space for employees and visitors. Post-pandemic, Southern California Gas was ready to re-think this space with Activity Based Working for a hybrid work force where desks are shared, a range of collaboration and individual work settings are provided for different types of working, and create a welcoming workplace where people enjoy working.

With a focus on healthy workspace, natural wood tones were incorporated into flooring and furniture, clear and frosted glass were used for privacy screens, new lighting and a white ceiling were used to bring in light and create an open airy feel that continued the building’s LEED certification.