37signals / Brininstool, Kerwin + Lynch

Architect: Brininstool, Kerwin, & Lynch
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Project Year: 2009-2010
Photographs: Christopher Barrett of Hedrich Blessing

The 37signals project is a 10,000sf commercial build-out for a software company in Chicago, Illinois. The build-out was designed by Brininstool, Kerwin, and Lynch of Chicago, Illinois and was completed with full occupancy in March 2010. More images and architect’s description after the break.

37signals is a web-based software company with over 5 million users that Time magazine has described as “one of the net’s rising stars.” The company’s philosophy of relying on usefulness over gadgetry has made Mies van der Rohe’s credo of “less is more” a business objective as much as a design approach to their software. 37signals sought out Brininstool, Kerwin and Lynch to create a unique work environment that not only reflects their business philosophy, but that allows their space to work as effectively for their needs as their software applications work for their customers.

The primary design feature is a long volume of team rooms intended for project specific collaboration inserted in the open plan of an existing structure. This volume is wrapped in a custom configuration of stacked industrial felt strips, inset with clear glass and magnetic chalkboard panels. To provide contrast to the neutral grays and blacks, custom designed cork panels are used on the team room interior walls, and a custom red carpet tile on the floors. Two smaller volumes of millwork, finished in a dark wood veneer, form the enclosure for a media presentation room with full audio and visual capabilities and auditorium seating for 37.