Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development

The project transformed the fifth floor of Seattle City Hall to create a vibrant home for the Department of Planning and Community Development. The adaptive transformation has been cited by the City as an exemplary model for breaking down silos and fostering open communication in an dynamic office environment with a diverse range of flexible collaboration spaces. The project was competitively bid through the City of Seattle public works bid process; ORA worked closely with the low-bid contractor and CoS project managers to achieve project completion on time and within budget while maintaining high quality standards. The project was designed to meet City of Seattle Capitol Green sustainability standards, featuring extensive energy efficiency upgrades, material re-use, and enhanced day-lighting achieved by removing perimeter private offices to create an engaging open work space with dramatic views to Elliott Bay. Other key design features include vibrant colors highlighting primary collaboration areas and a custom-designed frit pattern representing the downtown street grid at the main conference room.

Image Credits: Cody Cobb and Stephanie Hsie Photography