AIA Central Massachusetts Merit Award for Excellence in Architecture

This European multinational company requested a complete makeover for its United States Head Quarters, previously a home grown entity with strong regional ties with a purely functional public entrance.  The completed lobby reflects the acquiring company’s sophisticated Euro outlook and contributed to the re-branding and new global vision for Mapfre, formerly Commerce Insurance of Webster, Massachusetts.  

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Design challenges included creating a new lobby in a dated structure where none previously existed and reconceiving the exterior building approach to connect both parking and street entrances with the many internal pathway junctures.  A dramatic transparent reception with an overview of the entire lobby was a top requirement. The resulting glass, steel and classic black and gray interior showcase the seating area of dark leather sofas offset by bright red Mies van der Rohe Barcelona chairs, the latter a not so subtle nod to the company’s corporate colors and country of origin. To gain and reconfigure space, a portion of an original load bearing wall was removed and the entrance door received a new location. A custom carpet situated upon a stone floor provides both a soft and solid protective atmosphere, the perfect feel for this corporation’s industry and customer base.