Battelle is the world’s largest, nonprofit, research and development organization. Their selling line is “The Business of Innovation.” Our overarching goal was to brand the lobby and cafeteria of their global headquarters in a way that embodied innovation.

The design challenge was to show Battelle as a global leader in science and provide a way for the public to experience their value. We worked with BHDP Architecture to reinforce their changes to the space, so our solutions would extend their goals. We also teamed up with a Obscura Digital and Murphy Catton to ensure tight control over the end product.

Our intent, throughout the lobby, was to monumentalize science in an abstract way. The molecule sculpture is where this goal is epitomized. A 3000 pound steel sculpture of a molecule reveals itself to visitors in the lobby. As they make their way through a glass wall the space peels away and reveals the entire sculpture, which can be touched and occupied.

The lobby also features an interactive video installation that has 4 modes. A sleep mode plays a subtle animation 5’ tall by 30’ wide. The follow mode tracks users with a branded animation which entices people closer. The user mode is a content-rich playful way for multiple users to find out more about the scope of Battelle and its contributions. The presentation mode shows a series of monumental video presentations, triggered remotely. The seamless integration of these, together with the depth of information accessible, makes this installation unlike any other.

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The centerpiece of this environmental branding project is a 3,000 pound steel sculpture of a molecule developed by the scientists at Battelle. It is a portion of a molecule for a material key to the production of Hydrogen Fuel Cells. We think of this object as the church steeple in a small town. It is visible from much of the first floor and second floor and serves to anchor the entire project. For us, it monumentalizes science but also the connections Battelle makes between disciplines, which is at the root of Battelle’s specific value as a business.

These open weave room dividers for a Fabric Care company here in Cincinnati (I wonder who that could be…) were a detailing and composition challenge. 3D models were constructed to help both designer and client visualize the final product. Direct printed Sintra was selected for its durability and flexibility as we weaved our magic.  Murphy Catton fabricated and installed the pieces. BHDP Architecture designed the interiors.

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