For the interior renovation of Societe Generale’s office space on the 38th floor of 190 S. LaSalle St., Chicago, designers sought to emphasize the arch of the barrel-vaulted window casings by incorporating converse rectilinear architecture within the space. The straight lines of the office fronts and other architectural details offset and emphasize the window casings. A mix of wood and glass allows a degree of visual privacy for the office dwellers, while providing clear views and natural day-lighting for employees seated at work stations in central work areas.
The office fronts make a smooth, flush transition between the walnut veneer door and the full-height wood side panel. This was achieved by detailing the side panels to be the same thickness as the doors, and by using hidden hardware in the pivot doors instead of ball-bearing hinges.