Parexel

The design of Parexel’s headquarters encompasses the company’s vision for its culture: “We care. We’re not just the people with brains, we’re the people with heart.” VC’s design challenge was to create an innovative and collaborative environment that cultivates community and human connections. The project was broken into two phases, a conference center, and an office suite for employees. With larger, client-facing conferencing requirements moved to the conference center, the design team was able to create a more efficient and collegial environment for employees. The goal of the design is to create a journey for the user. As each person moves towards their destination, there are opportunities to pause, whether for spontaneous interactions with others or to reflect in private. VC was conscious of not planning a “cube farm”. VC created smaller neighborhoods within the larger floor plate introducing various architectural elements and visual interest points throughout. Environmental graphics and branding colors are used along this journey to help navigate users through neighborhoods to collaboration spaces and focus areas.

Photo credits: Nikka Palapar, Images © 2020 Visnick & Caulfield
Location: Newton, MA