CF INDUSTRIES

DONALDSONVILLE, LA

Holden Architects was actively engaged in the design of these two story 35,000 s.f. office buildings at the CF Industries Donaldsonville industrial site.  Our firm was asked to closely examine the engineering and maintenance departments to develop comprehensive programs that outlined the current spatial, functional, and storage needs while creating flexibility for future growth.  The current designs and programs reflect efficient offices, spacious archive capability, large and small conferencing capability and open office flex spaces.  HA utilized a programming approach that identified five major design goals to achieve a conceptual layout that exceeded expectations, while keeping the door open for further refinement.  These targeted goals included: flexibility, worker satisfaction, health & comfort, technology, enabling informal social interaction, and developing a company image and brand. With this understanding, HA moved forward and is currently in the design development phase where creative application of sound design principles has identified the client’s needs and led to a building form that is a reflection of ‘who they are” and “how they work”.   The relationship and arrangement of spaces follows function throughout the complex.  The plant is designed on the principle of process engineering, a linear alignment of functions.  The buildings mirror that linear alignment and express that fundamental process.  The five goals identified above were each addressed in the core concept for the buildings.  HA applied current design trends of strategically placed infrastructure allowing future reassignment of space, day lighting, increased fresh air ventilation rates, use of dynamic or flexible working environments, hoteling, flex space arrangements, breakout areas for social interaction, robust IT infrastructure, and an overall workplace image with a view to the future.