Project Spotlight:
Gorbel
Established in 1977, Gorbel Inc. manufacturers crane technology products, ergonomic lifting products, tether track fall arrest safety systems, and medical gait therapy systems. The campus consists of four total buildings which include office and manufacturing space. The Edge team has completed renovations on three of their buildings.
Inspiration from Manufacturing Roots
Gorbel’s tagline “A Class Above” and their crane manufacturing nature influenced the industrial design aesthetic and drove inspirational details. The intent was to create a modern and inviting space that represents their product, identity and culture. The design team was responsible for creating corporate brand standards that included a palette of color, detailed expression of material selections and integration of corporate messaging. This created the branded design standards that will be implemented campus wide.
“We have worked with Edge renovating three of our office/manufacturing buildings. Each renovation consisted of re-envisioning our space. Edge took great care of our needs and fulfilling our desire to create a unique experience for our employees. The level of service and expertise provided by Edge exceeded our expectations. They consistently developed solutions to fit our budget while maintaining the unique design and consistent branding of our space.”
Open and Collaborative Work Environments
Gorbel wanted to create an open, transparent office environment, highlighting connections to their manufacturing roots in key design features. Program requirements included visual transparency between spaces, a central break room located at the “core intersection” and a collaborative work environment for three main departments, Marketing, Customer Service & Application Engineering.
Simple circulation directs foot traffic, where visual transparency allows a sense of activity beyond the core. Warm woods soften the rawness of steel and conveys an industrial aesthetic.
Window graphics emphasize the products and cultural values of the company. Corporate colors (blue and yellow) flow into adjacent spaces. Pin-up spaces and marker board walls promote activity and transparent collaboration between all departmental staff.
A Place for the Unexpected
Impromptu meetings between departments are an essential part of Gorbel office culture. Throughout the day, they internally huddle to discuss action plans and projects.
Break Time and Pot Luck
Located along main circulation routes, the central break room allows busy workers to unwind and interact or quickly pass through and mingle.
Generous kitchen space encourages congregation and is helpful on pot luck days when everyone brings a dish to pass.
The window graphic provides a sense of privacy during break time, yet allows both the eye and natural light to connect beyond.
