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/ BUILDING DIALOGUE / DECEMBER 2014
/ Flexibility, Transparency, Equality: Changing the Game at Bal Seal Engineering /
Through the years, Bal Seal’s culture
gradually changedwith each newbuild-
ing. The sense of common purpose and
shared activity that were in the original
Quonset diminished with each move.
The principle of
transparency
became
a plan for return to its original culture.
Transparent glass walls are used wher-
ever possible. They allow for people to
see each other working wherever they
are – in offices, the manufacturing bays
or the boardroom. They contribute to a
sense that everyone is working together.
The Quonset of Bal Seal’s early years
provided a social experience that led
to the principle of
equality.
Everyone
perspired in the hot Southern Califor-
nia sun, shared ad hoc furnishings and
overheard every phone call. In hind-
sight, apart from the superiority of its
patented products, it was this sense of
purpose, and everyone contributing to it,
that ensured success. Several features of
Bal Seal’s new building reflect the focus
on
equality
.
The Commons is one of them. As an
architectural form, it recalls the exterior
shape and interior volume of the Quon-
set. In use, it reflects the history of the
company, and early times when every-
one worked together, in a single space,
toward commons goals. It is a place
where everyone gathers for meals, cor-
porate meetings, and special events.
Seating is another. Standardmanufac-
turing and office facilities often distin-
guish executives andmanagers fromev-
eryone else, and different kinds of chairs
are used to create and reinforce hierar-
chy. In Bal Seal’s new facility, there is only
one chair: It is the chair. Receptionist, of-
fices, boardroom, manufacturing floor –
everyone has exactly the same chair.
An equal environment is the third
feature. Manufacturing facilities often
provide fine finishes, amenities and
comforts for just the office spaces, while
shop spaces get the basics. In Bal Seal’s
facility, everyone receives equal treat-
ment: purified air, noise reduction, natu-
ral sunlight and views to outdoors.
With these three design principles
met, Bal Seal Engineering went one step
further, focusing on family. Wrapped by
a picnic area and playground, the Com-
mons is the social and emotional cen-
ter of the family owned, family focused
business. Building security is zoned so
family members can meet together
daily should they wish to do so, shar-
ing meals and breaks in the Commons.
Nearly three dozen microwaves allow
for rapid food preparation, and a full
kitchen allows for preparation of slow-
er-cooked familymeals. Outdoor natural
gas grills can be used for barbeque. Chil-
dren can romp in a playground. There is
a fitness trail, even a park. These features
enrich interpersonal relationships, and
strengthen family ties.
Flexibility. Transparency. Equality.
These are the design principles used
to re-think Bal Seal’s approach to its
new facility in ways that change the
game, and challenge other companies
and their architects to think differently
about how office andmanufacturing fa-
cilities are designed.
Marvels spring from Bal Seal Engi-
neering.
\\
BRYAN CONSTRUCTION
“Teamwork” is often used to describe
business relationships. For Bal
Seal Engineering’s new Colorado
Springs facility, Bryan Construction
provided more than design-build
services – it provided leadership for
a comprehensive teamworking
in genuine partnership. Bryan’s
services included:
Commercial building inventory
review and analysis
Land due diligence review and
selection
Land surveying procurement
Geotechnical engineering
procurement
Covenant review and compliance
Legal counsel referral
Commercial brokerage referral
Tax incentive coordination and
documentation
Design services solicitation and
selection
Establishment and tracking of pro
formas
Coordination of jurisdictional review
processes
Full-scale building mock-ups
Detailed safety procedures resulting
in zero recordable incidents
BIM coordination from design
through construction
Paperless construction
administration
Navisworks coordination
Bluebeam deliverables
Phased construction completion
allowing for FDA-regulated start up
Furniture and equipment
procurement and installation
Building start-up and commissioning
assistance
Bryan Construction’s leadership
proved successful in delivering to
Bal Seal Engineering a stunning
new facility reflecting corporate
principles, exceeding expectations,
and providing an outstanding
work environment.
Fred Fuhrmeister, Time Frame Images
Building transparency is evident at night. Flags at the customer entry celebrate
corporate presence on three continents.
