WMS Gaming, Chicago

WMS Gaming's redesigned headquarters reflects the corporate culture of the gaming-machine manufacturer.

The company has recently experienced rapid growth, so the North Side building WMS has owned since 1947 was gutted to accommodate the increasing number of engineers and other employees.

In fact, the employee count has more than tripled recently, and management made the commitment to use the facility to focus on the engineering end of its business.
Manufacturing was shifted to the company's facility in Waukegan, Ill.

WMS served as its own general contractor on the project and elected to replace most of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems because they were antiquated.
Some of the existing fire-protection systems were retained.

An Employee Focus

The design challenge and inspiration came from the company's commitment to its employees.

WMS' objective was to create a physical interpretation of the company's people-first philosophy. The result is a space that was designed to foster a creative atmosphere and employee satisfaction.

The challenge was met by using the assets of an existing facility in a colorful, cost-effective way.

The facility was transformed with interior design that changed the structure into a space offering amenities and an attractive atmosphere. For example, a high-clearance truck dock was converted into a fitness center, including basketball court and exercise room. A second dock was converted in a recording studio so engineers could incorporate music and sounds into the company's slot machines.

The building's existing infrastructure played an important role in the overall design concept. Old elements were left intact to preserve and building's heritage but revitalized to provide a modern feel.

For instance, brick walls and concrete floors were painted, rather than covered. Steel columns were sandblasted and left exposed, becoming part of the landscape.

How Color Used

Color played a key role in the design scheme. Color splashes were used functionally and aesthetically as both design elements and to direct individuals through the space.

An existing fire door, for instance, was painted red and is set off from the neutral hue of the adjacent brick. Carpet colors, reminiscent of a game board, were used as identification markers to distinguish the different groups within the organization.

Neutral colors also became an integral part of the scheme in the corridor walls and flooring. High ceilings were left exposed and painted white, creating a loft effect.

Employee spaces were configured to provide the feel of a town square, where interaction and privacy could coexist.

The former manufacturing floor was converted into open-office work stations for maximum flexibility and to maintain a sense of openness. Light also played a role as skylights positioned around the square provide natural illumination.

Building Systems Upgraded

The functional elements of the structure were equally important to the design.

All building systems were upgraded to provide updated technologies and physical comforts.

Design criteria were developed for the electrical and lighting systems while detailed design was handled via design-build.

Work included replacing a central chilled-water system, low-pressure steam distribution system and several rooftop HVAC systems. The package included roof-mounted air conditioning units with DX cooling and gas heat. The systems included controls, air distribution, air distribution insulation, utility piping, electrical unit heaters, cabinet heaters and supplemental air conditioner for the computer showroom.

The audio-visual spaces were given special consideration given their tight noise and vibration tolerances. HVAC design was done in conjunction with an acoustics consultant that served the cooling needs of the space while meeting the restrictive noise conditions through isolation, dampening and other treatments.

The end product is space that uses an existing facility in an aesthetically pleasing way, and one that provides the functional components necessary for WMW to perform successfully.

The jury said, "This was very nice detailing and excellent execution by the entire team."

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