On the banks of the Duwamish River, Federal Center South is the new Seattle headquarters for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The comprehensive exterior and interior wayfinding program reflect the mission, history, and cultural impact of the USACE and is holistically integrated into the building design.
Taking cues from the building’s location on the river and the history of the region, the program features brand colors along with technical, geographic, and waterway data relevant to the USACE. At the new building, staff and visitors navigate an entryway designed to motivate and energize. The visual language of the corps', characterized by topographical mapping and technical data, is integrated into the graphics and organization of the space.
The celebration of the Corps' work is prominently displayed in the lobby through a striking USACE brand red installation featuring a topographic relief of a river. Constructed of layered acrylic, the design mimics the reflective quality of water. Real-time rainfall statistics, water pressure, and hydro-power generation data are showcased on LED reader boards embedded in the graphic display. A steel c-channel runs the length of the wall, reinforcing the architectural integrity and alluding to the strength inherent in the Corps’ principles. The Corps’ mission statement, prominently displayed in the c-channel, further emphasizes their commitment to delivering sustainable engineering solutions.
