Walnut Creek, California, USA

Corten Ribbon by Form4 Architecture and led by John Marx was designed to create an edgy urban brand for Hines’ five-building, 500,000 square-foot Ygnacio Center Office Park in Walnut Creek, California.

To modernize and reinvigorate the 50-year-old commercial office complex and maximize the building’s potential as a bustling community space, the team designed and engineered a sculptural, ribbon-like gateway. 

The Corten Ribbon provides an iconic entrance experience visible from the public realm.

This sculptural gateway to social exchange becomes a beacon for the building and surrounding area.

Corten Ribbon has recently been awarded a 2022 American Architecture Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.

Functional architecture turns into a lyrical object, lifting from the ground, to afford at every step and turn of landings countless opportunities for engaging views and celebrating the workforce as a vital community. 

This perforated Corten steel installation extends from the community building to the adjacent parking garage, creating a visually appealing social courtyard and a memorable entrance.

The Ribbon’s design concept echoes throughout the floorplan and project with angular shards, nonlinear corridors, and cove ceiling lighting. 

Activating the co-working space is a café with abundant indoor seating to provide gathering spaces for employees to rest and refuel. 

A reception lounge with open seating welcomes users to the collaboration area.

It is adjacent to four conference rooms and a large 50-person classroom that are open to all tenants and can host a variety of groups and occasions. 

The flexible linear courtyard serves as the social heart of this co-working community.

Furnished with movable and permanent seating, benches, and six freestanding shades the furnishings also emulate The Ribbon’s geometric forms and enable active social engagement at different times of the day and evening. 

To accommodate diverse complex occupants with varying needs, the design also incorporated amenities such as a bike storage zone, bathrooms, showers, and lockers for cycling commuters or those who desire.

Project: Corten Ribbon
Architects: Form4 Architecture
Lead Architect: John Marx
General Contractor: NOVO Construction
Client: Hines
Photographers: John Sutton Photography