Shure Inc. — Innovation Center

Chicago, IL

Awards

AIA Chicago Chapter Citation of Merit

Chicago Architecture Foundation Patron of the Year

Photography: Steve Hall | Hedrich Blessing

A world leader in sound reproduction equipment and high-performance microphones, Shure required a new center representing their personality and values for winning clients and recruiting top engineering talent.

The Innovation Center building addition united blue-ribbon teams with research and prototyping equipment and testing chambers, supporting increased communication and exchanging ideas with strategically located adaptive spaces.

The result is a high-performance flexible workplace with abundant natural light. Light is controlled with fixed louvers, providing employees with indirect and diffused natural light necessary for the highly technical work.

Technical challenges included creating sound and vibration-isolated spaces, including anechoic chambers, on a site adjacent to a rail line. This was achieved by isolating these rooms on separate foundation systems.

Testing laboratories and spaces that demanded independent control of light, air quality, and acoustic isolation, were located in enclosed structures on the main floor.

Engineering teams occupy a glazed mezzanine overlooking the testing floor below with expansive views over the lab and testing and maker spaces. The integration of engineering and office staff promotes better communication and efficiency.

Several years after these projects were completed, we partnered with Pentagram to create an exhibit hall to showcase employee contributions and reinforce the organization's past and present triumphs.