Tower
Transformation
FNBO (First National Bank of Omaha) partnered with RDG Planning & Design to reposition and reimagine its real estate assets for the workplace of the future. This deliberate and integrated transformation of their workplace and technology enables FNBO to evolve to work differently and to meet the ever-changing demands of the workplace in the future.
With 22 floors and 500,000 SF, RDG's design strategy for the First National Tower Transformation supports how employees work and hinges on an intentional design approach. A carefully crafted strategy included a set of benchmarking standards, space planning metrics and focused programming sessions, which allowed each floor to be programmed and designed expeditiously. Inherent in this approach is the flexibility to adjust layouts, and moving employees quickly and easily to adapt to the ever-evolving work demands is key to efficiency and operational excellence.
Before 2020, FNBO was steadily modernizing its workplace. The pandemic accelerated the transition from a traditional corporate office to a flexible, efficient, and collaborative environment. The goal was to create a workspace that supports diverse ways of working, emphasizing collaboration, choice, flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of today's workforce. FNBO aims to empower employees to work differently and more effectively in a space that accommodates their unique needs and preferences by fostering an inclusive and adaptive work environment.
Beyond the employee work environment, FNBO modernized its workplace by including amenity spaces that meet the needs of all employees. Including a coffee shop, Common Grounds, encourages employees to connect, refuel and relax. The Interchange, a floor dedicated to all employees, supplements the business floors by providing an extensive cafeteria, work lounge, game area and a quiet zone where employees can retreat for necessary recharging. While catering to the internal needs of their business, FNBO also sought to create a hospitality space for hosting their external customers in a reimagined concept. Utilizing tried and true methods of hospitality, tied with state-of-the-art technology, The Customer Experience Floor became a one-of-a-kind design and experience.
BUSINESS UNITS
Initiated in April 2021, the project focuses on multiple floors within the existing building to allow for greater collaboration, agility and flexibility. RDG's design eliminates private offices, increases collaborative spaces and adds specific spaces that align with different work modalities.
The design incorporates a decrease in overall density to accommodate this shift from the traditional model to support a welcoming and productive open office environment. Most traditional floor plans accommodate 70-80% individual space and 20-30% shared spaces; in the new model, 45% of the floor plan is dedicated to individual space, while 55% is to shared spaces.
The design team developed a strategy to embrace change that embraces and encourages a changing work environment. The floor plate was segmented into a grid comprised of modules and zones. Each module is based on a set of workstations. All other space types, such as Focus, Collaboration Spaces or Learning Environments, are based on the main module. Utilizing demountable walls, the FNBO facility team can seamlessly flip uses with minimal distribution. The modular system supports a modern, flexible work environment.
In addition to the increase in shared spaces, FNBO's office now includes an abundance of natural light, open lines of sight, a focus on wellness, and an increase in collaborative meeting spaces and cafes and community spaces designed to emphasize hospitality.
Green hues used throughout the space reflect FNBO's corporate branding color, and an overall earthen palette connects the interiors to the surrounding natural Nebraska landscape. This cohesive design spans throughout the renovation project. The result is a truly transformed workplace - a place where people want to be and one that can compete within the growing and vast ecosystem of places to work.
THE INTERCHANGE
The Interchange is a high-energy transition floor pulsating with vitality, offering diverse experiences within its confines. It serves as a hub for camaraderie and collaboration, fostering an environment where individuals from all levels of the organization, from new hires to the CEO, come together on equal footing.
A cornerstone of this floor is its dining hall. It boasts a food and beverage team operating out of a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen, catering to the culinary needs of the entire building. Reflecting a desire for inclusivity, enrichment and enticement in the workplace, amenities such as a game room, private dining space, wellness suite, and a history/culture display are integrated seamlessly into the design.
This dynamic space transcends mere functionality, embracing a holistic approach to workplace culture and wellbeing, where moments of leisure and learning coexist harmoniously.
COMMON GROUNDS
In response to the evolving workplace landscape, Common Grounds was introduced to entice workers back to the office, elevating their workplace experience with a touch of luxury within the familiar confines of their building.
The cafe entailed a comprehensive overhaul of the original convenience shop, resulting in a modern space infused with traditional elements. Notably, a custom wallcovering adorned with snippets of old bank ads and articles added a unique historical flair, bridging the past with the present. Beyond mere aesthetics, this transformation fostered a strong sense of community throughout the 40-floor building, serving as a focal point for interaction and engagement among occupants.
The design seamlessly integrates functionality with elegance, offering occupants a welcoming environment where they can thrive professionally and personally over their morning cup of coffee or afternoon pick-me-up.
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE FLOOR
The private customer experience floor embodies high design principles, seamlessly blending traditional and progressive elements with a keen focus on integrating cutting-edge technology.
Rooted in history, the design expertly weaves in historic elements while maintaining high flexibility to adapt to evolving needs. It allows them to showcase their rich tradition as a community pillar without imitating a museum atmosphere.
Rather, it provided moments of storytelling that allowed them to cater each visit to the particular client or partner on the floor at any given time. This innovative space fulfills a unique requirement, providing the client with a dedicated venue for hosting meetings, events, and client engagements, offering an inviting atmosphere to wine and dine.
Inspired by the concept of discovery, each room promises a distinct experience, enriching guests' encounters with varied atmospheres and settings. The integration of technology allows for ultimate flexibility when it comes to tailoring the floor to each guest by adjusting the digital presence on the floor.