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Johnson & Johnson Baby Products Headquarters Complex

Montgomery Township, New Jersey
Completed 1981

Lead Designer: Henry N. Cobb

Corporate administration and laboratory research buildings
 

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This headquarters complex, situated amid farmland in central New Jersey, was undertaken to increase operational efficiency through the consolidation of outlying research and development facilities. It comprises the first phase of a comprehensive master plan to accommodate Johnson & Johnson's growing administrative, research, engineering, and manufacturing requirements. The project was designed to provide 700 employees with the best possible working environment while respecting and enhancing the countryside. Approximately one-third of the 250-acre site was landscaped; the rest was left in its natural state.

The four-story complex consists of a 177,000 s/f rhomboidal administration building with ratcheted walls that fragment apparent bulk as they multiply corner offices and engage the pastoral site. Laboratories occupy a square 92,000 s/f research center set apart from administration, but connected to it by a 1-story podium housing dining areas, medical facilities and other communal services. All of the offices enjoy natural light and views, either outdoors or into the skylit atrium around which the administration building is organized. Through a carefully choreographed layering of light, space, high-visibility circulation and curved overlooks that invite chance meetings and conversation, the atrium has been designed to engender a sense of community, encouraging personal contact and the creative exchange of ideas.

Major Components

80,000 s/f offices, conference rooms; 3,000 s/f main lobby; 5,100 s/f atrium; 37,800 s/f laboratories / support; 5,000 s/f cafeteria; commissioned art (Helena Hernmarck tapestry); medical facility; lounge; support

Awards

I. M. Pei & Partners services

Master Planning; Complete Architectural Services; Interior Design

Structural

Weiskopf & Pickworth, New York, NY 

Mechanical / Electrical

Cosentini Associates LLP, New York, NY

Landscape

Hanna/Olin, Philadelphia, PA

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