Trumpf America is the U.S. subsidiary of a European-based manufacturer of high-tech laser machine tools ranging in scale from electric hand-tools to large industrial machines for cutting and forming sheet metal. Originally programmed for use as a training center for machine operators, acceleration of U.S. sales in the mid-to late '90s caused Trumpf America to change the course of the building program during construction to focus on client demonstration and sales. Barkow Leibinger Architects, Casle Corporation, Trumpf CEO, and the company's U.S. manager planned the redesign in a series of workshops held in both Europe and America.

Reflecting the company's raison d'etre, the customer and technology center incorporates different shapes and sizes of sheet metal. Its other major component is vast expanses of glass. "The transparency of the design confirms our commitment to fair dealing with our customers and employees," says the building owner. "The unusual amount of sunlight for a building of this use is a reminder that nothing that is good ever needs to be hidden. The tribute to the sun is fitting—one of the things we do is harness light into a useful laser tool for our customers."

The center is large enough—in part due to a double-height lobby—to permit workers to demonstrate the entire range of Trumpf America's products and services. Customers also like the building's proximity to the local regional airport, which allows them easy access. More than 20 groups of customers a month visit the facility. In addition, three out of every four who visit for a machine demonstration or listen to a presentation purchase a machine or service. This is a 50 percent increase in the success rate prior to the building's construction.

"The center broke the mold of the traditional typical suburban industrial-park type facility, raising it to a whole new level in terms of design excellence and quality," the jury said. "The design of the building made it feel like one cohesive family, and that, combined with the natural light and the access to the site, was really quite wonderful."

Copyright 2002 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.