IBM Center for e-business::Chicago Chicago, Illinois, USA Since founded in 1941, IBM has long reigned in the world of computer hardware. In the mid 90's IBM shifted its core business from hardware to service in the conviction that "e-commerce would play a key role in the future." Mobilizing all the assets such as technological competence and the network building capability, IBM started to provide their customers with solutions to integrate the entire systems. They called this solution approach "e-business." In January of 2001, as the first place of interface with customers, e-business center was created in Chicago. One IBM Plaza, situated in the center of Chicago is a skyscraper built in 1968 as the last building designed by Mies van der Rohe. IBM, once the owner of the building, opened a 10,000 ft2. e-business center on the 8th floor. The white-based lobby has floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides, seamlessly connected to the outside. The translucent and light-drenched space carries an image of neutral and universal outdoor environment. The basis of the design is experience. Named "Experience Architecture," it offers a myriad of experiences to its visitors and enhances their creativity. The Skyline Wall In the lobby will take you to streets In New York, London and Sydney with actual street noises from the speakers. Four Interactive Kiosks can be arranged in parallel for group sessions or in series to offer virtual tours for individuals. Many layers of experience are weaved into the spatial design. To provide new experiences numerous innovative materials were developed for various elements. The core of the e-business center is the Briefing Room. This is where visitors spend most of their time. However the sessions in this room are not "briefings" in a conventional sense, but rather "Innovation Exchange." Here customers themselves think about their own companies and extract agenda through new experiences in a new environment and collaborations with them. In the middle of the Briefing Room is an interactive table in the shape of a guitar pick. The form was derived in order to allow equal view of the main screen, while abolishing the hierarchy of the company so that they can discuss and contribute on an equal basis. The Interactive Table has 8 PC stations built into its thickness and each display is projected from the ceiling. Participants can make a smooth transition from their interactive session to the individual work on PC. As many as 117 experts on e-business stand by in the space across the corridor as well as the 7th floor, to join the sessions and offer consultation. Using video conference if necessary, the solutions will be sought. What becomes clarified in the sessions will be immediately summarized, and at the end of the session the customers can take back the data they themselves edited. By coming here, they can obtain a tangible fruit which will speedily solve their problems. IBM Center for e-business           Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA     Move-In Date: 2001.1     Floor Area: 10,000 ft2     Workforce:     Building Design: Mies Van der Rohe (1968)     Interior Design: Design Office     Interview Date: 2001.6       Mies Van der Rohe