Emerson: Lobby Display

Environmental design captures essence of brand


Making a BIG impact for a global company with modern environmental graphics.

You’ve probably heard it said: ‘Go Big or Go Home’ right?
In this case, we took that statement quite literally!

Situation

Emerson chose Obata to design and produce a new display for their headquarter lobby. After careful study, Obata applied several key drivers to guide the creative process – Exemplify current Emerson culture with a reflection on the company history, reduce visual complexity from the existing display, and greatly improve the aesthetic fit within the environment. Obata recommended a technology approach that focused on reducing complexity and simplifying content changes on the video screens.

emerson-lobby-helix-display

The ‘Helix’ has served as a mark of excellence, representing Emerson for 20+ years.

Emerson’s spiral logomark, called the ‘Helix’, has become a recognizable icon of innovation and progress for many years. Despite the longevity of the mark, it has never been fabricated at a significant scale… until now. Obata envisioned the symbol as a dimensional structure that would serve as a centerpiece to all who visited Emerson’s headquarters.

helix rendering

The ‘boat’, as we call it, features three 55” video screens.

To highlight Emerson through engaging and interactive content, Obata came up with a solution that includes three large video monitors within a single structure. This solution provided a modern aesthetic that was simple to maintain with wi-fi enabled media players to control video content on each screen. As the structure was being fabricated, it’s large size, shape and heavy metal sides resembled a WWII battleship, giving it the nickname of ‘the boat’ – although we’re pretty sure that floating on water is out of the question.

Base rendering
base exploded view
fabrication photos 1
Fabrication photos 2

A multi-media strategy that provides visual interest and ultimate flexibility.

Three video screens provide visitors a quick snapshot of Emerson and offer an array of visual information that harkens back to the company’s unique story of innovation. Having multiple screens allows for a variety of content to be displayed, and using wi-fi enabled media players allows videos to be easily replaced or updated any time.

The center video features the latest ad campaign content and contains audio that is activated with a proximity sensor as visitors approach the display.

Video display
history video moodboard

When it all comes together the result is something you’re proud to display to the world.

CHALLENGE THE CHAOS.