The genesis of the facility’s design was the result of harmonious collaboration between the GE/Unison leadership team, engineers, project developer, construction partner, and the architectural and engineering team. Working closely with GE engineers over several months, the design team developed a manufacturing space that seamlessly marries form and function.
Inspired by GE’s visionary ethos of melding machines, data, and humanity, the new facility is rich with refined elements and humanistic warmth. Contemporary design intertwines with timeless materials in a light-filled space. Linear and curved elements pay homage to the intricate components of aircraft engines. Amidst the sleek sophistication, the design honors GE’s storied legacy, a testament to its history, innovation, and enduring success.
Within the office space, a variety of workspaces, meeting rooms, and communal areas foster collaboration and innovation. Key amenity spaces prioritize employee wellness and productivity, from the expansive fitness center to the Mothers’ Room, café, and health clinic.
Externally, the facility stands as a beacon of modernity and efficiency. Panelized precast concrete juxtaposed with expansive storefront and curtain wall window systems evoke a sense of innovation and dynamism. The rhythmic fenestration of the office and lobby areas invites abundant natural light and views, while energy efficient, low-e insulated glass helps control heat gain and manages energy consumption and operational costs.
Located within the Miami Valley Research Park in Beavercreek, Ohio – a suburb of Dayton – the facility emerges as a nexus of ingenuity and possibility. Manufacturing operations focus on engine components and mechanical systems for civil, military aviation, and aero derivative applications.
The new Cummins, Inc. Seymour Technical Center was designed as the Global Headquarters for High-Horsepower Design and Engineering. The 2-story office addition includes workspace and collaboration areas, a dining facility and social hub, new entrances, and a security and training pavilion for the engine plant. The building design is a bold expression of Cummins’ engineering prowess and its proud history of designing, manufacturing, and distributing the finest, most powerful engines in the world. The main entrances incorporate dramatically cantilevered steel canopies, which are reminiscent of Columbus, Indiana’s iconic red suspension bridge. The office building’s exterior was designed with an advanced engineered skin, incorporating an exterior daylighting and shading system. Each of the primary exterior façades has been purposefully designed to respond to its specific and unique solar orientation.
Cummins wanted to “bring the office into the plant, and the plant into the office.” Highly durable and raw industrial materials such as corrugated steel panels, polished concrete, and wood slats fastened to exposed metal studs were incorporated throughout the office environment. These same materials can be found on the plant floor, and therefore subtly reinforce the connection. The engine assembly and finishing process was carefully examined early in the design process with the goal of informing the final design. Elements of the manufacturing process are on display in the office area through the incorporation of design features such as the compound curves and finish found on powder-coated steel benches which mimic the sleek lines of the engines.
Highly flexible, ergonomic workspace solutions and state-of-the-art audiovisual collaboration systems allow the engineers to tailor how and where they work. A variety of flexible meeting rooms, focus booths, soft seating areas, and social hubs are available to accommodate the changing needs of their workforce and promote interaction, collaboration, and engineering innovation.
The Cummins Seymour Technical Center does more than provide much needed space for engineering staff – it uplifts their work force in beautiful spaces and is an inspiring reflection of Cummins’ proud tradition of world-class engineering.
