Located approximately 100 feet from the existing District 1 Headquarters building, a new conference center will take shape, with an overhead canopy and covered courtyard serving as a weather-protective connector and exterior gathering space between the two buildings for headquarters staff and visitors. Previously occupied as a daycare facility, this renovation will now serve as a conference center to accommodate up to 450 persons and can be divided into multiple smaller conference areas via operable partition. This new facility will serve FDOT staff across the state, as well as other state agencies for their conference, training and large gathering needs.

The efficient and organized floor plan will provide occupants an understanding of the interior space, easy wayfinding, and connect them with the exterior through carefully placed fenestrations. This conference center features acoustical applications and interior forms that are aesthetically meaningful, thus helping to reduce reverberation and improve spatial acoustics for the occupants. This project is designed to adjust to the Department’s varying needs and set up for spatial flexibility as needed on a day-to-day basis, and adapt with integrated technologies for years to come.

Project Highlights

• Covered Connector and Courtyard – Connection of the headquarters and new conference center building, featuring an outside courtyard extending the lobby, alleviating crowded areas.
• Flexibility – Adjustable conference areas featuring variable and collaborative furniture arrangements as needed for training and presentations.
• Audio/Visual – Integrated technologies and flexible interior spaces, including a dedicated control room for visual observation of the conference areas during events.