Masonry Magazine May 1973 Page. 15
"An effective building must of itself encourage the people who work within it to be creative," Franzen says, "at the same time that it furnishes them with the spatial versatility and convenient services necessary for them to be creative."
In the Philip Morris project, Franzen has designed in brick and concrete masonry one of the most advanced tobacco research facilities in the world. Costing $6 million and rising eight stories, the masonry tower attracts considerable attention from travelers moving along Interstate 95. It stands out as a dramatic vertical accent in a basically horizontal landscape of low buildings and natural surroundings.
Constructed largely of tan-colored brick with white mortar, the exterior of the tower consists of a series of Symbolically the graceful soaring curves of the outside cylindrical shapes of the research tower suggest far-reaching research programs, encouraging the people who work within it to be creative. The ages-old concept of brick blends beautifully with the ultra-modern design. cylinder-like silos alongside angular walls and abutments. These cylindrical constructions conveniently and economically isolate the basic mechanical and electrical services to all floors. The job entailed the use of 100,000 concrete masonry units and 550,000 face brick including 100,000 radius or angle brick.
According to the mason contractor, Hammond Masonry, it was a difficult project to build because the walls for the most part are curved. Bricklayers had to use templates instead of lines.
Speaking at dedication ceremonies for the masonry showcase, Virginia Governor Linwood Holton said the Philip Morris Research Center represents the largest single capital investment in Virginia's long history.
PM
PHILIP MORRIS
masonry
May, 1973
15