The City of North Charleston was in need of a new Public Works complex to consolidate their existing facilities and increase efficiency in their workflow. To accomplish this intense programming challenge, SMHa worked with department heads and staff to fully understand the nuances of space needs and adjacencies needed among departments to develop a layout that enhances the productivity of each department and optimizes workflow and collaboration based on each department’s needs. The new design includes separate buildings for each department, as well as a city garage and fueling station. As a Critical Needs Facility, the complex meets requirements to serve as an Emergency Operations Center in the event of a natural disaster.

A major design goal was to achieve a consistent architectural aesthetic for the entire complex that speaks to the utilitarian mission of Public Works while contributing to the civic pride of North Charleston. The material palette consists of brick, precast concrete panels, metal cladding and metal roofs. Insulated precast concrete will be used on the majority of the buildings for durability, increased speed of construction and energy efficiency.