Site Logo

Life of an Architect

  • Podcast
  • about me
  • Questions / Contact
  • F. A. Q.
  • Do you want to be an Architect?
  • Architecture Books+
You are here: Home / Architects / Arkansas Day 2 – Marlon Blackwell continued

Arkansas Day 2 – Marlon Blackwell continued

March 17, 2010 by Bob Borson Leave a Comment

This is the Srygley office building by Marlon Blackwell (2003-04) in Johnson, Arkansas. If I hadn’t passed a sign that read ‘City of Johnson’, I would have still thought I was in Fayetteville (albeit on the rural outskirts).

This 4,000 square foot office building is tucked back in an office park and is demonstratively unique compared to the other buildings in the development (most of which look more like tract housing than office buildings). The front facade of the building does not face the street but that is far from the only thing that makes this building different from most commercial buildings. The front entryway is easy to find but not so easy to see – Marlon calls this a “slipped entry”. At the knuckle where the masonry base rotates off from the metal-clad two-story, the fissure that is created is where visitors enter the building and are met by the most acrobatic dog I have ever seen in my life (white dog seen at doorway above). I swear that this knee-high tall dog went from standing by the door to being 6′ off the floor about 25 times in a row. The whole time I was thinking “how do I change the f***ing setting on this camera to catch that dog in mid-air! I am seriously thinking about going back tomorrow just for that picture…

Srygley Office Building - Marlon Blackwell Architect

You enter into a double-height lobby and to your right (in the masonry portion) is a collection of offices, a large workspace, and as seen through the large glass panes above, what was originally programmed as a telemarketing room but is now apparently the 1990 census paperwork. To the left of the lobby is the service core (bathrooms, closet, and reception), an office, and exercise room – both of which empty out onto a cantilevered concrete deck the extends out over the receding ground-plan putting your view into the trees. On the second level, there is for all extents, an apartment that contains a kitchen, bathroom, a general-purpose room (bedroom), and a large space created for the purpose of smoking cigars, drinking wine and generally enjoying yourself. There is another exterior patio off this large second level room that would put you right at the tops of the trees – there is a Nana door system in place so the entire glass wall separating the inside from outside can slide out-of-the-way (probably a good thing considering the room was purposed for smoking cigars).

Srygley Office Building - Marlon Blackwell Architect

I spent a majority of my time on the outside of the building but one of the things that I really appreciated, is that this building didn’t seem precious, intrinsic-most definitely, but not revered in a way you put something precious in a glass case for protection (like a Babe Ruth baseball card). Several of the rooms had evidence of use, even misuse. Things were stacked up everywhere and placed in front of windows, along walls – literally everywhere. When touring the cigar shop earlier, I learned from the shop owner Angel that this owner liked to hold onto things….that’s okay. I prefer buildings that look like their occupants use them and that the buildings evolve and adapt beyond the original programming.

Srygley Office Building - Marlon Blackwell Architect

These are incredibly self-indulgent photographs but I have to get better at using this camera sooner…I am wishing that I took some pictures of the development around the building to show you. Lesson learned.

Srygley Office Building - Marlon Blackwell Architect

Cheers – hope you enjoyed this exterior – somewhat creeper – exterior walkaround.

Bob signature FAIA

even better stuff from Life of an Architect

Weekend House (updated)
The Best Thing on my Desk
004: Architects and Traveling
Knowledge versus Tools
Architectural Graphics: Arrows or Ticks?
Blog of an Architect
What am I working on?
The 'Fun Guard Beach House' - Winner's Profile
Arkansas Day 2
Context and Inspiration: A Rambling

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Architects, Observations Tagged With: Marlon Blackwell, Srygely

Search Life of an Architect

Trending on Life of an Architect

Architectural Graphics 101 - Symbols
Architectural Graphics 101: Finish Schedules
Architectural Graphics 101 - Wall Types
Architectural Graphics 101 - Window Schedules
Ep 117: Graphic Matters
Architectural Graphics 101: Cover Sheet
Architectural Graphics 101 - Title Blocks
Graphic Standards for Architectural Cabinetry
Architectural Graphics 101 - Reflected Ceiling Plans
Architecture: Form, Function, and Object

Subscribe to Podcast

Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotifyAndroidiHeartRadioby EmailTuneInRSS

Subscribe to our mailing list

* indicates required

Apparel for Architects

T-Shirts for Architects - Bob Borson

Support for Advice or Guidance

Thanks!
Other Amount:
Project Reference or Support for Questions Answered:

My “Serious” Disclaimer

The complimentary advice provided on ‘Life of an Architect’ is based on an abbreviated examination of the minimal facts given, not the typical extensive (and sometimes exhaustive) analysis I conduct when working with my clients. Therefore, anything you read on this site is not a substitute for actually working with me. Following my casual advice is at your own peril … if you want my undivided attention, I would recommend hiring me. Cheers.

Pages

  • Comment Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Architecture Books+
  • about me
  • Questions?
  • F. A. Q.
  • Do you want to be an Architect?
  • Podcast

Life of an Architect | Bob Borson

  • View lifeofanarchitect’s profile on Facebook
  • View bobborson’s profile on Twitter
  • View bobborson’s profile on Instagram
  • View bborson’s profile on LinkedIn

Archives of Awesomeness

Copyright © 2023 Life of an Architect

 

Loading Comments...