Greenville County Administration Building by Foster + Partners completed

Foster + Partners has completed the Greenville County Administration Building, which is the focal point of the Greenville County Square redevelopment in South Carolina...

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From the architect: The wider masterplan, developed by RocaPoint Partners, draws the urban grain from downtown through the site, creating a natural link between Falls Park and the new Cancer Survivor’s Park and the Swamp Rabbit Trail. 

Nigel Dancey, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners, said: “The building will make a significant contribution to Greenville County, acting as a place for local people to meet in serene natural surroundings. The overhanging roof converges to create a shaded plaza, with crisp edges that accentuate the building’s unique form.” 

The new home for Greenville County is located at the corner of Church Street and University Ridge, which is the cornerstone of the community. The four-story building is designed to maximize transparency, with an optimised perimeter and glass curtain wall that symbolically removes the boundary between the public and government officials. Occupants look out over their natural surroundings from light-flooded offices and vast communal lobby spaces. The two office blocks are connected by a shaded public plaza and a footbridge at level three. 

The building is clad in warm-coloured metal, reflecting the array of earthy tones and historic use of brick masonry throughout Greenville County. The perimeter profile has defined edges that accentuate the linearity of the façade system. 

Evoking the natural beauty of Falls Park, the project features a large public area with a forthcoming plaza fountain, landscaping and the relocation of the Veterans Memorial Wall. Corten Steel is incorporated within the memorial, mirroring the warm tone of the building’s facade. Cafes and restaurants will activate the plaza, serving both office workers and visitors alike.

Carolyn Gembles, Partner, Foster + Partners, said: “Architecture and landscape work in harmony together, creating a vibrant new public space and an uplifting working environment."

Architect: Foster + Partners
Location: University Ridge & S Church St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA
Year: 2023
Landscape Architect: Seamon Whiteside
Structural Engineer: Fuller Group
Photography: Brandon Stengel