Partner Solutions Center was designed to support joint development efforts between Microsoft and various outside partner companies in the creation of software and products.

The architectural scope of work entailed the conversion of 24,000 sf of existing office space into a series of 16 labs, supported by a data center, a 2,800 sf dividable Training Center, and an Executive Briefing Center, including associated administrative and lobby spaces with a sophisticated yet colorful interior design scheme.

The Training Center is designed to support end-user adoption and education, and can be subdivided into three separate rooms. The overall room accommodates 116 persons for training at tables, or can be adjusted for theatre seating for 195 people. Each subdivided room is equipped with overhead projection, electronic white boards, and podiums to handle a variety of presentations.

The Executive Briefing Center accommodates 20 individuals at a custom table, outfitted with integrated power and communications. Remote control operates the overhead projection camera, retractable screen, operable blinds, and lights. Video Tele-Conferencing and an electronic white board are hidden behind wood panel doors at the front of the room. A large relite allows presentations to be visible from an adjacent Network Operations Center.

All spaces are networked via data and communications systems to the 650 sf centralized Network Operations Center, which is the hub of all development activities. The NOC features a dividable rear-projection screen that can accommodate up to nine separate viewing areas, along with two large plasma screens, and individual desktop workstations which can function separately or together for any use--from presentations, to testing, development and research.

Key to the overall design was the availability of open, state-of-the-art communication between companies and individuals, as well as between their products. The resulting layout provides a variety of pathways and connections through corridor spaces, flexible space configurations, and seamless data interconnectivity.