Nature by design: thoughtful preservation at AEP headquarters

Protecting the natural environment

When AEP’s Transmission Group headquarters were strategically relocated adjacent to their existing Transmissions Operation Center in New Albany, Ohio, EDGE worked closely with the company and design team to sensitively locate the corporate office facility’s two new buildings (and over 1,200 parking spaces) against an existing stand of trees.

In addition to helping minimize the impact of site development and preserving much of the wooded area, we helped develop the creation of large parking lot islands to protect an existing wetland and integrate additional open space.

Bridging the divide between indoor and out

The organization of the AEP building’s atriums, adjacent outdoor spaces, and walkways were inspired by the form and structure of a transmission tower. These dining terraces, decks, boardwalks, and trails allow the buildings to extend out into the mature canopy of trees, creating a well-connected, unique pedestrian environment.

Site stormwater is managed by two retention ponds and biodetention basins located around the perimeter of the campus, with native plantings surrounding each of these features. Stone slab walls create a cascading water feature that is visually connected back to the building’s architectural edge.