Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects designed the new 86,000-SF world headquarters for the Murphy Oil Corporation to be a physical representation of the technological prowess of a world leader in oil exploration through a layering of forms, crisp lines, and machine procession detailing. A clear glass cube two-story lobby breaks the entrance sequence down to a human scale that matches the neighborhood in the 19,000 population city of El Dorado, Arkansas. The lobby acts as a lantern, while the black zinc ribbon that wraps across its top climbs the height of the five story office building, marking the flow of oil and its importance for over 80 years in this southern town. A four story atrium links the five story office building to the more public gallery and multi-purpose meeting room visually, while providing separation and security for employees from the more public spaces, all located in a two story wing.
