Modular Construction for a Shared Commercial Campus

As workplace culture continues to evolve, architecture plays an increasingly vital role in shaping not only where we work - but how we work, connect, and thrive. At AB design studio, we view every project as an opportunity to rethink conventional boundaries and create environments that are agile, inclusive, and deeply rooted in context. In this blog, we share insights from two recent interventions - The Pavilion at Intersect and VKCC Container Coffee - both located on the Intersect commercial campus in Irvine, California. Designed as modular workplace amenities, these structures reflect how modular construction and adaptive reuse can support a stronger sense of community, improve tenant satisfaction, and elevate the possibilities of commercial architecture.

EVOLVING WORKPLACE DESIGN IN COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE

The architecture of the workplace is undergoing a transformation. As the post-pandemic world continues to recalibrate expectations around where and how we work, commercial campuses are being reimagined not as static, siloed office environments, but as vibrant ecosystems designed to attract and retain top talent, foster collaboration, and support holistic well-being. At AB design studio, we see this as an exciting challenge - one that invites architects to push the boundaries of form and function to create adaptable, human-centered spaces.

A key factor driving this shift is the rise of shared leasing models and multi-tenant campuses. No longer are high-end amenities reserved solely for large tech campuses; today’s commercial environments must offer compelling experiences for a diversity of tenants, including small to mid-size companies seeking a competitive edge in a talent-driven market. Amenities like on-site cafés, wellness spaces, and outdoor lounges are no longer perks - they are expectations.

[Images courtesy of IntersectIrvine.com]

In response, we are rethinking the language of workplace design. It’s not enough to simply fill space; we must curate experiences. That ethos guided our work on The Pavilion at Intersect and VKCC Container Coffee - two design interventions that exemplify how modular construction and adaptive reuse can transform underutilized areas into sustainable, high-performance amenities. Both projects serve the same tenant community, offering a campus-wide approach to engagement, retention, and experience - foundational goals in today’s commercial architecture landscape.

THE PAVILION AT INTERSECT: MODULAR CONSTRUCTION FOR CAMPUS-WIDE IMPACT

Located within the Intersect campus in Irvine, California, The Pavilion is strategically positioned as the connective tissue within a dynamic multi-tenant environment. Our goal was to convert a previously underutilized area into an activated node - a place where people could gather throughout the day to recharge, collaborate, and socialize.

To meet sustainability and efficiency goals, we embraced modular construction. The Pavilion was built using repurposed ISBU (Intermodal Steel Building Unit) shipping containers - industrial-grade modules that reflect both ecological responsibility and contemporary aesthetics. By cantilevering and stacking the containers in a sculptural configuration, we were able to create dynamic sightlines while maximizing functional square footage. The lifted, modular structure enhances pedestrian flow beneath and creates visual interest across the site. This solution allowed for quick off-site fabrication and fast, low-disruption installation - a major asset in an active corporate campus.

The Pavilion is designed for all-day activation. The ground level accommodates a café, snack bar, and beer/wine taproom - each component supporting different phases of the workday while promoting informal, spontaneous interaction among coworkers and visitors. Upstairs, an open-air deck and shaded lounge offer additional opportunities for relaxation, small group meetings, and evening events. By leveraging modular construction vertically, we created a compact, multifunctional hub that is greater than the sum of its parts - an amenity that feels both practical and aspirational.

VKCC CONTAINER COFFEE: MICRO-SCALE DESIGN USING MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

VKCC Container Coffee, located elsewhere on the same Irvine corporate campus, serves the same community as the Pavilion, providing consistency in experience while diversifying functionality. While the Pavilion acts as a social hub, VKCC is a focused, high-impact micro-amenity designed to support the same commercial tenants and their daily routines.

Composed of two 8’x8’x20’ shipping containers, VKCC is a model of modular construction in micro-scale design. The space includes a front-facing service counter, back-of-house storage, and an ADA-compliant restroom - all within a compact footprint that exemplifies intelligent space planning. This modular approach allowed us to accelerate timelines and ensure high-quality fabrication before the unit ever arrived on-site. It’s a lean, agile method that aligns perfectly with the speed and expectations of contemporary commercial architecture on an active corporate campus.

The exterior of VKCC is wrapped in a custom mural, adding a touch of creativity and identity to the industrial form. It’s an important reminder that modular construction can be expressive, not just efficient. This fusion of form, function, and art enriches the brand presence of the campus while reinforcing a sense of community and care among tenants.

THE VALUE OF MODULAR CONSTRUCTION IN COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE

Modular construction has long been associated with efficiency, but it’s increasingly recognized as a sustainable strategy. By repurposing existing materials and relying on prefabrication, we reduce waste, limit environmental impact, and minimize disruption to active commercial sites.

Both the Pavilion and VKCC projects took advantage of these benefits. Off-site fabrication ensured tight quality control, while rapid on-site installation protected day-to-day operations - an essential consideration for commercial architecture projects that cannot afford long interruptions.

Another strength of modular construction lies in its scalability. Both amenities were designed to be adaptable as the campus evolves. The Pavilion’s elevated design supports future expansion or reconfiguration, while VKCC can be relocated or upgraded as tenant needs change. This level of responsiveness is critical in the commercial sector, where flexibility can make the difference between long-term tenant retention and high turnover.

Beyond the technical advantages, modular construction enables thoughtful, user-centric design. Both the Pavilion and VKCC are tailored to the rhythms of the workday, offering moments of pause, interaction, and inspiration. They are more than service points - they are social and cultural assets within a thriving commercial ecosystem. By aligning modular construction with the goals of commercial architecture, we unlock the potential to create buildings that are efficient and beautiful, durable and dynamic.

RETHINKING THE FUTURE OF COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE

These projects reflect a broader shift in how we view workplace environments - not as static backdrops to labor, but as active social infrastructure. By embedding thoughtful modular amenities into the fabric of a commercial campus, we encourage collaboration, wellness, and a shared sense of purpose.

A key design goal for both amenities was extended use throughout the day. From morning coffee to afternoon meetings to after-hours gatherings, The Pavilion and VKCC are designed for continuous activation. This all-day engagement helps prevent the kind of architectural “dead zones” that often plague corporate campuses.

Ultimately, The Pavilion at Intersect and VKCC Container Coffee serve as case studies in what’s possible when commercial architecture embraces modular construction. These projects reflect a mindset of innovation, efficiency, and design excellence - one that delivers value not only to clients, but to the communities that use these spaces every day.