So besides the interface upgrade of the ‘home’ page, Facebook also “upgraded” it’s HQ in Palo Alto, California this summer. Prior to this, the company’s office used to reflect the Website itself – employees were scattered across Palo Alto in ten different locations connecting online. But not anymore: Everyone just moved into a cavernous 150,000-square-foot space at the Stanford Research Park that’s likely to make you sick with envy. Formerly a lab facility, the massive 150,000 square foot space has been transformed to reflect the company’s core values: creativity, freedom of expression and individuality.
The one held responsible for the interior design is the San Fransisco based Studio O+A, an interior design firm founded by Primo Orpilla and Verda Alexander during the dot-com boom of the early 1990s, bringing quality design to start-ups and venture firms at Silicon Valley. From the very beginning of the design process, Studio O+A knew that it would be essential to get a wide range of input about wants and needs for the new office from as many employees as possible. Naturally they used Facebook platform, polls were conducted for the design decisions, post construction photos, updates and the thought process behind the project were posted to keep everyone informed with an employee board oversaw the decisions as well.
The new office is the first commercial project completed under Palo Alto’s 2008 Green Building Ordinance, reflecting the employees’ desire for a green headquarters. This is achieved by making extensive use of existing architectural features, recycling millwork from the original lab, and using repurposed industrial components throughout the project. Other sustainable features include the high-recycled-content carpet to energy-efficient lighting.
The design goal for the new facility was to maintain the history and raw aesthetic of the building and create a fun dynamic appropriate for the company’s youthful staff. Many walls and spaces are left unfinished: employees are encouraged to write on the walls, add artwork, and move furniture as needed, allowing the building to evolve continuously. Let’s wait a couple years to see how it evolve to.
SOURCE Whiteboardjournal
