White Space
By Jean • Aug 12th, 2009 • Category: Living Spaces
Spotted on otto is Facebook’s new headquarters in Palo Alto.
Designed by San Francisco firm Studio O+A, the new office facilitates interaction and connection, reflecting the company’s mission as a social networking website provider. A former laboratory facility for high-tech manufacturer Agilent Technologies, the 150,000-square-foot structure at Palo Alto’s Stanford Research Park houses more than 700 employees all under one roof.
“To reflect that the new facility houses employees coming from various locations, the company wanted to maintain each division’s distinct identity. The design is inspired from the patchwork nature of Facebook users and employees, bringing together seemingly disparate elements to form a cohesive pattern and using color and interior spacing to create neighborhoods within the open plan space. The company’s executives sit in central areas, accessible to all employees. Large lounges and open spaces provide venues for the community to come together. A kitchen and café continue Facebook’s tradition of providing gourmet meals to staff at all hours, while drinks and snacks are available at micro-kitchens throughout the headquarters.
Reflecting employees’ desire for a green headquarters, the facility is the first commercial project completed under Palo Alto’s 2008 Green Building Ordinance, making extensive use of existing architectural features, recycling millwork from the original lab, and repurposing industrial components for post-industrial use. Other sustainable features include high recycled-content carpet and energy-efficient lighting.”
