In 2017, Apple opened its new headquarters, Apple Park, in Cupertino, California. The campus, which was designed by British architectural firm Foster + Partners, spans over 175 acres and is home to over 12,000 Apple employees. The main building, a circular structure dubbed the "spaceship," contains over 2.8 million square feet of space and features the largest curved glass panels in the world. The campus is also home to a 1,000 seat, state-of-the-art auditorium, a visitors center, a fitness center, a café, and more.
The design of Apple Park was inspired by Steve Jobs' vision for a new kind of office space. Jobs wanted a campus that was free of the limitations of traditional office buildings and instead fostered creativity and collaboration. The circular design of the main building was intended to encourage employees to interact and collaborate more freely. The building's massive curved glass panels were designed to blur the line between the interior and exterior and give the impression of almost seamless continuity.
The interior of the main building is just as impressive as the exterior. The central atrium, which is 4 stories high and features a spiral staircase and a café, serves as the focal point of the building. The building is also eco-friendly, featuring solar panels that provide up to 17 megawatts of power, making it one of the largest on-site solar installations in the world. The building is also insolated with triple-paned glass that provides natural light, and it uses 100% renewable energy.
The landscaping of Apple Park is a major component of its design. The campus was built around a central quad, which features expansive green spaces, paths for walking and jogging, and a man-made pond. The landscaping was designed to be as eco-friendly as possible, with drought-resistant plants, and the campus uses recycled water for irrigation purposes.
The Apple Park visitor center is a 20,000 square foot space that is open to the public. The center features an Apple store, a café, and an exhibition space that showcases Apple products and the history of the company. The center is also home to the Apple Park augmented reality experience, which allows visitors to use their iPhones or iPads to learn more about the campus and its design.
Q: How big is Apple Park?
A: Apple Park spans over 175 acres.
Q: How many employees work at Apple Park?
A: Over 12,000 Apple employees work at the campus.
Q: What is the main building at Apple Park like?
A: The main building at Apple Park is a circular structure that is often referred to as the "spaceship." It features massive curved glass panels and spans over 2.8 million square feet of work and office space.
Q: Is Apple Park eco-friendly?
A: Yes, Apple Park was designed to be eco-friendly. It features a state-of-the-art solar installation that provides up to 17 megawatts of power, triple-paned glass for natural lighting, and drought-resistant landscaping.
Q: Can the public visit Apple Park?
A: The Apple Park visitor center is open to the public and features an Apple store, café, and an exhibition space that showcases Apple products and the history of the company. Visitors can also check out the Apple Park augmented reality experience to learn more about the campus and its design.
Q: Who designed Apple Park?
A: British architectural firm Foster + Partners designed Apple Park. The firm is also responsible for other notable projects, including the London headquarters for Bloomberg and the restoration of the Reichstag building in Berlin.
Q: What inspired the design of Apple Park?
A: The design of Apple Park was inspired by Steve Jobs' vision for a new kind of office space. Jobs wanted a campus that was free of the limitations of traditional office buildings and instead fostered creativity and collaboration.
