US studio Form4 Architecture has designed a Palo Alto office complex which features rectangular structures wrapped in metal and glass, with curved elements which are meant to symbolize the”highs and lows of exploratory research and development”.
The Innovation Curve Technology Park is located on the edge of the Stanford Research Park, a business campus affiliated with Stanford University. Companies like Facebook, Hewlett-Packard, Nest and Tesla have rented space in the Silicon Valley campus, which was started in the 1950s.
Constructed on a 13.5-acre (5.4-hectare) website, the new complex will eventually include four buildings organised around a central courtyard. Two of the buildings have been completed.
The aim of the new complex would be to entice tenants focused on translation software pc gaming and digital endeavours. The project was created by Form4 Architecture, a San Francisco studio which says it’s”violently disrupting the status quo in Silicon Valley”.
The buildings are the same in terms of look and their scale. Three of the buildings are 66,700 square feet (6,196 square metres), while the fourth totals 76,560 square feet (7,113 square metres).
Each building is made up of a central lobby and two slightly offset wings, with exterior walls made from metal and glass. A roof plane that was projecting shades balconies at the conclusion of each construction.
Roughly rectangular in plan have curved protrusions and wavy facade accents that signify the roller-coaster-like nature of innovation.
“The peaks and valleys of sweeping metal curves serve as architectural metaphors for the highs and lows of exploratory research and development,” the team said in a project description.
The high point of the curves are intended to symbolise the creative spark, while the points signify risk assessment, financing and decision-making. Long, horizontal bands that wrap the facades are meant to symbolize the implementation phase.
“The lyrical design serves as a potent visual reminder of the dedicated, expansive, and intense work taking place inside,” the team said.
Beyond their meaning, the elements have a purpose that is functional, as they help shade the building. Vertical glass fins and flat shelves help mitigate heat gain. Inside, skylights that are solar-controlled reduce the need for lighting.
The daylighting and shading devices are among the several elements that allowed the project to earn LEED Platinum certification from the US Green Building Council. Other sustainable features include high-efficiency electrical and mechanical systems, cool roofs, photovoltaic panels and locally sourced materials.
“The sustainable features contribute to significant increase in thermal comfort for the occupants, which results in higher occupant satisfaction and productivity,” the team said.
Is a double-height lobby, where the team comprised tile flooring, wooden ceilings and metal railings.
A circular elevator enclosure is wrapped in programmable LED panels that change colors. Beneath the lobby staircase, a bed of pebbles provides a connection to reflecting pools.
The campus features plant and bioswales that help manage stormwater. Diagonal paths connect the complex and cross through the website.
Other jobs in Silicon Valley include Google’s new California headquarters, which is currently under construction. Designed from the studios of Bjarke Ingels and Thomas Heatherwick, the campus includes a series of pavilions and”circus tent” roof.
Photography is by John Sutton and Richard Barnes.
Project credits:
Architect: Form4 Architecture
Team: Robert J. Giannini, principal; John Marx, design leader; James Tefend, principal
Client: Sand Hill Property Company
Contractor: Vance Brown Builders
Landscape architect: Studio5
Lighting designer: Luminae Souter
Structural engineer: DCI Inc
MEP engineering: M-E Engineers
The post Wavy metallic elements front Silicon Valley technology campus by Form4 Architecture appeared initially on Dezeen.
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