Two key Macro to Micro goals formed the design strategy for our fintech client’s west coast innovation center within the Stanford Research Park. The Macro goal is equity matters. It matters in developing a nurturing facility to support 1,000 employees with a diversity reflective of the Bay Area, where most had worked from remote locations, or joined through new acquisitions. The Micro goal is adaptivity. Not only did the project adapt and survive many pandemic shifts, but the core design ethos of reconfigurable solutions also remained intact for individuals and groups to create their sense of belonging.

How the goals are realized within the two-story 107,000 square feet project included establishing the central space as an open forum where people and ideas coalesce. Views in the space are layered with activity to draw people through with areas of varying scales for people to meet one-on-one, in groups, or all-hands. Food services using local vendors further support these multi-functional spaces at both ground and upper levels. This central hearth leads to the east and west wings of the building, where desks and modular meeting room units are positioned in a unique branch-like configuration. This allows for opportunities for business units to reposition their space organically and create their work nests.

The building perimeters further nurture teams with group nooks overlooking views to the adjacent mature trees for a working environment. Creative discoveries are strategically planted throughout, including custom graphics that showcase local bike trails or builder’s markings left exposed on raw steel. These care and attention to the community and individuals are the project’s hallmarks.

Credits

RMW Team

Truebeck Construction, General Contractor
Salter, Acoustical Engineers
NG-Associates, Food Service Consultant
JLL, LEED documentation Consultant
WSP, Lighting
DCI Engineers, Structural Engineer
Environmental Systems Design, Inc., MEP Engineer
BKF Engineers, Civil Engineer
Studio Five, Landscape
The Fire Consultants, Code Consultants
Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc., VIMS Consultant
CBRE, Owners Representative
Ford AV, AV Consultant
Garrett Rowland, Photographer