Parameters of Encounter

Google Campus, New York, NY

2018—01

Through studying a series of architectural parameters - direct/indirect light, ascent/descent, compression/expansion - the design for a new Google Campus in Manhattan emerged. A central street creates a central axis, while terraced work spaces overlook the constant flows through the expanse. Funnel-like forms intersect the work spaces and enable interim program at various scales and spatial properties. The primary objective is to enable a diverse array of spaces for social interaction and exploratory drive amongst colleagues. Google currently allows workers to spend 20% of their time on side projects. The majority of the company’s innovations have developed from this clause. This new work environment is designed to facilitate maximum collisions between workers to spark productive conversations and insights as well as provide ample space to break off and develop extracurricular tasks either in isolation or within groups. One of Google’s ventures, Google X, uses a process in which they actively toggle back and forth between their prototyping lab, desk space, and meeting rooms throughout the day as they cycle through ideas. This design hopes to enable that all teams and personnel can weave in and out of various spaces like Google X to spark their stimuli.

Parametric Semiology: The Design of Information-rich Environment Patrik Schumacher Studio
Harvard Graduate School of Design

DA