The City of Mountain View has published the latest visuals of Google’s latest Charleston East campus which show the proposed 18.6-acre in its full glory. This one will be Google’s first custom made structure. The new two-storey, 595,000-square-foot building is being designed by Bjarke Ingels Group and Heatherwick Studio. The structure is covered by an expensive tent-like canopy that is studded with photovoltaics and other attachments to help regulate indoor climate, air quality, and sound.
The structure has massive recreational areas along with indoor and outdoor green spaces and boasts “flexible building components” that can reconfigure its design anytime. The green spaces are embellished with the native, drought-tolerant flora that helps in bolstering the biodiversity.
The structure will also host the burrowing owls, which Google has acquired with the help of city biologists and now hopes to preserve the threatened species.
“No plants will be installed that would provide perches for raptors or hiding places for feral cats, both of which prey on the owls,” the plans read.
“Grasses, forbs, and small shrubs that provide habitat for insects will be targeted to support owl foraging.”
Google also looks to include a detailed “landscape narrative” featuring the Green Loop which will be a “linearly connected canvas of trees” lining along the Charleston Basin and the main Googleplex headquarters. So in essence, the building will look less like a place of business and more as a natural sanctuary which the Google puts as a “destination for the local community.”
The structure will also host pedestrian walkways and bike paths around the small green hubs, an open plaza, food trucks, small stalls and even a seniors’ tai chi class topping off the recreational facility. “Quieter and more intimate” spaces will also be provided to allow collaboration and private conversations.
While the plans look very promising, pulling it off will take a colossal effort. The Charleston East estimates a time of two-and-a-half years for construction after the city approves it.
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