Five years ago Google’s latest campus design in Bay View was unveiled to the public with a design that resembled a giant tent. It is now finally open with a more open design, use of natural light and better ventilation than the main campus of the adjacent Googleplex in Mountain View.
From a distance the roof looks like a canvas but actually uses solar panels arranged like dragon scales. These large solar panels are capable of offering 40% of the building’s annual energy needs. Interestingly, the entire building uses electrical power to function to reduce the impact on the environment.
The campus area is 42 acres with a floor area reaching 1.1 million square feet with event space that can accommodate up to 1000 participants. There is also temporary accommodation for 240 staff.
To produce this more sustainable building, Google used architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and Heatherwick Studio which are known for their sustainable building designs.
Tags
NEWS & FACT