In 1997, Virginia-based William McDonough + Partners designed the $60 million Gap Headquarters at 901 Cherry Avenue in San Bruno, California, with curving greenroofs. This building is currently being used by YouTube as its headquarters. McDonough was named a Time Magazine “Hero for the Planet” for his ecological designs, and he received the Business Week/Architectural Record Award in 1998 for this ecologically sensitive and sound venture [1]. “When Gap Inc. decided to construct their first company-owned office building, they wanted the facility to embody the company’s environmental commitment.” The architects significantly improved the building’s energy efficiency and reduced the demand on local storm sewers by incorporating a green roof into the design of 901 Cherry. Furthermore, the presence of native grasses and wildflowers on the roof aids in the building’s integration with the surrounding landscape [2].
Looking at the pictures of the building, I feel that this would be an ideal office building where most humans spend 1/3rd of their lifetime. Occupants have the impression that they are spending the day outside, taking use of the plentiful daylight, fresh air at their disposal, and varied glimpses of the outdoors. The loft-like openness and spacious common areas stimulate both intentional and unplanned contact, resulting in a strong feeling of community.
[1]. https://www.greenroofs.com/projects/gap-headquarters-901-cherry/
[2]. https://www.hydrotechusa.com/projects/901-cherry-avenue-gap
