The workplace of the new millennium is a far cry from the indoor-only, parking-centric “concrete jungle” of the past. After its 2014 separation from eBay, PayPal engaged SWA in a three-part, campus-wide improvement project that exemplifies corporate campus trends by shifting the focus to outdoor amenities, flexibility, and life/work balance for its more than 4,000 employees. Previously sparse outdoor seating and ornamental planting has been expanded and upgraded: a new amphitheater accommodates up to 250, with additional standing room, all with a view of the new stage and outdoor screen for presentations, events, and movie screenings. In addition to an airy new indoor/outdoor cafeteria, a large deck complements a new coffee shop (known as “the oasis”) that converts to a beer garden after hours – a flexible choice for informal meetings and social gatherings, and a much-needed amenity on a campus where conference space is in high demand.
The campus’ new bocce court, together with pool and ping pong tables, is constantly in use. Shade structures in the amphitheater, together with umbrellas and mature Chinese Elm trees added to complement existing California Redwoods, offer respite from the California sun; plantings have been updated with water conservation in mind, placing greater emphasis on native species. The landscape now reflects the 24/7, lifestyle-inclusive environment of the PayPal ethos as well as the Northern California region, enlivening the campus and alleviating indoor congestion.
Lite-On Headquarters
This major Taiwanese electronics company chose Taipei’s “Electronics Center” overlooking the Gee Long River for their new headquarters. The overall concept is of a 25-story slender tower rising above a sloped landscape podium that covers much of the site. Below-grade parking slopes toward the river on one side, with the urban center on the ot...
Grand Central Creative Campus
SWA provided landscape design services for the redevelopment of existing corporate offices at the Grand Central Creative Campus, a center for innovation and creativity on 10.5 acres of mixed office, amenity, parking, and outdoor space. The design is organized around a strong central pedestrian spine that frames the Verdugo mountains to the east; connects peopl...
Technology Enterprise Campus
This corporate campus aims to provide a creative, multi-functional space with an authentic Houston character. The development is located in Springwoods Village, one of North Houston’s most progressive mixed-use communities. The design’s spaces include an arrival garden, a social park, an event terrace, and multi-function athletic court, which combine to establ...
Giant Interactive Headquarters
SWA collaborated with Morphosis Architects on a new ecological park and living laboratory for Giant Interactive Headquarters, a 45-acre corporate campus in Shanghai, China. The design concept blurs the distinction between the ground plane and the structure, weaving water and wetland habitats together with the folded green roof of the main building design. The ...