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.
Ichigaya Forest
“Ichigaya Forest” is the privately owned, publicly accessible, major open space on Dai Nippon Printing Company’s 5.4-hectare new world headquarters in the Shinjuku Ward. Vertical development and production modernization that extends underground was made possible the creation of this 3.2-hectare open space. Over half the site is now planted wi...
Poly International Plaza
Poly International Plaza is an innovative office, retail, and exhibition center development located in the Guangzhou trade district. Sited along the Pearl River and adjacent to historic Pazhou Temple Park, the project presents a precedent toward integrating development with its site and context, embracing the place of garden and sustainability in the society’s...
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...
Shanghai Tower
China’s tallest building, Shanghai Tower, is located in the Lujiazui Financial Center Zone near the Shanghai World Financial Center and Jin-Mao tower. SWA’s landscape design establishes a “Tower Park” to complement the building’s iconic form and function, connect the mixed-use project with its urban neighborhood, and provide a variety of beautiful settin...