Construction at Apple's "Spaceship" campus in Cupertino is progressing at a rapid pace, and while the circular structure is still far from finished, the old buildings on the 176-acre site have been fully demolished, roadwork is underway, and the outer walls of the campus are taking shape, outlining where foundation will be poured.
Apple isn't slated to finish its the first construction phase of its second campus until 2016, but a video rendering from Technology Integration Services, a company that focuses on 3D design, shows what Apple Campus 2 might look like when it is completed.
Created from public plans of the structure's design, the video shows the multi-story circular building surrounded by greenery, as well as all of the additional buildings and parking structures that Apple plans to add to the area. There are hiking paths snaking around the property, in addition to a performance stage in the middle and a massive fountain area where employees can gather.
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The first phase of construction on the property includes a 2.8 million square foot ring-shaped main building, an underground parking facility capable of holding 2,400 cars, a 100,000 square foot fitness center, and a 120,000 square foot auditorium for events. Apple has plans to add more than 4,500 trees to the area, creating a lush working environment for employees.
Phase 2 of construction, to take place after 2016, will add research and development buildings and additional parking.
Top Rated Comments
They've done an extensive review of what it's going to take. They're planting thousands of native trees that actually are meant to be in the dry Cupertino environment, so watering isn't much of an issue. As for the grass, much of it will be grasslands so there will be large sections of un-manicured long grass growing as it normally would.
Apple's environmental report: http://www.cupertino.org/index.aspx?page=1178
They've gone whole hog on the environmental planning of this place, it's really something.
Hopefully this is the next thing to get copied. I don't think anyone could be against putting more fruit back in the fruit bowl.
As for the distance between buildings, I can't imagine working there and going "I hate having to go outside and walk through all those trees on a inevitably sunny and cool Northern California today such as today, I might even get some exercise. This is terrible."
A selection of plans (http://obamapacman.com/2012/06/architectural-plans-of-new-apple-cupertino-campus-2/)
Detailed plans (http://www.iphoneincanada.ca/news/apple-changes-internal-management-of-apple-campus-2-project-submits-revised-plans/)
Underground parking in Phase 1. Additional above ground parking garage in Phase 2. Mass transit, car pooling, bicycle, etc. are encouraged for staff.
Also, walking through forest & gardens in sunny southern California is not inconvenient.