Google Urban Activation

Upholding Google’s goal to be a helpful neighbor

Sector

Real Estate

Region

North America

Timespan

2020-

Credit: Mark Wickens

Known for its future-forward workplace design, Google understands the value of campuses that are increasingly integrated within the urban environment. Gehl worked with Google to understand how it can continue to be a helpful neighbor in the communities in which it operates.

Credit: Mark Wickens

Reimagining campuses as engines of public life

In today’s rapidly evolving corporate landscape, the traditional concept of the office campus is undergoing a profound transformation — shifting from private enclaves for employees to workplaces that actively contribute to the wellbeing of employees and neighbors, and welcome the broader community. As part of this effort, Gehl supported the visioning of a holistic design and programming vision for the Google Headquarters that caters to the needs of the local community, the Google workforce, and the visitors that flock to the campus annually.

In October 2023, the Google Visitor Experience at Gradient Canopy in Mountain View, CA, opened to the public: a culmination of years of meticulous design work and dedicated collaboration. This new destination includes The Huddle, a community event space; the Cafe @ Mountain View; the Pop-Up Shop featuring local businesses; the first brick and mortar Google store on the West Coast, and a public plaza featuring six works of art facilitated by Burning Man Project.

Now, this soon-to-be-global portfolio of public spaces (including spaces in New York and London) constitutes a new interface between Google and the public. Through this initiative, Gehl is accompanying Google in balancing workplace needs with those of communities globally.For more information, please visit the Google Visitor Experience website.