The construction project behind Apple Park has been ongoing for years. Apple will move 12,000 staff to the new location, consolidating its projects under a single purpose-built roof. Work will continue on the buildings and surrounding green spaces throughout the summer with employees arriving gradually from the spring.
Apple’s refined design is evident across the new campus. The exterior of the main building is layered with panels of curved glass, purportedly the largest in the world. It encloses a 2.8-million-square-foot space where Apple engineers will build and design next-generation products.
Energy efficiency is a primary concern throughout the campus. According to Apple, the facility will be one of the most efficient buildings ever created, powered by 100 percent renewable energy from the roof-top solar plant. For nine months of the year, Apple will operate without heating or air conditioning. The building will be the world’s largest naturally ventilated construction, maintaining a comfortable temperature year-round with minimal assistance.
Atop a hill representing a focal point for the site, Apple has positioned its 20-foot-tall theater building. Housing 1,000 seats and also clad entirely in glass, the theater has been named in honour of Steve Jobs’ memory. It overlooks meadows and a view of the main building, aiming to provide an inspiring landscape to the engineers who meet there.
To Apple, the new campus is a reflection of its pioneering work in technology since the company’s launch. It’s built to enable further innovation in the future and continue Apple’s goals of creating enabling technology for the world.
Jony Ive, Apple’s chief design officer, described Apple Park as a “wonderfully open environment for people to create, collaborate and work together.” Green spaces and parks make up much of the site, giving employees places to connect with the surrounding landscape.
Two miles of quiet walking and running paths loop the campus, supported by an orchard, meadow and pond. Employees can also use a 100,000-square-foot on-site fitness suite. Apple CEO Tim Cook said the environmental considerations will benefit Apple’s teams as well as the Earth, providing inspiration and places to relax.
“Steve’s vision for Apple stretched far beyond his time with us. He intended Apple Park to be the home of innovation for generations to come,” said Cook. “The workspaces and parklands are designed to inspire our team as well as benefit the environment. We’ve achieved one of the most energy-efficient buildings in the world and the campus will run entirely on renewable energy.”
Apple Park’s openness also extends to Apple’s fans and customers. The campus will include a visitors centre featuring a café and flagship Apple Store to purchase new devices. Visitors will be kept away from the staff areas and secure development facilities, giving Apple’s employees space to get on with their work.
