Apple planning to construct massive spaceship HQ
by Steven Mostyn - Jun 9 2011, 08:14
Take us to your leader! Image: Apple.
Already renowned for the distinctive look of its computer systems and mobile gadgetry, Apple Inc. is apparently set to extend the reach of its iconic design ethos to include its California offices.
Moreover, chief executive officer Steve Jobs has this week paid a visit to the Cupertino City Council, where he outlined plans to build a huge circular Apple campus that looks not dissimilar to a massive white spaceship and has been designed by Sir Norman Foster.
While many city councils may consider such a structure as something of an eyesore, Cupertino resides in the heart of Silicon Valley, where city officials are evidently more than willing to embrace Apple’s submission.
“This is unprecedented in the United States,” enthused Kelly Kline, city development and economic development manager, of Apple’s plans. “This is truly a legacy building.”
According to the projected plans, Apple’s futuristic HQ will boast four floors, enough space for 12,000 employees, and will be constructed upon a 180-acre plot purchased by Jobs & Co. back in 2006.
During his meeting with officials, Jobs explained that Apple’s market momentum means the company is “growing like a weed” and needs to move away from its existing HQ campus at Infinity Loop.
He also dangled a rather juicy carrot before the council donkey, saying that the new structure could emerge as “the best office building in the world,” and something that architecture students are likely to flock to.
“I think we’ve found a way to stay in Cupertino,” Jobs teased during the Tuesday presentation (see below video). “Since we’re your largest taxpayers, we thought you’d be happy about it.”
If Apple’s plans are rubber stamped by the city, construction is likely to start before the close of 2012 and the mothership should be finished by 2015.
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