Google Zurich

Case study 3 (Google, Zurich)

I found these images of Google's office at Zurich. It's unlike the other Google offices i researched about earlier and its amazing how the divisions of Google Zurich were so close to my idea of the recreational facitity at ZU.

Reception
The reception is very casually designed. I liked the way the round stools where used for the seating area; its very informal and fun.





Signage





Reading Area
This is the reading area at Google’s offices in Zurich. The room has a different atmosphere than the rest of the area, which takes the employees into a different world away from their work pressure. It gives a feel of a ‘home setting’, which also helps in the relaxation process. The room is very cozy which encourages people to socialize and communicate with each other, which also helps in reducing their stress levels.






Hammocks
Here hammocks were used to provide a relaxed atmosphere.



Recycle
I found it intresting that Google reused old telefrics and integrated that into its office's design. Not only that they'e recycling but their also adding an element that relates alot to the country which are the telefrics that are used to reach Switzerland's snowy mountains. In this space the telefrics are like 'nook and crannies'; a hideout or private space for the employees.













Relaxation area
Here the space is designed to include recliner chairs in a quite and dimmed atmosphere. Fish aquariums were added to increase the relaxation experience. Integrating a visual element helps alot in the relaxation process.



The massage area is very simply designed. The rooms are divided by curtains. The space has a very earthy feel because of the use of colors and materials such as wood flooring and pebbles. The area includes massage beds and an electronic massage chair as well.






Fun and food areas












Informal meeting rooms










Slides and polls
Slides and polls to move from one floor to the other...that's alot of fun!

Design Matrix

FF&E

Design Matrix

Click on the images for full view

Case study (Sustainable Office)

This is a case study about a company called AIA Honolulu Chapter in Hawaii. The company moved to a new office and desired its interiors to have the following characteristics: modern, functional and sustainable. Their main goal was that the new design matches the LEED requirements (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design). The case study is



Sustainable design practices were employed throughout the project, which included:

• sustainable furniture
• Reusing some existing materials, furniture, and fixtures from the former office
• energy efficient light fixtures with sensors.

Sustainable "green" materials were specified as much as possible:
• Drywall made out of 100% recyclable ash
• Carpeting made out of recycled products that can again be recycled;
• Carpet adhesive and paints that contains low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
• Cork flooring, which is a sustainable and renewable material
• Wood shelves and counters that were manufactured from certified or renewable forested products;
• Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) shelves that contain no formaldehyde.



The project was cerified by LEED as a susytainable commercial interior space.

Reference
http://www.ferrarochoi.com/casestudies/index.html

Sustainable Design (Peach pips floors)

Peach pips floors is a new and creative flooring idea. The sharp edges of the pips are cut off to make it comfortable to walk on them with bare feet.











Reference
http://stonefruitfloors.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1