One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for Apple
By 
The designers of what some would call the ‘best electronics in the world’ are now trying to build what they feel will be “the best office building in the world”. Steve Jobs was an unexpected visitor to the June 7 Cupertino City Council meeting, where he described his intentions to build a new, cutting-edge Apple headquarters. This new development is in addition to the existing headquarters, serving to expand their current capacity and consolidate employees located in various rental properties around the area.
Jobs started his sentimental appeal to City Council by expressing his love for Cupertino and Apple’s commitment to staying in the area where they began. He continued by describing what they intend to build, something that can only be described as a small city that will house 12,000 employees under a single roof.
A completely circular building, one that won’t contain a single straight piece of glass, will surround a center courtyard. The building itself will endeavor to be its own power source, using natural gas and the grid as backup. This, combined with most of the parking being housed under-ground, creates a property that will see 80% of the 150 acres landscaped as green-space. While most developments would tear down trees, Jobs wants to increase the existing 3700 trees to 6000 and include an Apricot orchard –something that reminds him of growing up in the area.
Jobs admits this isn’t the least expensive building design available, but he does so with charming and child-like excitement. Throughout his presentation he is verbally playful and accepts as much teasing as he gives out. This said, hidden in his teasing were a few jabs that could be described as nearly threatening like pointing out that Apple is the largest taxpayer in Cupertino and that they have the means to build elsewhere if needed.
Perhaps taking cues from Google, Jobs wants this building to be a home away from home for the employees who work there. Adding a cafeteria that can seat 3000 people at once, a fitness facility and careful consideration for safety will go a long way to making this true.
If there is one thing Apple excels at, it is generating enthusiasm and interest… and any building shaped like a giant spaceship has my attention. Construction on this new landmark is expected to begin next year with a grand opening in 2015.
