Studio O+A designs Slack Headquarters in San Francisco to allude to mountain climbing alongside the Pacific Coast
Deserts, forests and mountain peaks impressed the design of tech firm Slack’s 10-storey workplace in San Francisco, which is supposed to embody “the similarities between mountain climbing a wilderness path and dealing”.
The Slack Headquarters is positioned inside a 16-year-old constructing within the downtown district, close to gleaming new skyscrapers such because the Salesforce Tower by Pelli Clarke Pelli and The Avery by OMA.
Rising 10 storeys, the Slack constructing is leased by the tech firm, which was based in 2009 and affords cloud-based instruments, like messaging, for collaboration.
Whereas conceiving the interiors for the 300,000-square-foot (27,871-square-metre) workplace constructing, Studio O+A took inspiration from Slack’s CEO, Stewart Butterfield, an avid hiker who goes off grid yearly to spend time in wilderness.
The design, which has been longlisted for a 2019 Dezeen Award, particularly attracts upon the various landscapes that outline the Pacific Crest Path, a 2,653-mile (four,270-kilometre) path that stretches from California to British Columbia.
Inside the constructing, every degree is assigned a topographical theme, starting with a desert plain on the primary ground and culminating with a mountain summit on the highest degree.
“O+A’s idea was to create a floor-by-floor evocation of these landscapes — in impact, to show a visit up the elevator right into a digital journey from Baja to the Pacific Northwest,” the crew mentioned. “The thought was to not solely counsel a number of topographical and botanical contexts, but additionally to seize the similarities between mountain climbing a wilderness path and dealing.”
The expertise begins within the “base camp” foyer, the place staff can hand around in triangular seating enclosures that recall tents.
The subsequent few ranges function desert-themed finishes and decor, similar to a potted cacti, terracotta blocks and furnishings in muted colors. In a single room, black was used for the partitions, ceiling and lights to induce a way of nighttime within the desert.
On the fourth ground, the expertise transitions to a mountain theme. Areas are full of parts that recall old-growth forests, streams, volcanoes and glaciers.
Among the many options are plant-covered partitions, birch wooden trunks and graphics derived from wilderness images by Slack worker Adam Torres. In a single space, a hall is lined with dichroic glass panels that take cues from icy terrain.
Distributed all through the constructing are sudden moments that allude to the expertise of exploring the wilderness.
“As with every good hike, there are scenic surprises – a ‘starry evening’ lounge or a wall set up that replicates Lake Tahoe’s topography,” the studio mentioned.
Past the earthy environment, the crew ensured that every one ranges supply versatile working situations.
Staff can arrange camp in a variety of areas, from personal cubbies to cozy residing rooms and cafes. An area devoted for design affords pin-up partitions, cell white boards and a customized desk with a paper roll.
As well as, staff have entry to a variety of particular facilities, together with a tea lounge, an edible backyard and a top-floor lounge with beer on faucet.
Began in 1991, Studio O+A has an in depth portfolio of initiatives for tech-oriented firms. Others embody workplace designs for Fb, Yelp and Evernote.
Images is by Garrett Rowland.
Venture credit:
Shopper: Slack
Inside design: Studio O+A
O+A crew: Primo Orpilla, Dan Kretchmer, Dani Canepa, Millie Kwong, Brianna
Bernstein, Amy Kwok, Nikki Corridor, Marbel Padilla, Amy Younger, Chase Lunt, Elizabeth Vereker, George Craigmyle, Emily Cano, Samantha Calabrese, Alex Bautista
Structural engineering: Holmes Construction
MEP: ESD
Acoustics: Salter
Lighting: Niteo
Panorama architect: Habitat Horticulture
Customized graphics and signage: Andresen, Ferrari Graphics
Common contractor: SC Builders
Electrical contractor: Decker Electrical
Allow expeditor: Gary Bell & Associates
Mechanical: CMI
Audiovisual: AVDG
Millwork and specialty finishes: Industrial Casework, Northwestern Design, Superfab
Key suppliers:
Furnishings: Pair, Andreu World, ICF, Naughtone, Stephen Kenn, Sandler Seating, Senator Group, Gubi, Muuto, Menu, Hay, Offect, Corral USA, Hay, Geiger, Bolia, Softline, Bludot, Hay, Paulistano, Bernhardt, Hem, Eric Jorgensen, Lignet Roset, Council Design, Stua, Sossego, Kettal, Cassina, B&B Italia, Herman Miller, Enwork & Humanscale, Alexis Moran, SuperFab, Northwood, Woodtech
Lighting : Allied Maker, Boca, Fluxwerx, Hunza, Iguzzini, KKDC, Lithonia, Lucifer, Lumen Alpha, Lumenpulse, Luminii, Ravenhill, Wealthy Sensible Prepared, Roll & Hill, Vode
Flooring : Junckers, Shaw, Interface, Tandus, Mannington, Modulyss, Crossville
Wall tiles: Crossville, DalTile, Bizen, Ann Sacks, Cle, Fireclay, Heath, Spec Ceramics, Mutina
Textiles: Maharam, Kvadrat, Moore & Giles, Edelman, Fairfield Martexin