Modern Architecture - Facebook's New Headquarters: Palo Alto (10 pics)

Many of us spend countless hours on Facebook, communicating with our friends and looking at photos. Here, we take a look at Facebook's new headquarters, designed by Studio O+A .

Formerly a laboratory facility for high-tech manufacturer Agilent Technologies, the 150,000-square-foot structure at Palo Alto’s Stanford Research Park brings together more than 700 employees originally scattered throughout 10 locations in and around downtown Palo Alto.

Reflecting employees’ desire for a green headquarters, the facility is the first commercial project completed under Palo Alto’s 2008 Green Building Ordinance, making extensive use of existing architectural features, recycling millwork from the original lab, and repurposing industrial components for post-industrial use. Other sustainable features include high recycled-content carpet and energy-efficient lighting.

A kitchen and café continue Facebook’s tradition of providing gourmet meals to staff at all hours, while drinks and snacks are available at micro-kitchens throughout the headquarters.

The company’s executives sit in central areas, accessible to all employees.

Large lounges and open spaces provide venues for the community to come together.

Many walls and spaces are left unfinished: employees are encouraged to write on the walls, add artwork, and move furniture as needed, allowing the building to evolve continuously.

An outdoor basketball court and indoor ping-pong table offer opportunities for recreation. It is not unusual to see employees zipping along the concrete floors on two-wheeled skateboards.

via archdaily