Qualcomm Masterplan Santa Clara, CA July 2020
PREPARED BY:
Qualcomm
Campus Master Plan Santa Clara, California July 2020
Acknowledgments
HED Consulting Team
Qualcomm Leadership
Project Consultants
Matthew Brady
Phil Lisotta
EXP
Studio Leadership, Science & Technology
Director of Architecture
Electrical Engineer
Ben Caffey
Christine Ferrer
Frank Booth
Design Architect
Facilities Design
Mechanical Engineer
Patsy Shigetomi
Chris Moss
BKF
Workplace Design & Interiors
Project Manager
Civil Engineering
Tim Frei
Kim Bennett
Bartlett Tree Experts
Structural Engineer
Project Analyst
Arborist
Sergio Jimenez Project Architect Heather Foley Site Design Mijung Ko Landscape Architect David Heim Job Captain Teresa Dominguez Designer
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Bruce Sales Electrical Engineer Fang Li Mechanical Engineer
Dickson & Associates Irrigation
Contents
July 2020
INTRODUCTION
• • • • • • •
Statement of Purpose Vision Guiding Principles Trends Executive Summary Strategies & Goals Inspiration
Buildin
gE
Buildin
gB
Buildin
gC
EXISTING CONDITIONS
• • • • •
Site Data Circulation Site Observations Architecture Open Space and Landscape
Build
ing A Buildin
gD
MASTERPLAN
• • • • • • •
Site Plan Site Data Circulation Site Design Architecture Open Space and Landscape Conclusion
Kifer
Road
Bird’s Eye Views of Existing Campus
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Build Social Connections & Community
Foster Camaraderie & Fun
Rethink Meeting & Work Space
Offer Private Contemplative Space
Support Physical & Mental Well-Being
Connect with Nature
“Workplaces are shifting from an efficient tech-driven place where people had to be to be effective, to people-focused place where employees want to be. It is now time for a new workplace narrative: one about how to create a great experience focused on how people work. Employers and developers have an opportunity to step up their game and redefine what a great work experience means.� Source: the Urban Land Institute, Emerging Trends 2020
About QUALCOMM
Qualcomm is a public multinational corporation headquartered in San Diego, California. It creates intellectual property, semiconductors, software, and services related to wireless technology. It owns patents critical to the CDMA2000, TD-SCDMA and WCDMA mobile communications standards. Qualcomm was established in 1985 by Irwin M. Jacobs and six other co-founders. Its early research into CDMA wireless cell phone technology was funded by selling satellite communications systems for commercial trucks. After a heated debate in the wireless industry, the 3G standard was adopted with Qualcomm’s CDMA patents incorporated.[3] Afterwards there was a series of legal disputes about pricing for licensing patents required by the standard. Over the years, Qualcomm has expanded into selling semiconductor products in a predominantly fabless manufacturing model. It also developed semiconductor components or software for vehicles, watches, laptops, wi-fi, smartphones, and other devices. Location of project: Santa Clara, CA Number of staff anticipated on campus: 1,500 - 2,000 Type of organization (Partnership, Corporation, etc.): Corporation
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About HED
July 2020
HED (Harley Ellis Devereaux) was founded in 1908, and has an experienced staff of over 450 at offices in San Diego, Boston, Dallas, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Francisco. For more than 100 years HED has earned a reputation for excellence in all facets of design, including architecture, engineering, planning and consulting. As a national, multidisciplinary firm, we have produced unique design solutions for some of the country’s most forward thinking organizations, and have earned a reputation for design excellence. We have a passion for simplicity and sustainability, always balancing form with function and delight. Location of firm: San Diego, CA Average (over past 5 years) number of staff in office: 15 Type of organization (Partnership, Corporation, etc.): Corporation
8 LOCATIONS
145+ EMPLOYEES
450+
LEED AP'S
375+ YEARS OF SERVICE
DESIGN AWARDS
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Introduction
• Statement of Purpose • Vision • Guiding Principles • Executive Summary • Strategies & Goals • Inspiration • Process
Statement of Purpose
The HED San Diego office kicked off the master plan process with an office-wide charette
The master planning process for Qualcomm’s campus in Santa Clara, CA kicked off in early 2020. Less than six months later, we are operating and thinking about the world through a different lens. Our physical world has been tested and as a global community of innovators, owners, operators, and practitioners we are learning a new path forward. In the short time our physical offices have been closed, remote workforces have successfully leveraged technology to collaborate, stay engaged, and remain highly productive. People, real estate, and processes adapted quickly to radical change. While so much is unknown about what lies ahead, we are learning more and more about creating spaces and places to positively impact our health and well-being, build value, and uncover new opportunities. The masterplan focuses on the future and what it could potentially look like.
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The masterplan set forth in this document seeks to strategically redefine the physical, social, and cultural connections to Qualcomm’s campus. HED approached the design process looking at the campus as a workplace ecosystem. The masterplan uses principles from biophilic design and seeks to create an environment that fosters innovation, elevates connectivity, and promotes health and well-being with more direct connections to nature and the outdoors. In addition, the master plan increases the economic value and sustainability of the campus. With boundary-free work environments and on-campus amenities like health care, recreation, and on-site healthy dining options, the plan anticipates the needs and desires of the workforce of the future. The proposed design elevates Qualcomm’s identity and better positions the company to attract and retain the highest caliber of talent.
Vision
July 2020
Qualcomm’s campus is reimagined to meet the needs of the next generation of people, partners, and community who will work and thrive there. The recommendations included in this plan include space that is inherently flexible to accommodate the entire campus or small group meetings. The Heart of the Campus is also the nucleus where the convergence of energy inspires innovation and connections for a positive workplace experience.
Early Concept Sketch 13
Guiding Principles
Culture
Innovation
Connections
HED approached the masterplan through the lens of understanding all of the factors that contribute to a positive workplace environment. Design is being used as a catalyst to improve culture, connectivity, and innovation to deliver a workplace ecosystem where people can thrive.
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CULTURE & COMMUNITY Personal connections and bonding are essential for a high performing and effective workforce. The campus can become the fabric which bonds the Qualcomm community and fosters an environment for productive collaboration and personal productivity. INNOVATION & CREATIVITY Innovation is the driving force for technology companies. The masterplan delivers a variety of spaces that accommodate privacy and focus alongside more open spaces for collaboration and large gathering areas for the entire campus to unite. Rooted in the principles of biophilia, the proposed outdoor work and meeting spaces within a native California landscape will help to renew energy, reduce stress, and increase creativity and focus. Many people don’t have access to this type of high-quality outdoor environments from a work from home situation. This is a distinct benefit of returning to the office. CONNECTIONS & CHOICE A comprehensive workplace ecosystem offers variety and choice without losing connections. The masterplan prioritizes the connection to the Campus Hearth. The Campus Heart, at the center of the site established direct connections to between the buildings, offers the community a variety of outdoor space, and knits the community together.
Trends
July 2020
events have forced all of us to work from home for the past few months and many will remain home through the end of the year, going forward the workplace will be an ecosystem that balances time in the office and at home. The flexibility of this workplace ecosystem supports high-performance behaviors of the innovative and creative industries. While technology allows us to collaborate in ways not previously possible, personal and social connections will suffer if we shift to an exclusive work from home model. Source: HED Return to Work Survey; April 2020
The rise of Silicon Valley as a hub of innovation dates back more than seventy years when Stanford University established Stanford Research Park. Now emulated at universities around the country, the concept brought together the university research with the entrepreneurial spirit of the private sector. Some of the biggest names and brightest minds in technology and innovation live and work in the region. The landscape is dominated by flashy hyper-designed technology campuses envisioned to optimize effectiveness, experience, and performance. The campuses are used as a tool to recruit and retain top-tier talent and perceived as a reflection of the company’s value system. The campus has re-invented itself from a place where people must go to a place where people want to be. While current
Pre-COVID workplace studies reveal the those who have a great experience at work are more inspired, motivated, and betterperforming team members. Post-COVID workplace studies reveal that while people would like to continue to have the option to work from home in some capacity, they miss the social interactions connections to the company culture. Face-to-face interactions are critical to maintaining and renewing personal bonds. While online collaboration is effective, it rarely provides the opportunities for informal learning and mentorship that is critical to personal and professional growth.
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Executive Summary Qualcomm is built on a foundation of innovation and invention. For more than three decades, a community of more than 38,000 innovators and engineers across the world have changed the way we live and do business. The people of Qualcomm are some of the greatest minds in technology. Like all communities, a high quality of life is essential to thrive. The physical workplace is an essential contributor to our quality of life. The Qualcomm community will continue to flourish in an environment that fosters innovation and creativity. With the competition to attract, retain, and grow the most talented workforce, the design of the physical workspace has become increasingly important. People are seeking an environment that supports their needs throughout the day:
• Physical exercise • High-quality healthy food options • Diversity of workspaces to accommodate individual habits and needs • Commitment to wellness • Emotional and social connections
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In February 2020, HED was retained to re-imagine Qualcomm’s Santa Clara campus. Over the next three years, Qualcomm anticpates the campus workforce to grow from 1,500 people to 2,000. Some of the site design goals HED was tasked with include increasing the number of parking spaces, outdoor space to accommodate 500 1,000 people, a new basketball and beach volleyball courts. The goal with the architecture is to modernize the aesthetic, improve building efficiency, and create a cohesive identity that reflects the local vernacular and strengthen Qualcomm’s image within the community. Six weeks into the master planning process, the future of workplace shifted dramatically. While the future of on-campus / in-office environment is unknown, we are confident that when offices are repopulated the next normal will need to be a destination that strengthens connection to corporate culture, learning, nature, and human connection. The multi-disciplinary design team set forth to transform the suburban office park into and amenity-rich campus that supports well-being, innovation, and community.
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• • • • • • •
Transparency Connections between buildings Hierarchy of architecture Local materials palette Health and safety Flexibility Preserve and augment economic value
The master plan sets forth a set of guiding principles and design interventions that will maximize the utility of the site, increase the property value, and be a blueprint for the future that will be used for future planning and prioritization of capital improvement projects. The plan addresses the landscape design, architecture, site circulation, sustainability, and phasing strategy.
The master plan process sought to strategically reorganize the site to create an experience that welcomes employees, clients, partners, and visitors. The plan identifies design principles and tactics that weave the campus together with outdoor destinations, modernized architectural look and feel with more glass strategically located based on the solar path, and challenges the conventions of suburban office park. The master plan is a living document. While it provides a present-day framework for addressing the how we work and improving aging facilities, it will need to continually evolve to meet the changing needs and challenges in the years to come.
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Planning Goals and Strategies
“PEOPLE FIRST” PLANNING The plan incorporates elements and amenities designed to attract and retain the best talent.
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CONNECT ALL BUILDINGS TO A STRONG CENTER The proposed site circulation prioritizes the movement of people through the center of the campus, minimizes conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians, and simplifies vehicular circulation.
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REINFORCE CORPORAT IDENTITY W UPDATED ARCHITECT LANGUAGE
Improved build performance, e aesthetics, and identity to stre Qualcom and ima the com
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E TE WITH
TURAL E
ding enhanced d cohesive engthen mm’s brand age within mmunity.
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ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY The master plan transforms a B-Class suburban office park into an Class-A Campus with amenities that will retain utility and value over time. The plan creates more forwardlooking commercial real estate opportunities for Qualcomm.
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CONNECT WITH NATURE The landscape invites Qualcomm employees to recharge and connect with nature. Double-pane glazed windows allow more sunlight into the office space. The Campus Heart gives the community the direct connection to nature.
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Inspiration Qualcomm and HED followed a process-driven iterative design strategy that explored program, materials, palette, technology, sustainability, and value. The commitment to the process drives the design, elicits input throughout, and brings clarity to the decision making. We started with the premise of reimagining the way the campus functions, creating a place that fosters innovation through social cohesion and chance encounters, and puts the well-being of the people first.
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Process The exploration of the architecture began with a study of Building D located in the southeast corner of the campus along Kifer Road. Qualcomm was presented with seven design schemes. Each of the schemes explored adding new windows and architectural details that add more rhythm and dimension to the existing structures. Unique architectural features in each scheme create opportunities for wayfinding and a hierarchy between the buildings that does not exist today. In addition to new glass, the design team explored reskining the building facades with cementitious and metal panels and wood composite. In addition to unifying the look and feel of the campus with a modern and sleek design, it will help break down the massing of the imposing tilt up concrete.
Option 1 Metal panels along the first-story facade can vary in scale to add a rhythm to the building. A roof parapet extends and wraps around the west elevation. An extended roof canopy along the north and west elevation extends to the employee entrance.
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Process Option 2 Metal panels are arranged in a vertical pattern along the first story facade. A translucent metal panel wraps over the west side. The extended roof canopy adds additional shading. The employee entrance is designated with a sun shade that extends at the same height as the first floor.
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Option 3 This design option considers a curtain wall system that acts like a skin for the building. Black metal panel affixed to the concrete and vertical cement fiber screen over existing concrete wall on the corners of the buildings.
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Process Option 4 Metal and concrete panel siding give the facade a consistent rhythm and texture. The extended rood canopy provides additional sun shade.
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Option 5 A translucent metal panel wraps the south side of the building. A proposed extended roof canopy on the other sides of the building to improve energy efficiency and building performance. A pop of color at the entrance distinguishes the building and gives it a unique look.
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Process Option 6 An extended roof and eyebrow are the primary architectural focal points with this option. Black metal panels and wood paneling extend the employee entrance with a two-story curtain wall panel system.
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Option 7 This design iteration was selected by Qualcomm which set the tone for Building E and the rest of the campus. Vertical wood siding and black metal panels give the create much-needed texture and articulation. The extended roof canopy and curtain wall glass improve energy efficiency and building performance.
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Process Existing Circulation Analysis 1. The existing fire access road
1. The elimination of the under-
bisects the communal space.
utilized green space allows
The design team investigated if
the parking in the center to be
alternatives for fire access we available.
extended to the east and add
Building E
additional spaces.
2. Two drive aisles run adjacent to
2. The possibility of two additional
one another and the space is not programmed or used by the
buildings located between 5
Buildings A and D
community.
3. Initial exploration of removing
3. Under utilized green space
vehicles from the center of the Building B
extends from the south side
Building C
site to unify the upper and lower
of the open space and is not programmed. The space does
open spaces led to the idea of creating a Campus Heart.
4 1
not lend itself to gathering or
4. Creation of a ring road allows
outdoor workspace.
people to move seamlessly
4. There is an opportunity to add
from Kifer Road to Central
about 15 - 20 additional parking
Expressway.
spaces. 5. The parking area between buildings B and E did not maximize capacity.
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2
Building A
3
Building D
5. Possible site for a new garage to accommodate all on-campus parking.
Vehicular
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Circulation Analysis
1. The revised parking layout
Revised Parking Configuration
reclaims parking and vehicular circulation for gathering space. 2. A unified open space in the center of the site eliminates vehicles from the primary pedestrian zones.
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3. A more efficient parking layout
3 3
and green space on the south 5
side of Building E adds additional parking spaces and strengthens the connection from Building E to the rest of the campus.
2
3 1 1 2
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Process
Building B
Building C
Integrating and connecting the entire office park together so it feels more like a cohesive campus was integral to the site design strategy. The open space in the center of the site is a critical asset for the campus to evolve. Initial sketches knit the campus together around the consolidated green space.
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Building B
Building C
The studies examined how new pathways will link buildings and programs across the site and eliminate perceived barriers and gaps with the existing site design. With an explicit goal of creating space for large groups to gather for events, a stand-alone amphitheater was a key element in some of the early sketches.
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Building B
Building C
As the revised site circulation diagrams evolved, The site plan expanded the width of the open space along the east west access. Roads and parking are reclaimed gathering and collaboration. As the central green space grew, so did the opportunities for more amenities and programming.
Building B
Building C
The plan evolved with the Campus Heart the unifying element on the site and designed to be a hub of activity. Break out areas on the south side of the site offer a variety of work and collaboration options. Sweeping pedestrian promenades organize circulation between the buildings and define the edge of the Great Lawn.
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Process As the site design took shape, so did the architecture for Building B. The architecture was driven by three primary elements. 1. As an on-campus destination for dining, physical exercise, and health services, Building B functions very differently from the other Buildings on the site. 2. The visitor check-in center will be moved from Building A on the south east corner of the site to Building B in the center of campus. 3. With a new entrance from Central Expressway, Building B will become more visible. In short, Building B needed to feel approachable and welcoming. The design has to draw people in and feel like a place people want to be. The entry will be transformed into a front porch for the site and the new glass facade will give the building a clean, modern, and inviting look.
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Existing Conditions
• Site Data • Circulation • Site Observations • Architecture • Open Space and Landscape
Site Data Central Expressway
Legend
Property Line
Future Expansion
Building E
Access Roads Points of Entry 1
Outdoor Collaboration (.5 AC)
2
Putting Green / Gathering (.6 AC)
3
Basketball Court
4
Recreation Area (.45 AC)
3
Building B
Building C
4
Site Acreage: 28 Acres
2
Parking: 1,231 Spaces
Office
Lab
Other
Building A
79,496 SF
16,159 SF
N/A
Building B
48,448 SF
2,236 SF
8,227 SF
Building C
62,171 SF
5,029 SF
N/A
Building D
64,952 SF
19,369 SF
N/A
Building E
29,388 SF
15,000 SF
N/A
1
Building A
Building D
Kifer Road
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Circulation
July 2020 Central Expressway
Legend Future Expansion
Building E
Vehicular Circulation Pedestrian Circulation from Building E Pedestrian Circulation between Buildings A, B, C, and D Points of Entry
Building B
The following issues were identified with the existing pedestrian and
Building C
vehicular circulation: • Vehicular circulation is a closed loop and those entering from Central Expressway cannot access the south side of the campus. • The campus does not have a clear front door. • There is limited directional signage on campus • There is a conflict between pedestrians and vehicles to access other buildings. • There is no clear path / direction between Building E and the main
Building A
Building D
campus for pedestrians.
Kifer Road
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Site Observations
Birdseye view of the Campus from Kifer Road
Birdseye view of the Campus from Central Expressway
Qualcomm’s Santa Clara campus is a 28-acre suburban office park. It is comprised of five 2-story buildings and over 350,000 square feet of office and lab space. There is about 8,000 square feet of oncampus amenities including a health center, gym, and dining hall. The remainder of the site is made up of open space and parking. This is an ideal time for suburban office park reinvention. With ample parking, no need to take public transit, and outdoor amenity space, this is a very attractive alternative to a dense urban environment as we slowly return to work.
The site bordered on the north by Central Expressway and to the south by Kifer Road. Qualcomm has occupied Buildings A, B, C, and D since the mid-1980’s. Built as a traditional office park, the building share a common architectural language but there is very little relationship between the buildings. The architecture of Building A, B, C, and D can be described as large volumes of white tilt up concrete, sharp angles, and tinted single-pane windows. A two-tone palette of black and white give the campus a dated aesthetic.
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A fifth building was acquired by Qualcomm in 2015. This is Building E and is located in the northwest corner of the site along Central
July 2020
Expressway. This is also a tilt up concrete building with a stone veneer on the facade. A utility easement runs along the property line between Buildings B and E. The easement is heavily landscaped and impenetrable to vehicular traffic and inhospitable to pedestrian movement. For people who occupy Building E, they have to Building B and putting green go out the front or side doors and walk around Building E to access the rest of the campus. The original campus is set back approximately 100’ from Kifer road behind a landscape buffer and parking. Buildings A and D face the center of campus and do not address the road. Building B and C are set 600’ feet off the road. With more than 200 trees in the parking separating buildings B and C from Kifer Road, these buildings are not visible from the street. Parking and vehicular circulation dominate the landscape and bisect
the campus along the north / south axis. Qualcomm does provide a free employee shuttle between the nearest transit and campus, but with an abundance of parking, most people prefer to drive. Approximately 5% of the site is dedicated to outdoor gathering space While this campus is very green with more than 400 trees, but the usable space for gathering, amenities, and dining is limited. The existing space does not lend itself well to large corporate or community events. The campus population is expected to grow by 500 over the next five years. A variety of flexible use amenities including a large central gathering area would be ideal. About eight years ago, Qualcomm invested in site improvements to entice people to dine, collaborate, recreate, and work outside. Existing fountains and ponds were removed and filled. New amenities including a putting green, striping for a basketball court in northeast corner of the parking lot, and new site furnishings were added. The upper and lower ponds are bisected by a 25’ fire road. While we don’t have a full topographic site survey, the site is relatively flat with approximately 3’ of grade change from the south to the north. The lower pond or the south side of the gathering space is ideal for small group meetings and outdoor dining. Small portions of the space can be configured with movable furniture, but most of the area cannot be configured for different uses.
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Site Observations There is ample shade from the surrounding trees, large shade sails, and umbrellas. The area is surrounded by a mix of 50+ mature trees dominated by the Chinese Pistache. Concrete paving in the center and site furnishings can accommodate about 75 people seated. The area in the center is elevated about 3’ above grade and a set of stairs leads from the lower portion across the fire lane to the space between Building B and C. Portions of lower pond are not handicap accessible. A putting green is the centerpiece of the upper pond. The green is flanked by concrete and low-profile landscape materials including turf, shrubs and ornamental trees. The area does not provide much protection from the sun and the seating is limited to a few dining tables to the west side of Building B. There are two sets of stairs leading from the fire road to the entrances to the building. Handicap accessible areas can be accessed through ramps, crosswalks, and sidewalks through the parking lot.
Tree Assessment Plan prepared by Bartlett
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The dense landscape is dominated by Coastal Redwoods, Chinese Pistache and Aleppo Pine trees, many of which are causing damage to parking areas and buildings as they are too large for the location selected. There are over 400 trees that have been planted over time none of which are considered indigenous. About 30% of the trees are in the southern portion of the site and create visual and physical barriers between the buildings. According to the report prepared by
July 2020
the arborist, about 80% of the trees are considered in fair to poor condition. The remaining 20% being in good condition. Signage, wayfinding, and branding is limited throughout the campus. Two signs along Kifer Road designate campus arrival. The buildings are not distinguished by signage and do not feature the Qualcomm logo or brand on the exterior. There is no hierarchy between the buildings. Building B features an on-campus cafĂŠ, health center and employee gym, but there is nothing in the design highlighting this distinction. A new entrance on Central Expressway will allow people to enter the site from the north and the south. Those who enter from the north will approach the service and loading areas of Buildings B and C. The masterplan will be phased over several years with phase 1 construction kicking off in July 2020. The scope of phase 1 includes upgrades and improvements to Building E interiors and exterior, vehicular and pedestrian connections between Building E and the original campus, secure site access from Central Expressway, and new outdoor recreation space featuring beach volleyball and basketball courts, space for outdoor group fitness, new outdoor work stations for Building E, and streetscape improvements along Central expressway.
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Architecture
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Building A
Building B
Building C
Building D
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Building E
Building E Service Area
The bulky white tilt up concrete and tinted windows give the campus an outdated look and does not reflect the culture and reputation of innovation that Qualcomm is known for in the market. The dark windows minimize the amount of natural light inside the building which can impact the health and well being of the people inside. The sharp and irregular angles of Buildings A, B, C, and D make twostory buildings feel out of scale with the landscape. There is very little articulation along the facades of the building as there are long uninterrupted expanses of concrete. Building E is also tilt up concrete with stone cladding along the facade facing Central Expressway. There is only one window on the west side of the building and no windows along the south side. With people entering the campus from Central Expressway, the service areas of Buildings B and E will be highly visible. Building E feels disconnected from the rest of the campus as people have to walk from the front or east side of the building around to the cafe or gym in Building B.
Opportunities • Re-skin the buildings with a cladding system that modernizes the look and feel. • Replace the glass with double pane glazed windows that allow more natural light inside and increase energy efficiency. • Create a unified look and feel with Buildings A, B, C, D, and E. • Give each building a unique architectural element as a wayfinding tool and create a clear hierarchy. • Soften the feel of the concrete with a warmer color palette that reflects the local vernacular. • Create more permeability between the architecture and landscape. • Design the landscape with elements that compliment updated architecture. • Improve energy efficiency with windows located following the solar glare.
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Open Space and Landscape There are two primary outdoor gathering spaces.
The space can be described as a series of small
They will be referred to as north and south sides.
rooms defined by a zig-zag pattern of 30�concrete
As previously noted, they are bisected by a 25’ fire
seat walls and planters. There are 53 mature
lane. Given the orientation of the buildings, the
trees providing a nice shade cover and a strong
north side feels exclusive to Buildings B & C while
connection to nature. As designed today, the site
the south side feels exclusive to Buildings A & D.
can accommodate about 75 people seated and up
Several small sets of stairs and non-ADA compliant
to 200 standing.
elevation changes restrict the space to those who are ably bodied.
Zone 1: North Side The open space between Buildings B & C is one of the most visible areas on campus. There is a moderate grade change as you move from the south side of the site to the north. When people begin to arrive via Central Expressway, this space will also be partially visible through Buildings B & C.
It is desirable to increase the usable area of this space and create a larger contiguous space for gathering. Active Recreation In addition to the putting green the campus has an outdoor basketball court. The court is located within the parking area in the northeast corner of the site. The court lines are painted on the asphalt, but there are no additional amenities like benches, water,
The area is about .6 acres and is dominated by an
lights, or fencing. The court is only usable on a very
oversized putting green, grass, shrubs, and a few
limited basis.
site furnishings. There are not a lot of shade trees in this area of the site. It would not be ideal during the warmer months to sit outside to work or eat in this area of campus.
Zone 2: South Side The south side is approximately one acre with half of that area programmed for outdoor gathering.
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Putting G
Landscape There are nearly 400 trees on the site. Many of them are past their useful life and are causing damage to the parking areas and the buildings. There are several instances where Coastal Redwoods and Aleppo Pines have been planted
Outdoor Collabora
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Green
Outdoor Dining
ation
Dining and Collaboration 47
Open Space and Landscape within 12 - 18” of the foundation. The pines area also a nuisance as they drip sap on the cars parked below. Preserving trees needs to be carefully considered as Qualcomm decides how to proceed with the master plan. Service Areas The service areas of Buildings B and C will become more visible with the new entrance on Central Expressway as will the space between Building B and C. With a new front door, from Central Expressway, consideration should be given to how these areas are designed and accessed. Opportunities • Unify the open space. • Build more flexibility into the design to
D and Buildings B and C. • Update site amenties to anticipate future trends and employee needs. • Program the space to be more flexible and hospitable during warmer and sunnier months. • Create a space that can accommodate large corporate and community events. • Establish a new gateway between building E and the rest of the campus. • Create more outdoor recreation and wellness facilities
Basketball C
• Add trees and shrubs to screen the adjacent parking • Improve wayfinding with better signage, lighting, and architectural details.
accommodate a greater number of people and uses. • Make the entire campus universally accessible. • Enhance the south side as a campus focal point. • Create usable outdoor work environments with technology, seating, weather-proof structures, and climate control. • Eliminate the seatwalls to open up the space. • Remove some of the trees • Enhance connections between Buildings A and
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Entry Signage for Vis
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Court
Existing Trees
Service Area Building C
sitors
Existing Trees
Pathways 49
The Master Plan
• Site Plan • Site Data • Circulation • Architecture • Open Space and Landscape • Highlights and Conclusion
Site Plan Overall Site Plan
The Campus Heart
Building E Outdoor Work / Collaboration
Group Fitness / Yoga
Beach Volleyball
Building B
Building C
Basketball
Building A
Building D
1
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Dining Terrace / the Front Porch
2
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Following our in-depth analysis of existing conditions and getting stakeholder buy-in, the project team focused on the experience of the campus – how does it feel when you arrive, how does the physical environment cultivate community, and the relationship between the buildings. On a more practical level, the master plan seeks to create a Campus Heart that draws the community together.
1
Three ideas that guided the process include: 2
• The campus design should reflect the forward-thinking vision and values of Qualcomm. Design elements were carefully selected that align with Qualcomm’s brand, culture, and are a physical reflection of the innovation and creativity happening within the building. • The campus should put the experience of its inhabitants first. People are seeking a “destination” work environment that encourages congregating with others, inspirational surroundings, and a connection to the greater whole.
3
• The master plan should enhance the value of the campus and be flexible to adapt over time. Disruption is the one constant that on which we can rely. The uncertainty in the market and where we physically perform our jobs make it an ideal time for Qualcomm to make the investment and execute the master plan. The proposed plan will make the campus more valuable, resilient, and attractive to another end user or strategic partner.
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Campus Plaza
3
The Great Lawn
4
The Hub
During the discovery phase of the master planning process, HED gained a comprehensive understanding of the Qualcomm’s values and priorities. Weekly presentations and meetings established a constant feedback loop that looked at all aspects of the site. 53
Site Data Central Expressway
Legend Property Line Access Roads
Building E
The Campus Heart
5
Active Recreation Secure Points of Entry 1
Dining Terrace (12,000 SF)
2
Campus Plaza (3,000 SF)
3
The Great Lawn (18,000 SF)
4
The Hub (15,000 SF)
5
Outdoor Meeting and Collaboration (12,000 SF) Square Feet of Gathering Space
Existing
67,518 SF
Proposed
81,000 SF
Delta
+13,482 SF
Building C
Building B 1 2
Outdoor Gathering Capacity 114 - 500 mixture of seated and standing 1,200 - 2,000 mixture of seated and standing +700 - 1,500
Parking Spaces
3
4
Amenities
1,231
Basketball
1,281
Beach Volleyball Basketball Outdoor Fitness
Building A
Building D
+50 Kifer Road
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Circulation
July 2020 Central Expressway
Legend Vehicular Circulation Access Roads
Building E
Pedestrian Circulation Secure Points of Entry Changes to existing circulation include:
1. 50 new parking spaces were added to the site: Building B
Building C
• Increasing the efficiency of the central parking area between Buildings A and D • Reclaiming parking by relocating the basketball court • The demolition of the loading dock behind Building E presented an opportunity for new spaces. • Reconfiguring the circulation between Buildings A and B
2. Vehicles are restricted from the center of campus making it a pedestrian only zone. This eliminated all but one conflict between pedestrian and vehicular traffic in getting to the Campus Heart. Building A
Building D
3. Creation of a ring road connecting the entire campus. People entering from Central Expressway can drive through the site to exit on Kifer Road. 4. Elimination of the fire road that bisected the north and south green space knits the campus together.
Kifer Road
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Architecture: Building D The exploration of the redesign of Building D was critical to this process. It was through a thorough examination of materials, rhythm, building performance, and design principles that the team arrived on the design that would ultimately inform the architecture for the rest of the campus. A a darker color palette used strategically on the first floor make the buildings feel grounded and offset the top-heavy aesthetic that currently exists. The sharp angles are softened with wood paneling in a light wash. Tilt up concrete panels are covered by wood or metal paneling or repainted. The entrances are designed to be for welcoming entrances that are protected from the elements. Wood paneling and curtain walls add vertical articulation and dimension to break up the long flat monochromatic facades, These principles were replicated on Buildings B and E as shown later in the masterplan. 1
2
3
Key Plan
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July 2020
1
View of building entrance from the Campus Heart
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Architecture: Building D
2
View looking south from the Campus Heart to Kifer Road
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July 2020
3
View from entry along Kifer Road.
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Architecture: Building E 1
1
2
The architecture will be modernized with dark metal panel palette a and store front windows will be added to the east, west, and south
Key Plan
60
July 2020
2
and a wood paneling. New curtain wall h sides of the building.
The loading dock on the south side of Building E will be demolished and the area will be transformed into a 12,000 square foot outdoor collaborative workspace. Native plants will screen the work area from the parking giving the space a sense of enclosure and privacy. The new landscape will also be part of the entry sequence upon arrival from Central Expressway.
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New outdoor work and meeting space
Architecture: Building B With a dramatic cantilever structure extending from the roofline and a glass façade, Building B is set to become the architectural focal point of the campus. Extending from the entrance of the building is a 12,000 square foot elevated dining terrace. With a cafe, gym, and health center within the building, it is conceivable that all 2,000 campus inhabitants will pass through this space several times a week. A secondary structure will seemingly float between Buildings B and C following the curvilinear edge of the terrace. This connection point acts as another campus gateway and focal point for anyone entering the campus from Central Expressway. A structure will attach to the second story and extend approximately 100’ 1
from the edge of the building. The existing tilit up concrete cube along the façade will be demolished so there is a long flat façade. A secondary trellislike structure will be the same height as the first story of the building. The trellis is offset from the canopy above and extends east to connect with
2
Building C. This will become the “front porch” of the campus as the main dining area.
Key Plan
62
July 2020
1
View of new structure from between buildings B and C
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Architecture: Building B
2
Proposed facade of Building B
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July 2020
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Open Space: Dining Terrace
3
1
2
With a heightened awareness to health and safety, finding safe places to congregate and socialize is more important than ever. Food is one of the great conveners of people. Given the suburban context of the site, people don’t have as many dining options within walking distance as one may have in an urban context. A high-end dining cafe with a variety of healthy food options will keep people on campus and encourage more social interactions. The design proposes a new 12,000 square foot dining terrace extending from the entrance of Building B. The terrace will be elevated and have expansive views across the campus. Protected from the elements by the new structure extending from the roof, this space can be used throughout the day for dining, meeting, and additional work space. With a combination of stationary and movable furnishings, the space will be able to accommodate 200 - 250 people seated and is an ideal location for larger gatherings and cocktail parties.
Key Plan
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July 2020
1
67
Open Space: Dining Terrace
2
View as approached from Building A
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July 2020
3
View looking out to the Great Lawn
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Open Space: The Campus Plaza
1 2
View of Plaza from path from Building D
1
Key Plan
70
The Campus Plaza marks the transition from the great lawn to the Dining Terrace. Like great urban plazas, the plaza design is intentionally flexible to respond to Qualcomm’s fluctuating needs. The plaza is defined by curvilinear stadium style steps that are designed to act as an amphitheater for special events. Daily, the steps serve as a casual gathering spot. The steps terminate at an open plaza that is bordered by the great lawn and elevated paths up to the dining terrace.
July 2020
2
View of Plaza from path from The Great Lawn
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Open Space: The Great Lawn
1 2
The Great Lawn is the largest of all the outdoor gatherings spaces and 3
4
the nexus of the Campus Heart. It is designed to be a space for the entire Qualcomm community to unite. It is the front yard for Buildings A, B, C, and D. Like the Campus Plaza, the Great Lawn is designed to be flexible and accommodate special events as well as more casual
1
daily social encounters, passive recreation, and direct connections with nature. To ensure maximum utility of the space, HED sited the great lawn in the center of the Campus Heart. The energy of the Dining Terrace, the Hub, and paths that embrace the space converge
Key Plan
72
within the great lawn.
July 2020
2
View of Building D from the Great Lawn. Collaboration hubs along the edge of the lawn keep the area active throughout the day. The 18,000 square foot lawn gently slopes downward 4’ toward the dining terrace. The consistent slope is designed for universal accessibility. 73
Open Space: The Great Lawn
3
Walking path from Building D along the Great Lawn
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July 2020
4
Walking path from Building A approaching the Great Lawn
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Open Space: The Hub The southern most area of the open space will be transformed into a 15,000 square foot outdoor workplace and collaboration center, known as the Hub. Years of research document the many health benefits of working outdoors including reduced stress, more creativity, and higher productivity. With the anxeity about returning to a conventional office environment keeping many of us at home, the new Hub, will give people a chance to come together and feel safer doing do. The Hub will have a variety of spaces for people to meet in groups of up to 20 as well individual workstations. Every effort will be made to preserve the mature trees in good condition, especially the coastal redwoods. That will keep the space comfortable in the warmer months. The space will be furnished with a combination of permanent and movable site furnishings. Custom structures will utilize the same material palette and color scheme as the renovated buildings. This area will have capacity for up to 120 1
76
2
150 people at a given time.
July 2020
1
The Hub is designed to draw people from the office and offer opportunities to connect with nature during the work day. This is proven to reduce stress, increase satisfaction, and improve company culture. 77
Open Space: The Hub
1
Work and collaboration area are nestled within lush native landscape, and a variety of spaces give people flexibility and choice about how and where they want to
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Open Space: Active Recreation
July 2020
With stronger pedestrian connections throughout the campus, people may get more exercise just from moving about their daily activities, but for those who want more, outdoor fitness options are increasingly sought after and important to physical and mental well-being. The conventional indoor gym may not meet the future needs of the campus. With a new volleyball and basketball court in the queue for construction, expanding the offering with an area for group fitness like yoga or TRX and an open air shelter that is protected from the elements but has some weights, on-demand fitness equipment, and also a place for bike storage for an on-campus bike share program and bicycle repair.
1
2
The proposed recreation area is a place where new connections are made, team bonding activities can occur, and gives people the opportunity to invest in their well-being safely.
3 4
1. Beach Volleyball 2. Group Fitness / Yoga 3. Basketball 4. Outdoor Fitness / Bicycle Storage & Repair 79
Conclusion
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July 2020
The highlights of the masterplan are the Campus Heart, Building B,
Moving Forward
connectivity, and circulation.
This masterplan sought to challenge the conventions of the traditional
• The Campus Heart
suburban office park and transform univiting buildings surrounded by
Conceived as the confluence of activity nodes in the center of campus. The Heart will re-energize the campus, knit the buildings together, and
asphalt and concrete into a campus that invites people to connect, innovate, collaborate, and create. The plan breathes new life into a site
better support new programs that will fuel healthy, active, and social
the is outdated and undervalued.
opportunities.
The masterplan is an objective study of available redesign opportunities for
• Building B
the existing office park. It is the framework upon which a true corporate
As the architectural focal point of the campus, Building B elevates the entire look and feel of the site. The cantilever awning and the glass façade anchors the campus. The design will change the way people interact on
campus can be built. HED gathered baseline information and explored materials, programming, circulation, and industry trends. The project team evaluated alternatives to meet the changing needs and expectations of
campus.
the workforce.
• Connectivity
While many people are anxious about returning to the office in some
Every building has at least one entrance that open to usable green space. It was important to ensure the benefits of the green space is easily accessible to all.
• Circulation By removing vehicles from the center of the campus, pedestrian circulation is prioritized. It encourages movement through the Campus Heart and increases the visibility of people on the campus.
capacity, it is not going to be a one-size fits all solution. As events unfold and disruption continues to infiltrate out lives, it would be prudent for Qualcomm to take the steps to be ready for whatever that future may be to protect the value of the campus. With individuals making. As rends towards health and wellness continue to gain strength, individuals will choose to spend time in places and with people who inspire, the workplace has to meet these needs. This document is meant to be a living document that adapts over time. It is meant to inspire new ways to define community at work, offer flexibility in how where we work, and will augment the economic sustainability of the campus. The master plan emphasizes openess and light and uses guiding principles that would ensure enduring value for the asset. 81
Qualcomm
Campus Master Plan Santa Clara, California July 2020
Qualcomm Masterplan Santa Clara, CA July 2020
PREPARED BY: