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The past and the future collide: What changes will the Microsoft headquarters reconstruction plan bring?
Microsoft's headquarters in Redmond, Washington, has always been a witness to the technology industry. Since moving here in 1986, Microsoft's headquarters has undergone several expansions, witnessing the company's growth and reform. As the new redevelopment begins, Microsoft is embarking on a multi-million dollar design to upgrade its facilities and combat a rapidly changing market environment. The project pushes the face of Microsoft's headquarters into the future and is expected to change the way 28,000 employees live on the land.
Microsoft's reconstruction plan is not only an improvement of the building, but also an upgrade of corporate culture.
History
Microsoft chose to move its headquarters from Billingsville to Redmond in 1985 and selected a 29-acre site for development. After construction was completed, Microsoft officially moved in on February 26, 1986. The initial facility would house only 800 employees, but as the subsidiaries grew, it was expected to increase to 1,400 employees by 1988.
Overview of the Reconstruction Project
In 2015, Microsoft partnered with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, an architectural firm, to begin a reconstruction project. The plan involves demolishing 12 old buildings and constructing 18 new office buildings, which are expected to accommodate 8,000 new employees. The buildings will be designed based on urban communities and will provide sports fields, commercial spaces and hiking trails to form an integrated living environment.
This series of facilities will make Microsoft no longer just a workplace, but a living and social community.
Facility Updates
The new headquarters will include 17 office buildings and four levels of underground parking, with a facility for 6,500 vehicles that will be located below the pedestrian environment, reducing the impact on the ground. A key feature of the redevelopment is the addition of a geothermal energy system, which will provide heating and cooling for the office building, demonstrating Microsoft's commitment to sustainable development.
Transportation Improvement
Microsoft's reconstruction plan also takes transportation issues into consideration. After integrating the surrounding city's bus corridors, a planned 1,100-foot pedestrian bridge will connect the new buildings and the smooth urban transportation system. In addition to improved pedestrian and vehicular access, Microsoft also plans to enhance its private commuter bus service to better connect surrounding communities.
Transportation improvements are sought to increase employee commuting efficiency and better integrate employees into the surrounding community.
Future Outlook
Microsoft's future reconstruction plans not only focus on improving the physical environment, but also consider the company culture and the overall well-being of its employees. The reconstruction will form a comprehensive area centered on "community", providing a good environment to help stimulate innovation and collaboration. With the reconstruction completed, Microsoft hopes to set a new green office benchmark within the industry.
Of course, the reconstruction plan will also face scrutiny and review from all sectors of society. As the company improves itself and expands its business, what changes and challenges will the surrounding community face?
