The expansion of the Aspect Communications headquarters approximately double its size, but more importantly, it revamps the relationship between building and landscape to create an urban campus in the middle of one of Silicon Valley's many office parks.
Building wings flank a central, open courtyard in the new design.
A curving, vine-covered trellis connects the new and existing buildings and provides a transparent green screen to the street. The public enters the complex through this trellis, arriving in a sun-drenched lobby pavilion surrounded by a water garden. The design takes full advantage of San Jose's temperate climate. On the first floor, public spaces encircle the courtyard, with dining tables spilling out from the cafe into the garden. On the upper floors, primary circulation is around the courtyard, encouraging congretation and collaboration.