foster + partners masterplans major mixed-use development in silicon valley

foster + partners has drawn up plans for a 9.2 million square foot, mixed-use site at the heart of northern california’s silicon valley. the project, located in the city of santa clara, involves transforming a municipal golf course into a ‘world-class destination’ that seeks to cater to the needs of residents, visitors, and growing companies by creating an estimated 25,000 jobs and generating nearly $17 million a year in taxes, fees, and lease revenue. work on site is set to begin in may 2019, with the first phases of the development scheduled to open to the public in early 2023.

all images courtesy of related companies

the project was unveiled real estate development firm related companies who tasked foster + partners with developing the masterplan for the site. in order to promote well-being, sustainability, and future mobility solutions, the diverse mix of offices, hotels, serviced apartments, and residences are bound together by a network of shaded streets and squares. the design also looks to utilize sustainable building materials with the ambition to create a model of urbanism that exceeds existing green building guidelines.

‘silicon valley has always been underpinned by a pioneering spirit of innovation and a desire to make the world a better place,’ explains stefan behling, head of studio, foster + partners. ‘our aspiration is to push the boundaries of design and construction and introduce a model of sustainable urbanism in the valley centered on people. urban mobility will change dramatically in the coming years and the challenge will be to create a place for people that can adapt to these fundamental changes. with an increasing focus on embodied energy, we will also be exploring diverse sustainable building materials with a goal to create the most attractive and exciting place for people to work, live and play.’

designed to establish an urban core for silicon valley, the development will be the first large-scale true mixed-use development in the history of the south bay area. the 9.2 million square foot neighborhood will include 5.4 million square feet of new commercial office space; 1,280 new residential apartments; 400 extended-stay apartments; 1 million square feet of shopping, dining and entertainment spaces with chef-driven restaurants; the area’s first equinox hotel; and a 440 key business hotel, dubbed ‘the most innovative in silicon valley’.

foster + partners will serve as the lead design architect for the first phases of the development and collaborate with gensler, executive architect, on all aspects of the project. WSP USA will serve as the development’s lead engineering firm on the main infrastructure for the project and newmark knight frank will spearhead the first phases of commercial office leasing. related’s in-house leasing team will lead the retail, dining and entertainment leasing efforts.

‘mayor gillmor and the city of santa clara have shown bold foresight and been tremendous partners in shaping a plan for the future growth of santa clara,’ says related chairman and founder stephen m. ross. ‘this 240-acre redevelopment represents one of the most ambitious and transformative opportunities in the area’s history. the commercial offerings were designed for visionary companies who demand a globally competitive work place with innovative, sustainable design and outstanding amenities to attract and retain a talented workforce.’

project info:

lead design architect: foster + partners
executive architect: gensler
lead engineering firm: WSP USA
developer: related companies
location: santa clara, CA
status: site work set to begin in may 2019, first phase scheduled for 2023 completion