google unveils masterplan for village-like campus in mountain view, california

in 2017, google’s plans for its new mountain view charleston east headquarters were approved by local authorities. the building, which is now under construction, was designed by bjarke ingels group and heatherwick studio — the team simultaneously working on google’s london HQ. now, the tech giant has released the first images of a vast new development to be located nearby. the project, known as the ‘north bayshore framework plan’, will transform the existing site into a community that will include offices, housing, and retail space.

the design prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists over cars 
image courtesy of sitelab (also main image)

according to new atlas, google is collaborating with san francisco-based sitelab on the overall masterplan. BIG is working with sitelab and google on the development’s office component, while heatherwick studio is working with google on another office project in north bayshore, currently under review by the city. importantly, the masterplan intends to create a site made for people, not cars, by providing numerous foot and cycle paths to allow the campus to be easily accessed by both pedestrians and cyclists.

the scheme comprises a host of open air spaces that complement the natural landscape
image courtesy of sitelab

it is also hoped that the development will create somewhere between 6,000 and 6,600 new homes, of which 20% will be deemed affordable. new office space forms an important part of the plan, while other components include hotels, entertainment areas, and an elementary school. the new development is separate from the ‘charleston east’ headquarters, which is under construction nearby. full details of the ‘north bayshore framework plan’ can be seen here.

retail areas form an important part of the development
image courtesy of sitelab

cross-laminated timber will be used throughout the project’s construction
image courtesy of sitelab

the new development is separate from the ‘charleston east’ headquarters (pictured here)
image courtesy of google