Mar 8, 20203 min read

Apple Park: The $5 billion headquarters that causes injuries of minor cuts to employees - Learn How

Updated: Jul 21, 2020

Quick FACTS🧾

Nicknamed ‘the spaceship’ because of the scale of the circular building, it measures 1 mile in circumference, with a diameter of 461 m (1,512 ft). Designed by Norman Foster and engineered by ARUP it can accommodate 14,200 parking spaces and more than 12,000 staff!!!

Location: 1 Apple Park Way, Cupertino, California, United States
Structural Engineer: ARUP
Architects: Foster and Partners
Construction Cost: $5 billion
Land cost: estimated at $160 million
Floor area: 2,800,000 sq ft (260,000 m2)

👉 Visit Structures Insider's homepage for more stories.👈

The glass fins that protrude from the Ring at every floor are sloped at a slight downward angle to regulate light and glare.

Engineering & Environmental 🏗

The structure is said to be one of the most energy-efficient structures ever built. The site is said to entirely powered from renewable energy, with solar panels installed on the roof capable of generating 17 megawatts of power which will be sufficient to power 75% of the building's power usage during peak daytime hours.

The air flows freely between the inside and outside of the building, providing natural ventilation and obviating the need for HVAC systems during nine months of the year.

This is achieved by using the 4,300 hollow concrete slabs which act as the floors and ceilings as an innovative air-conditioning system. In effect, this makes it a ‘breathing’ building.

There are now over 9,000 trees on-site, including indigenous oaks and orchards, as well as meadows, sports fields, terraces and a secluded pond.

Construction Saga

During construction, the building's structure was started by DPR/Skanska, but they were removed from the job for undisclosed reasons.

Rudolph and Sletten and Holder Construction completed the structure, envelope, and interior buildout. Truebeck Construction (then known as BNBTBuilders) worked on the exterior landscaping, Steve Jobs Theater, and the health and fitness centre.

McCarthy Building Companies built the parking garage, and Granite Construction performed road widening and utility work.

Health & Safety issues with the curved glazing glass

In February 2018, there were reports that emergency services had treated Apple staff for injuries caused by walking into the campus' numerous glazed walls.

At least two people had received treatment for minor cuts to the head and, according to a report on Twitter, seven people 'physically hurt' themselves on the first day the campus opened.

Architecture🏢

Steve Jobs, in his final public appearance before his death in October 2011 was quoted as saying:

I really do think that architecture students will come here to see it

The simple form of the Ring Building conceals immense expertise and innovation. It comprises a few core elements: communal ‘pod’ spaces for collaboration, private office spaces for concentrated work, and broad, glazed perimeter walkways – featuring the largest sheets of curved glass ever constructed – that allow uninterrupted connection to the landscape.

Apple Park simple form conceals the innovation and futuristic ideas of what Apple company is all about. The campus is Californian in spirit: open and connected to nature and the product of a remarkable collaboration.

Its landscape and buildings form a seamless whole: the Ring Building, Steve Jobs Theater, Fitness & Wellness Center, Visitors’ Center and South Parking are all encompassed by flowing parkland that enhances the buildings as places to socialise, exercise and work.

One of the most advanced precast concrete structures in the world, over 4,000 slabs, which span up to 15 metres (48 feet), make up the Ring’s floors. Known as ‘void slabs’, these multi-use elements form the structure and exposed ceiling, incorporate radiant heating and cooling and provide air return.

Sources: www.fosterandpartners.com