We transformed an unused concrete office plaza from the 1990’s at this high-tech client headquarters in Redmond, Washington, into a landscaped oasis populated by a series of  “pods”–small wooden structures that blend residential character, simple materials, and unexpected custom features to create a destination amenity.

Each of the three pods offer a different experience – retreat, meeting, and lounge – and bring together employees for varied activities from the surrounding midrise office buildings.

Adding a layer of interest and reinforcing the plaza’s informal nature, the design team also included a series of “Easter Eggs” – hidden messages in landscape elements and wayfinding features that reference computing and gaming culture.

An intentional departure from typical corporate office spaces, this project has succeeded in creating a radical shift in work environment for the buildings in this precinct of the global client’s campus.