Location: Madrid, Spain
Team: EMEA
Client: Google
Services Rendered: Space planning, Design delivery, Architectural, Structural and M&E engineering design, Interior design, Site supervision
Date: 2006
Size: 1,800 sqm.

Project Description

Google is a new communications medium and a company dedicated to web search services. Google’s mission is to organise global information and make it useful and accessible world wide. For the new office, we wanted to ensure that we captured the essence of the research work previously carried out by DEGW, applying criteria of flexibility, adaptability, concentration, collaboration and a balance between professional and personal life.

The offices of the Spanish branch of Google designed by DEGW are located on the 26th floor of the Torre Picasso Building in Madrid. The total floor area is over 1,800sqm, distributed according to the needs of the present staff but designed so as to facilitate adaptation for future growth.

The challenge for DEGW in this Project was to transmit the special charisma and vision of the company, stressing particularly the care Google takes with employees.

The design includes work and support areas, reception, conference facilities, vending and rest areas, informal interaction spaces, communications etc.

The basic strategy behind the Space Planning was to guarantee that the employees could take advantage of the opportunities the building offers for Google..

In order to permit employees to express and share their ideas easily and at any moment, acrylic or glazed separating panels have been installed throughout the office, on which staff can write as they wish.

Open areas account for about 90% of work space. Within this area, DEGW has combined individual work stations with interaction or team work spaces.

The result has been an increase in interaction and communication and spaces which permit better services for clients. One of the most spectacular and “fun” spaces is the games room, equipped with plasma screen, table soccer, dartboards, vending and soft seating.