Voyager - Nvidia Headquarters

Role

Lead Designer, Project Manager

(at HLB Lighting)

Tools

BIM360, AutoCAD, Adobe Suite, Revit, Figma, Figjam, paper & pencil

Problem Statement

How can Nvidia's office headquarters be designed to create a holistic work environment that optimizes employee well-being, fosters collaboration and productivity, and maximizes space utilization?

User Goals

  • Focus and Productivity: Provide a variety of workspaces with ample natural light and adjustable features (lighting, temperature) to support focused work and minimize distractions.

  • Collaboration and Communication: Offer dedicated spaces specifically designed for teamwork, brainstorming, and meetings. These spaces should encourage interaction and information sharing.

  • Well-being and Comfort: Integrate elements that promote physical and mental well-being, such as access to daylight and nature, comfortable furniture with ergonomic considerations, and designated relaxation areas.

  • Personalization and Control: Allow employees some level of personalization within their workspace to enhance a sense of ownership and comfort.

Business Goals

  • Space Optimization: Utilize space efficiently while maintaining a comfortable density for employees. Consider flexible work arrangements and adaptable furniture to accommodate changing needs.

  • Collaboration and Innovation: Design the office layout and amenities to promote interaction and knowledge sharing between employees, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.

  • Employee Retention and Satisfaction: Create a workplace that is attractive, comfortable, and promotes employee well-being, leading to increased satisfaction and reduced turnover.

Methodology

While UX and architectural design may seem disparate on the surface, they share core principles centered on understanding and enhancing human experiences.

The parallels between these two disciplines underscore the importance of empathy, thoughtful design, and user-centric thinking, whether in creating physical environments or crafting digital interactions.

Learnings from user feedback (User Research)

User were observed and interviewed for what they were looking for in the new building, what worked and not worked in other Nvidia office buildings.

Endeavor Building - Photo credit- Elise Gasper

Endeavor Building - Photo credit- Elise Gasper

Challenge: In other nvidia spaces, 4000K color temp (cool) for all lighting. While this worked well for offices with access to daylight, it felt too bright and clinical for amenity spaces like the café and library.

Solution: Based on user feedback, Voyager uses a warmer 3000K color temperature in amenity spaces to create a more inviting atmosphere. Offices retain the 4000K lighting for seamless integration with natural light.

Challenge: Other Nvidia open office areas followed the recommended industry standards for light levels, resulting in a brighter environment than employees preferred.

Solution: Based on feedback open office areas have a reduced average light level of 15 footcandles at the work surface. This caters to employee preferences while still providing adequate lighting. Additionally, task lights were offered for those desiring higher illumination, further promoting user control and comfort. As a bonus, reducing overall light levels resulted in energy efficiency.

Conceptual Design (Ideation)

Overall BIG picture idea

Service Blueprints to understand potential improvement from other buildings

Cross-team collaboration (architects, engineers, lighting, subcontractors) led to a custom, cost-effective, and quickly installed column-mounted uplight detail.

Day time: Diffused light, minimal glare, pleasant atmosphere. Night time: Uplights showcase the articulated ceiling and architectural features.

Perimeter - Open Offices

Tested replicating Phase 1's linear pendants, but excessive lines formed a visual plane due to higher ceilings. Pivoted to indirect uplight mounted on columns.

Cross-team collaboration (architects, engineers, lighting, subcontractors) led to a custom, cost-effective, and quickly installed column-mounted uplight detail.

The Mountain

Dynamic climb with lighted handrail, rest stops (pantries/green walls), and summit bar "WOW" experience.

Nvidia owner prioritizes outdoor work, including treehouses for day/night use. Layered lighting provides flexibility for work and social events. Exterior highlights round seating with soft LED glow.

The Exterior Park features a colossal trellis supported by only three columns, which is adorned with Photo Voltaic Panels. Within the park, you'll find two "tree houses" with a diameter of 40 feet each, serving as versatile outdoor workspaces or event venues. Additionally, there are walkways and stairs on Level 2 that connect Voyager and Endeavor, providing convenient access between the two areas.

Blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors

7,500 sq ft green wall (3 facing SE walls & long trellis) lit by optimized dual grow lighting system for even coverage. Again a success story of team collaboration.

Nvidia owner prioritizes outdoor work, including treehouses for day/night use. Layered lighting provides flexibility for work and social events. Exterior highlights round seating with soft LED glow.

The Exterior Park features a colossal trellis supported by only three columns, which is adorned with Photo Voltaic Panels. Within the park, you'll find two "tree houses" with a diameter of 40 feet each, serving as versatile outdoor workspaces or event venues. Additionally, there are walkways and stairs on Level 2 that connect Voyager and Endeavor, providing convenient access between the two areas.

Seamless lighting integrates with architecture. Hidden light sources illuminate walkways and trellis for a pleasant user experience.

Story of success

Led design team to a National Award of Excellence for Nvidia's Voyager HQ. Client collaboration, innovative lighting, and sustainable practices set our project apart.

But most importantly what the client and users had to say about the experience!

Photo Credit Voyager : Jason O’Rear | Gensler, Feedback Video Credit : HLB Lighting Team, Video Credit Drone : Nvidia

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