"The strategy of maximizing instead of reducing was also important to McDonough in his design for the Gap headquarters. By maximizing daylight and fresh air, he was able to create a healthy and enjoyable workplace, which also happens to use much less energy than a more "conventional" office building.

"He laughed at a Wall Street Journal headline, referring to this building, Windows That Open Are the Latest Office Amenity. What kind of place have we come to, he asked, that allowing fresh air into our workplace is worthy of front-page news? "

— Ross Leventhal. ArchitectureWeek, 2001.0516. pN1.2.

The Creator's Words

"All of our projects celebrate nature and encourage connection to the world outside. For Herman Miller's Miller SQA factory and offices in Zeeland, Michigan we built the design around views of the landscape and a daylit interior 'street' where all employees mingle during their breaks. The offices we designed for Gap Inc. in San Bruno, California are filled with daylight, fresh air, and views of the outdoors, and the roof of the building is covered in indigenous grasses to reestablish the site's natural habitat. ..."

— from the William McDonough + Partners web site.

Details

Savings by Design Award, 2000

Business Week/Architectural Record Award, 1998

Address: 901 Cherry, San Bruno, California

195,000 square feet, 500 occupants

Design Team

William McDonough + Partners
Gensler