Google opens its doors to the community. What it means for the future of workspaces

This could well be a glimpse into the future of corporate workspaces and the evolving role they will play in our lives.

Google Opens Its Doors to the Community: What It Means for the Future of Workspaces

As we continue to adapt to new work models and office dynamics, companies are rethinking how they engage with their employees and the broader community. Google is setting a fascinating precedent with its newly announced Google Visitor Experience. Scheduled to open on October 12, 2023, the Mountain View headquarters will no longer just be a tech sanctuary for Google employees. It's evolving into a multi-faceted space, complete with a public café, an events space, and a pop-up shop featuring local businesses.

Breaking Down the Google Visitor Experience

Google's visitor-friendly transformation will include:

  • Cafe @ Mountain View: Google's first-ever public cafe.
  • The Huddle: A venue designed for local community groups and non-profit events.
  • Pop-Up Shop: A space that features and supports local businesses.
  • The Plaza: An outdoor area featuring art installations, events, and programming.
  • Google Store: The first brick-and-mortar store on the West Coast focusing on Google's hardware products.

Why This Matters

What's groundbreaking here is the intentional design of the office space to function as a community hub. By blending work and life, Google aims to make its space a unique destination for a variety of visitors, thereby:

  1. Building Stronger Community Ties: With venues for local events and pop-up shops, Google is investing in its immediate community, potentially driving both social and economic growth.
  2. Promoting Sustainability: By maximizing the utilization of their space even on low-occupancy workdays, Google is showing how corporate real estate can be made more sustainable.
  3. Reimagining Corporate Culture: This move is a game-changer for the future of workspaces. It's an active step towards transforming offices into vibrant community hubs.

A Trend Worth Watching

The Google Visitor Experience is not an isolated move. It echoes a broader trend where companies are increasingly turning their office spaces into lively community centers. Data from across the Density network shows that a 3-day in-office workweek is becoming popular, and businesses are exploring creative ways to use their space effectively.

The next time you hear about offices becoming obsolete or companies downsizing, think about Google's approach. This could well be a glimpse into the future of corporate workspaces and the evolving role they will play in our lives.

Tags:

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Google launched a groundbreaking model for visitors, called the Google Visitor Experience
Google's visitor-friendly transformation will include its first public cafe, a pop-up shop, a huddle space for community groups and more.
With its intentional design of the office space to function as a community hub, Google is building stronger community ties.
DisruptCRE founder shares how corporate real estate is changing

DisruptCRE founder shares how corporate real estate is changing

Companies are moving employees from underutilized offices into "space as a service” options with utilization data.

Watch now

Most recent

6 ways to measure space—and how to choose what works for you

6 ways to measure space—and how to choose what works for you

Stop guessing, start optimizing. Learn what’s the right people counter for your space and make every square foot count.

White Lotus knows: The real talk happens when it’s just two

White Lotus knows: The real talk happens when it’s just two

Data shows 2-person meetings last longer than 3+. Learn why fewer people = deeper convos—just like the bougie chaos show.

More space, less waste: 6 ways occupancy sensors change the game

More space, less waste: 6 ways occupancy sensors change the game

People counting tech is helping companies reduce real estate expenses and improve employee experiences. Learn how to make your spaces work smarter—not harder.

Was Lumon right? People focus more at 'Severance'-style desks

Was Lumon right? People focus more at 'Severance'-style desks

MDR’s desks aren't pure fiction. Learn how research shows flywheel layouts boost employee focus by 17%.

Explore other Density Products

Atlas

A visual insights dashboard that tells you how your space is performing.

Learn more

Atlas for Workplace

Insights for the workplace that help you cut costs and deliver better spaces.

Learn more

Live Wayfinding

A real-time map of available spaces, built for employees.

Learn more

Density Advisory

Your partner in turning complex workplace data into actionable strategy.

Learn more