From the packaging to the design of the device, there is always something special.
Four months before his death in 2011, Apple’s legendary leader Steve Jobs presented his company’s plan for a large new corporate office at Cupertino City Hall.
The corporate office was a creation of Steve Jobs. (Trevor Long)
Two more years passed before the plans were approved, and then in 2017 the building and campus were opened to staff.
Apple Park, as it is known, is also often described as the “spaceship” because of its huge ring shape that looks like a donut-shaped building from the air.
But as someone who has been lucky enough to visit Apple Park many times since 2017, this is more than just an office building. Far more.
The “campus” is located on 360 acres, every inch was raised for construction, and what makes the whole area so amazing is that 80% of the land is green space: landscaping.
And when I say landscaping, I mean every blade of grass was planned and planted.
Apple’s ring building is one of the most energy-efficient buildings in the world. (Trevor Long)
When I first visited in 2017, I could see the grass plantations and young trees: oaks, fruit trees (including some apple trees) are among the 9000 trees in the place.
Along the undulating property are paths that connect all the different areas of campus, from the gym to the parking garages, the main “ring” building and the Steve Jobs Theater.
That theater, named after the man who dreamed of this property but never saw it, is in itself a masterpiece.
Excavated underground, all that can be seen from ground level is a building with a circular roof with only glass walls.
Apple’s headquarters is a very interesting corporate office. (Trevor Long)
Inside, two stone stairs lead to a large open space, and behind it the 1500-seat theater.
Even the glass elevator is unique.
You enter facing the building, but it turns down, so you and the doors are looking in the right direction to get out into the theater space.
Inside the “ring” building is a huge courtyard with lush grass, trees, a pond and a cafe.
Heck, there are even sports fields near the gym.
Apple’s main ring building is one of the most energy-efficient buildings in the world, topped by one of the world’s largest solar roof installations.
Even the doors are spectacular: in the main cafeteria, the two doors are not just sliding doors, they are 16 meters high, 28 meters wide and weigh 180 tons each.
Curved, the slide opens to bring fresh air of the day to the employee cafeteria known as Cafe Macs.
The Apple campus takes up 360 acres of space. (Trevor Long)
Trees inside, like many Apple stores, and clean, fresh glass combining wood and open space design are key features of the entire building.
It really is a work of art, a special place to see and visit.
Visitors can see a view of Apple Park from the Apple Park Visitors Center across the road from the main building.
The Death of the iPod: The Evolution of the Device That Changed Music