The Genius Design of Apple Park

Watch my new video about Las Vegas on Nebula:

Follow neo on social media:

A closer look at the history and design of Apple's new Cupertino headquarters, and how Steve Jobs, Norman Foster and Jony Ive influenced the project.

Images via Getty, AP Newsroom
Map source by MapTiler / OpenStreetMap Contributors via Geolayers 3

[graefx]

I sympathize with the programmers. Open concept is fantastic. It's bright, airy, energizing and for a lot of people reduces anxiety and encourages a feeling of community and socializing. But I remember in college how much we needed the lab dungeon. No windows, minimal glass, just white walls. Sometimes you wouldn't even have phone service. Just a way to go down and cut off all distractions and connections besides you, your thoughts, and whatever you were working on. Everything in life is made of compromises and if there's one thing Steve Jobs wasn't known for, it was compromising.

[fluffhead]

The trees Dave selected for Apple Park and how they were grown changed the nursery industry in California. The trees are natural hybrids of different drought tolerant oaks native to climates which resemble what the Bay Area will be in 50-100 years, and were grown in nurseries for the first time for this project. The pots the trees grew in are completely different than the hard-sided ones usually seen. They allow trees to grow faster, cheaper, and with better root systems that don’t wrap around. All the trees grown for this project came out so well, that California’s largest tree grower switched all of their nurseries to this new pot.

[choudharya]

Sometimes I see the topic of these videos I think to myself, "I'm not interested in that." But about a week later I watch, and I'm blown away. Incredible work

[drakedbz]

I can tell you as a developer myself, that open floor plans are only good for management, not for the devs themselves. Most development does not require collaboration, except on integration points, so I have little need for the constant open air to the people around me. As mentioned, it's more of a distraction than anything. Also, developers are generally less outgoing, so crave that personal space that an office or cubicle gives.

[MrUltimateX]

This video didn't even touch on the very impressive anti-earthquake system that the building has. That in itself is a video worth making

[juanpablogarzon]

As an Architecture Student, this video is well done. It's incredible how Neo managed to animate, render, to ideally use the images and videos provided, the music, and the narration. Well done!

[nenaun]

"Perhaps the goal wasnt to create the most practical campus, but rather to create a building that embodies some form of perfection that is intended to set standards" I really really liked that

[snaroff]

It looks gorgeous, but I'm glad I worked at Infinite Loop from '97-'10. Most folks had private offices and it was easy to "bump into" Steve and have informal discussion (which was motivating). Nevertheless, the gardens and health/exercise facilities @ Apple Park look amazing...the Infinite Loop gym was pretty minimalist.

[Atlastheyote]

Its hard watching Steve like that. He's so low energy but clearly still full of passion about his work. He will be missed, a true one-of-a-kind.

[dkman]

The shades outside the windows also cut down on the "ant under a magnifying glass" effect that you'll come across if you cover the Wynn in Vegas. The inner curve will reflect sunlight onto one area and absolutely bake whatever is there. Blocking the direct sunlight will minimize this effect. It's also a form of passive cooling by reducing the greenhouse effect of letting the direct sunlight in. Bounce lighting gives you plenty of light, direct light gives you heat.

[rupanjan]

There is no doubt Apple Park is one of the most recognisable facilities on this earth. I would love to see it in-person one day.

[karantikoo]

Kudos to Neo, maintaining quality+quantity all these years!

[qmam]

I watched multiple videos about the campus, but this one summarizes it and adds a lot of answers to questions "why" they did it the way the did. It is also amazing how smoothly you explained that the beautiful design does not always goes with practicality. The fact is that beauty of the office pretty much never goes with practicality. From my expierence I know that office deisgn is usually visualization of ego of GM or CEO of the company.

[VincentForDesign]

This video is so well done! I like that the music is calm, it helps me to enjoy the video better than high and intense music used in many explainer videos on YouTube. Subbed!

[Roboseal]

The lady holding the old camcorder at 4:30 really showed how popular apple was becoming and how successful Steve jobs was become before he unfortunately passed away.

[TrineDaely]

The open pod areas are a good idea, but should be an addition to rather than replacement of, individual work spaces. At the very least there should be available spaces for a single person or smaller group, which could even be set up as soundproofed rooms within the pod areas. Clear acrylic double pane with those blinds between the panes because sometimes you need to shut out the sights as well as the sounds to concentrate. A dry erase marker could be used to write your name on the door or window in case someone needs to find you.
People like to have the ability to put personal touches in their work space, too. Photos, a favorite plant, a snack drawer, a splash of color or poster that calms them or inspires them. Having a space that you feel is yours can be important for morale.
Skylights would be nice, too.

Not sure white on white is the best idea for parking signage, either. That's asking for trouble. But at least you don't have to worry about getting caught in the rain in the parking lot. They pretty need their own grounds maintenance company.
Additional thought on those pod areas: how many exits are there and which way do the doors open? If there's a fire or other situation are they setting themselves up for people getting trampled/smothered trying to get out?

[byfrogg]

Neo is the reason why we don't need to watch the television, these documentaries are way better!

[disciplerhinehart]

love your maps on your video . much love and respect .

[SuRealllll]

This is the one thing that got me into neo's videos and this is honestly one of my favorite ones yet!

[baahcusegamer]

It hurts to see Steve like that. I lost my father in law last year to cancer also. Though flawed as any human, both men were inspirations to me. (Ironically, my father in law was an architect). Thank you for this video and the journey it took us on for a place that is part of the legacy of someone special to so many of us.