EXTERlOR DESlGN LANGUAGE Exterior Design Language PAGE 1 OF 27
INTRODUCTION EXTERIOR DESIGN LANGUAGE What is this document and who is it for? Exterior Design Language is a supplement to the original Design Language document. Created in late 2017, it is intended for anyone making decisions that affect the exterior experience at Microsoft facilities. It is brand-oriented, creating a visual language that is consistent between global workplaces, yet functionally and regionally responsive. This will result in purposeful outdoor environments that support the wellbeing of Microsoft s diverse workforce. It is intended to be easy to adopt and implement. With a focus on exterior place-making, it is not a prescriptive approach rather, it offers a suite of suggestions within several categories. And the intent remains to curate a thoughtful and appropriate mix of elements from the Exterior Design Language that take into consideration location, populations and cultures. These principles can be applied to new construction, existing sites, and leased sites, depending on the opportunities available. Thus this is an extension of our work to unify the interior working environments to the outdoor spaces, creating a connected experience. We want to create a distinctive personality, that is uniquely inspiring, and uniquely Microsoft. Exterior Design Language PAGE 2 OF 27
INTRODUCTION BRAND ATTRIBUTES Human, Connected and Intelligent are the key attributes of Microsoft s Brand and Culture. These should be the guiding principles when designing and shaping Microsoft s exterior spaces. Human(izing) Spaces are for people. We shape our environments and in turn, our environments shape our behaviors. They should be easy, natural, natureinspired and crafted. Natural qualities create a sense of comfort and being at ease in one s surroundings. Places are shaped with people and their activities in mind. Connected Foster togetherness and a sense of community. Successful communal spaces boost social behaviors. Whether face-to-face or through digital connection, in large gatherings or small interactions make places to share, places to co-create, places to connect. Intelligent Intelligent environments learn from behavior and anticipate to make ready for the next move. Places can gracefully morph to suit people s activities, moods and communication styles. Move, Shift, Change: these dynamic qualities are associated with the concept of Intelligent Spaces and are also depictions of a Growth Mind-set culture where people (and space) must learn and evolve. Exterior Design Language PAGE 3 OF 27
INTRODUCTION BIG IDEAS - PRINCIPLES & CONCEPTS Six key categories are used to organize the Language, with the Brand Categories Human, Connected and Intelligent acting as guiding principles. Human is reflected in the user experience, with spaces encouraging wellness, inclusion, comfort and appropriate scale. Sustainability Inclusivity Indoor / Outdoor Connections Connection is reflected in the creation of social hubs and community spaces, as well as strong indoor/outdoor connections, and is also expressed in connection to the geographic context. Intelligent is reflected in purposeful outdoor environments where smartly designed spaces easily adapt to the changing needs of the end users, and reflect Microsoft s commitment to sustainability. This focus on effective exterior place-making will embody our Brand. Human Scale Massing & Facade Regionalism, Landscape & Site Exterior Design Language PAGE 4 OF 27
BACKGROUND IMAGE SURVEY RESULTS A RE&F-wide survey was conducted with the purpose of reviewing a broad range of images organized into key subject areas focused on: Sustainability, Inclusivity, Indoor/Outdoor Connections, Human Scale, Massing & Facade, and Regionalism and Landscape. Discussion focused on Microsoft s brand and cultural expression, and on regionally appropriate design responses. The participants were asked to select images that they felt represented Microsoft and that would effectively support and enhance the wellbeing of a diverse workforce. WHAT WE SHOULD BE LIKE REALLY LIKE ACTIVE TERRACES AND ROOFTOPS - VIEW CONNECTIONS DAPPLED SHADE - SOCIAL / PLAYSPACE PERFECT FUNCTION AREA...ACCOMMODATES ALL CLIMATES INTERESTING, CREATIVE, WELCOMING HONOR NATURE PROGRAMMED OUTDOOR SPACE SOLAR IS INSTANTLY RECOGNIZABLE AND GENERATES INTEREST & APPRECIATION SUPPORTS WELLNESS EMBRACE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION Exterior Design Language PAGE 5 OF 27
BACKGROUND IMAGE SURVEY RESULTS Participants were also asked to select images that represent qualities they felt Microsoft should avoid in its exterior environments. Discussions focused on overwrought design expression, and outmoded, outdated and inappropriate solutions. WHAT WE SHOULD NOT BE DISLIKE STRONG DISLIKE FEELS DATED HARSH OVERWHELMING GIMMICKY TOO MUCH HARD TO MAINTAIN HOKEY Exterior Design Language PAGE 6 OF 27
BACKGROUND DESIRED SENSIBILITIES FOR PLACE SOCIAL HUBS Connected Human STORYTELLING INSPIRING COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE Intelligent WARM & WELCOMING Exterior Design Language PAGE 7 OF 27
BIG IDEAS - PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPTS Exterior Design Language PAGE 8 OF 27
SUSTAINABILITY Environmental Sustainability is a core value for Microsoft and should be an inherent part of the design approach. Designs should focus on regionally relevant environmental challenges, innovative solutions at scale and visually communicate Microsoft s environmental commitment. The sustainability strategies, whether passive or active, should be expressed in design. The physical environment should play a key part in connecting the end users to our sustainability story and educating them along the way. SVC: DESIGNED FOR LIVING BUILDING CHALLENGE CERTIFICATION AND NET ZERO NON-POTABLE WATER Exterior Design Language PAGE 9 OF 27
SUSTAINABILITY Telling the Sustainability Story Opportunities for education and inspiration abound, and should reflect Microsoft s Corporate Environmental Sustainability Mission & Goals of: All Up / Energy / Carbon / Water / Circular Economy / Ecosystem. Visually communicate Microsoft s commitment to environmental sustainability through exterior design sustainability as art. Active & Passive Strategies Active sustainable strategies for buildings might include energy efficient heating and cooling systems and well as solar electric and hot water systems. Wind, solar or geothermal power generation may be appropriate in some world regions. Consider pedestrian/bike friendly design and alternative transportation options. Water collection, retention and re-use may fall into this category. Passive sustainable strategies include concepts such as orienting buildings on the site to take advantage of solar access, shading, prevailing winds etc; and reflecting local ecosystems and habitats. Sourcing local and/or sustainable materials, introducing green roofs, and reducing/eliminating unprogrammed lawns. STORM WATER FEATURE GREEN ROOF AS TEACHING OPPORTUNITY PERVIOUS PAVING SOLAR PANELS ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION GREY WATER TREATMENT STORM WATER CAPTURE AS A FEATURE Exterior Design Language PAGE 10 OF 27
INCLUSIVITY Diversity and Inclusion is at the core of Microsoft values and our commitment should reflect in all our physical spaces. Accessibility should not be an add on but thoughtfully integrated in all aspects of design. Celebrate one experience for all. Include everyone in diverse campus experiences. Exterior Design Language PAGE 11 OF 27
INCLUSIVITY Opportunities for thoughtful integration of accessibility features in the site include tactile warnings that are leveraged as design opportunities, and seamless integration of site ramps into stair features. Site amenities and meeting spaces as well as recreation elements accommodate people of all abilities. Exterior Design Language PAGE 12 OF 27
INDOOR / OUTDOOR CONNECTIONS Thoughtfully created connections between indoor and outdoor spaces provide opportunities for inspiring and memorable experiences. Consider locating programs that would benefit from and could extend into the outdoor spaces. Emphasize employee wellness and social connectedness through a seamless indoor outdoor experience. Exterior Design Language PAGE 13 OF 27
INDOOR / OUTDOOR CONNECTIONS Connection to Nature Microsoft sites should seek connections to nature to support the wellbeing of its employees and inspire them. Views of nature, and designs that are inspired by nature, will enhance the user experience. Opportunities to interact with the environment include careful design of site amenities, seating and pathways, encouraging employees to interact with the natural elements of the site. These connections encourage individual contemplation. INSPIRED BY NATURE WATER FEATURE NATURAL NICHES IN LANDSCAPE VIEWS OF NATURE Exterior Design Language PAGE 14 OF 27
INDOOR / OUTDOOR CONNECTIONS Extend Workplace to Outdoor Space Be purposeful in programming the outdoor environments. Outdoor spaces could be designed to support informal meeting, relaxation, games and recreation, wellness activities, large team events and other programs depending on the teams. Considerations may include enclosure, privacy, suitable furniture, technology and other tools for collaboration. Additional things to keep in mind are access and security. COVERED SPACE FOR MULTIPLE USES Adjacencies should be programmed to create synergies and connected indoor outdoor experience. GATHERING SPACE IN LANDSCAPE DAPPLED LIGHT, SOFT SCAPES & TEXTURES Exterior Design Language PAGE 15 OF 27
INDOOR / OUTDOOR CONNECTIONS Variety of Space Supports Diversity Program spaces to support variety of functional needs such as private/contemplative spaces, social and gathering spaces, meeting areas and recreational zones, etc. Spaces should be multipurpose when possible with furnishings that can be rearranged to adapt to different needs. SHELTERED LIVING ROOM ACTIVE OPEN COVERED SPACE COZY SETTING FOR SMALL GROUPS Exterior Design Language PAGE 16 OF 27
HUMAN SCALE Microsoft s exterior environments will be experienced at a variety of scales including civic, local and human. Considering how the site will be experienced at a personal level is key. From arrival, to wayfinding, and engagement with the various site amenities such as meeting and recreational spaces, understanding human interactions is essential. How will materials feel, what is the visual experience, and how is comfort provided? What opportunities are there to ensure employees and visitors feel welcome? How can the site encourage uses that are innovative, creative, and healthy? And how can the site convey Microsoft s brand while providing delight through art and technological expression? Exterior Design Language PAGE 17 OF 27
HUMAN SCALE Arrival Experience Design should consider multiple ways the employees as well as visitors arrive at the site and how each transition can be made welcoming and seamless. DETAILS & CRAFTSMANSHIP Arrival experience should be simple, intuitive, and informal but engaging. Spaces should feel casual, energized and strongly convey the Microsoft brand. Some of the key things to consider clearly defined entry points, appropriately sized canopies, attention to scale, craftsmanship and clear wayfinding. Inclusivity should be integrated in all aspects of the experience for employees and visitors alike. WAY FINDING USE SOFT & HARD SCAPE TO INVITE WELCOMING Exterior Design Language PAGE 18 OF 27
HUMAN SCALE Human Comfort Design of exterior spaces should prioritize human comfort through considerations to thermal, visual and acoustic comfort. WARM & RELAXING Seating/resting areas and all furniture should be designed or selected with ergonomic comfort in mind. They should accommodate variety of uses as well as body types. Attention to comfort in different seasons will help extend the use of outdoor spaces year around. SHADING & BREEZE OPEN SPACE BUT FOR INDIVIDUAL COMFORT VENTILATION Exterior Design Language PAGE 19 OF 27
HUMAN SCALE Wellness Consider how the site can offer opportunities to exercise (timed walks, space for sports and activities), for play, and for rest and relaxation. Perhaps attractive places to eat and socialize, or to join a group activity. Creating social spaces and places for retreat allow employees to recharge, improving health and wellbeing. Programmed activities and creative uses of site amenities enhance the experience. INDIVIDUAL TIME TO RELAX GROUP MINDFULNESS OUTDOOR WORKOUT STATIONS SCULPTURAL PATH THROUGH TROPICAL TREES Exterior Design Language PAGE 20 OF 27
HUMAN SCALE Art & Expression Site based art and environmental graphics should reflect and also enhance the Microsoft culture. Local artists and appropriate references to the region can help enhance the sense of place. Consider dynamic and interactive pieces when possible to create an engaging experience. Storytelling components and subtly embedded messages can lead to sense of discovery. Create and explore opportunities to elevate the ordinary. Exterior Design Language PAGE 21 OF 27
MASSING & FAÇADE While massing and façade design will vary based on regional considerations, the exterior design language of Microsoft buildings should consistently communicate the brand values. The buildings should feel permanent yet light, grounded and welcoming. They should provide strong connections between interior and exterior spaces, and enhance the user experience through attention to scale, use of natural material and texture. Exterior Design Language PAGE 22 OF 27
MASSING & FAÇADE Our commitment to sustainability should help shape the building massing and envelop. Buildings should be designed with human scale in mind and should feel approachable and inviting. Building Massing Building massing should relate to human scale. Provide strategies such as setbacks to create distinction between upper and lower floors, façade modulation, sheltering roofs, canopies, as appropriate. Breaks in massing can create interesting volumes and outdoor spaces at various levels. Building Façade Façade should have depth, shadows and texture to create variety and visual interest. Ground Plane Transparency and porosity at the ground plane creates an engaging interface. Think through programming adjacencies for maximum benefits. COURTYARD SPACES CREATED BY BUILDING FORM TRANSPARENCY TO PUBLIC Exterior Design Language PAGE 23 OF 27
REGIONALISM, LANDSCAPE & SITE Microsoft buildings and exterior spaces should visually convey the global brand and reflect its key values, while at the same time demonstrate a sense of place that reflects the particulars of each geographic location. A detailed analysis of local climate, regional materials and native landscape is recommended to achieve this goal as well as to support our Sustainability commitment. Exterior Design Language PAGE 24 OF 27
REGIONALISM, LANDSCAPE & SITE Context & Placemaking Microsoft sites may be in urban or suburban locations. Design strategies should consider how the site relates to its local and regional context. This includes leveraging views to the surrounding context, be it urban or natural, to create a strong sense of place. Similarly, the local connections can be enhanced through selections of native plant materials and local construction materials, and learning from regional responses to climate. LONG HARDSCAPE VIEWS PUNCTUATED TO SURROUNDING BY SOFT CONTEXT SCAPE VISUAL AND SOUND SENSORY USE OF WATER Exterior Design Language PAGE 25 OF 27
REGIONALISM, LANDSCAPE & SITE Climate & Materials Local climate should play a key role in defining site configuration, building placement, form and envelop. The design should maximize beneficial conditions and mitigate the challenges. The design should look at the local and geographic context for inspiration. Regionally sourced materials should be used in an environmentally responsible way. PROTECTION FROM SUN PLANTINGS & SHADING IN COMBINATION COURTYARDS AND SEMI COVERED TERRACES Exterior Design Language PAGE 26 OF 27
REGIONALISM, LANDSCAPE & SITE Landscaping Reducing or eliminating non-native plants and working with locally acclimated and /or native plants can enhance regional identity and result in an enduring and maintainable landscape. Consider seasonal appearance, and contribution to human comfort (shade, views, color, texture, screening, variety.) Consider local traditions and consider opportunities for creative expression and integration of art, as well as sustainable design strategies. Synergies between sustainable campus design and landscaping opportunities could be explored. MULTI-SEASONAL INTERESTS IN PLANTINGS VARIETY OF TEXTURES IN PLANTINGS USE OF COLOR & SCENT LANDSCAPE AS WAY FINDING Exterior Design Language PAGE 27 OF 27