Studio G Architects was tasked by Hines to refresh the Santa Clara Towers lobby and amenity spaces in Santa Clara, California. Hines hired Studio G Architects to modernize Santa Clara Towers, a 445,000-sf property comprised of twin 11-story Class A office towers. The goal was to create a welcoming and modern property that would attract today’s workforce by creating vibrant and energetic places to work, reflect and socialize, both inside and outside the office.

Studio G faced the challenge of updating an outdated property built in 1998, which had poorly defined entrances, outdated lobbies, and no tenant amenities except for a neglected indoor pool. A 2-year pandemic also presented challenges in that design and client reviews took place remotely with limited in-person visits during construction.

To establish a sense of place and identity, exterior upgrades included a dynamic canopy structure connecting the two towers and entries while defining outdoor amenity areas where tenants can work, meet, and gather.

Interior work included new lobbies with green walls and various seating and meeting areas to enhance the experience of the building’s tenants. A café in Tower 2, provides convenient grab-and-go food options with access to the outdoor spaces via a large overhead door. Adjacent to the lobby and café, a building amenity center features a conference/training center, collaborative lounge, work areas and a gaming area.

At Tower 1, the indoor pool was repurposed into an 11,000-sf fitness center with a yoga room, aerobics studio, and open gym area with free weights, weight machines, Peloton bikes and treadmills. This expanded amenity offers tenants value by providing a convenient, quality space to help them stay fit and energized.

The design goal was achieved by providing tenants various options for places to work, meet, gather, and play all within the workplace setting. The path forward must include these elements as we redefine what creates a desirable work environment.