Inside Nvidia HQ: What a $2T Company’s Office Looks Like | WSJ Open Office

Summary

Nvidia built two new spaceship-like office buildings called Endeavor and Voyager to foster collaboration and efficiency among its employees. They used their own technology to simulate daylight and acoustics when designing the open offices. The buildings have triangular motifs inspired by Nvidia's origins in 3D graphics, as well as futuristic shapes alluding to the company's role powering AI innovation. With amenities like a living wall, on-site bar, and miles of staircases, the office spaces reflect Nvidia's playful soul and aim to propel their chip design work to the next level.

Takeaways

• 😊 Nvidia designed its new headquarters buildings Voyager and Endeavor to foster collaboration and connections between its employees
• 👷‍♂️ The triangle shape seen throughout the buildings ties back to Nvidia's origins with 3D computer graphics
• 🌿 Over 14,000 plants are incorporated into Voyager to balance the tech and bring nature into the space
• 😎 The rooftops and ceilings have triangular skylights but also insulation to absorb sound in the open offices
• 🏢 The outdoor park connects the two buildings so Nvidians can easily move between them in just 2 minutes
• ⚙️ Nvidia used its own visualization software when designing the buildings to simulate daylight and other elements
• 🚶‍♂️ The many staircases encourage movement and chance encounters between employees
• 🔬Dedicated lab spaces are shielded from daylight for optimal working conditions
• 💡AI and Nvidia's own technology will likely play a major role in designing any future expansion buildings
• 👽The futuristic shapes and designs reflect Nvidia's forward-thinking culture and aspirations

Q & A

What is the symbolism behind the triangle motif used throughout the Nvidia buildings?

The triangle motif reflects the origins of the company in 3D graphics, which were based on drawing triangles.

How did Nvidia use their own technology to help design the new headquarters?

Nvidia used their visualization tools and chips to simulate daylight and optimize how much natural light comes into the buildings through the skylights.

What are some of the key differences in layout between the Endeavor and Voyager buildings?

Endeavor feels more inwardly focused, while Voyager is wide open with the 'mountain' design spreading collaboration spaces across floors. Voyager also has more lab space.

How did the building design aim to maximize efficiency for employees?

There are many staircases to promote movement and interaction. Hallways provide shortcuts between buildings. The workspace is mainly open-plan to enable collaboration.

Why did they opt for an open-plan workspace instead of cubicles?

Studies have shown that visual connections enabled by open-plan allow for quicker iteration times and deeper relationships important for complex work.

How did they aim to mitigate noise issues from the open-plan layout?

The shaped roof helps diffuse and absorb sound reflections. There is also acoustic insulation in the ceiling.

Why is part of Voyager shielded from daylight?

The middle section houses large lab spaces where consistent lighting conditions are needed for technology development.

How much total lab space is there in Voyager?

There is over 42,000 square feet of lab space in Voyager alone, making up over 15% of the total area.

Why is there so much greenery incorporated into the buildings?

The plants help balance out and soften the focus on technology, making the spaces more inviting and lively.

Do the designers think Nvidia will use AI in future campus buildings?

Yes, they believe AI will undoubtedly play an assistant role in constructing and designing future spaces to extend capabilities.