Foster + Partners, the architecture firm behind the just-opened Apple Park Visitor Center, has revealed more about the design of the public gateway to Apple Park.
The visitor center opened on Friday in Cupertino, California, inviting visitors to learn more about the work being done at Apple Park in a building whose aesthetics mirror those of the new Apple campus.
On Tuesday, Foster + Partners shared details about their design and vision for the public space, highlighting the building’s expansive roof terrace, which offers views of the main building.
Located within an olive grove, the visitor center is a transparent structure under a carbon-fiber roof that also shelters outdoor seating areas. The interior has a warm glow thanks to softly lit timber.
“The idea was to create a delicate pavilion where visitors can enjoy the same material palette and meticulous detailing seen in the Ring Building in a relaxed setting, against the backdrop of Apple Park,” said Stefan Behling, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners.
Inside the new public building, visitors can view a large-scale model of Apple Park, in addition to glimpsing a panoramic view of the real thing from the roof terrace. A screen of thin, curved carbon-fiber fins shades the terrace and sets the stage for ideal photo-taking, while a cafe on the southern end offers a chance to enjoy the landscape.
Among the elements of the main building replicated in the visitor center are the staircases, which feature the same design and are clad in the same quartz stone, and the countertop at the visitor café, which uses the same marble as the main restaurant.
Apple fans can, of course, also buy a variety of Apple products and exclusive souvenirs during their visit. JB
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