Apple’s ‘Spaceship’ Campus Getting Ready to Launch

Pictures and details of Apple’s proposed Campus 2 in Cupertino, California have been released.  Steve Jobs himself has described the campus as a “spaceship”, with the circular building looking a lot like it belongs in a science fiction movie.

The pictures have been released by the City of Cupertino, and are also available on scribd for a closer look.  The building has been designed to have a low environmental impact, with an environmental analysis of the building and the site to take place before the build starts.  The first step of the review process will include a detailed assessment of traffic, noise, and air quality, with room for public comment.

The campus will include office space for up to 13,000 people, in an area of 2.8 million square feet.  There will also be 300,000 square feet of research facilities partially underground, and an underground auditorium which will be able to seat 1,000 people.

Apple has listed their objectives for the project, saying the building is being designed to “maximize efficiency and convenience” for employees, create a “distinctive and inspiring 21st Century workplace,” and “exceed economic social and environmental sustainability goals through integrated design and development.”

It was reported recently that Apple has leased an additional 373,000 square feet of office space, after they outgrew their headquarters at 1 Infinite Loop.  At their current rate of growth, with iPhones and iPads selling like hot cakes all over the world, Steve Jobs and everyone at Apple will want to see this project given the go-ahead as soon as possible.