Aurora | HQ West
The Open Road
The freedom of the open road inspired Aurora’s new office. Designed to house all its functions under one roof, the 111,000 SF space is divided into themed areas reflecting California’s diverse landscapes: lakes, beaches, forests, deserts, and mountains.
The primary circulation through the neighborhoods is marked by the Open Road which guides visitors through these areas with organic patterns and directional signage reminiscent of freeway signs. The main workspace mimics a redwood forest canopy, while smaller areas resemble lakeside cabins for focused work.
Materials like glazed brick tiles and raw-edge furniture evoke nature’s imperfections, and subtle design details, such as oversized river rocks and bent-wood furniture, enhance the road trip feel. The space encourages interaction and connection, underscoring the company’s mission to make automated driving technology safe and accessible.
Location Mountain View, CA
Square Footage 111,000 SF
Completion Date May 2021
General Contractor BCCI Construction
Scope Interior Architecture + Environmental Graphic Design
Photographer John Sutton
Featured on Barack Obama’s Netflix series “Working: What We Do All Day”