Blurred vision: Google dreams of a campus mixing nature with buildings

Google has submitted plans to redevelop four sites at its headquarters in Mountain View, California.

The Chocolate Factory asked the city council to consider its application on Friday.

Google hopes to design and build the offices from scratch, said the ad giant's real estate veep David Radcliffe said in a blog post.

The idea is simple. Instead of constructing immoveable concrete buildings, we’ll create lightweight block-like structures which can be moved around easily as we invest in new product areas. (Our self-driving car team, for example, has very different needs when it comes to office space from our Search engineers.)

Large translucent canopies will cover each site, controlling the climate inside yet letting in light and air. With trees, landscaping, cafes, and bike paths weaving through these structures, we aim to blur the distinction between our buildings and nature.

Google also promised to give something back to the local community as part of its proposed campus overhaul. Owls will get enhanced burrowing habitats and creek beds will apparently be widened as part of the sweetners offered to the city council.

But there's no guarantee Google's plans will be waved through. ®

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