Tucked away in Google’s Charleston East Campus, The Orb stands as a mesmerizing masterpiece crafted by the brilliant minds of New York’s computational design experts, The Very Many. Located at the entrance of Google‘s Mountain View complex in California, The Orb serves as a remarkable junction where public and private spaces converge.
Standing tall at a height of 10 meters, this architectural marvel boasts distinctive, curved shapes that leave a lasting impact. Crafted from a sleek and lightweight aluminum shell, adorned in a pristine white shade, the pavilion’s elegant folds and intricate perforations create a captivating interplay of light and shadow.
The construction of The Orb posed its own challenges, especially during the pandemic. The delicate pieces of the “puzzle structure” were laser cut and powder coated in Europe before being shipped to California. Despite the logistical hurdles, Fournes and his team successfully brought their vision to life.
Nestled in the open plaza, The Orb is designed to provide a moment of “productive distraction.” It offers a respite from the fast-paced world, inviting visitors to slow down and disconnect from their devices. Inside, the riveted surface and non-linear environment captivate attention and draw the viewer’s gaze away from their screens.
The studio describes The Orb as a “visual wandering,” a meditative challenge for the viewer to explore and understand an unfamiliar space. With each visit, new details and unique perspectives are discovered, creating a sense of intrigue and wonder.
The Orb stands as a testament to the power of art and design to inspire and captivate. Its presence in Google’s Charleston East Campus adds a touch of elegance and creativity to the surroundings, leaving visitors in awe of its beauty and ingenuity.
The recently revealed commission was granted to The Very Many in the year 2018. It capitalizes on Fournes’ vast expertise in computational design, developed at architectural firms like SOM, Ross Lovegrove, and Zaha Hadid Architects, effectively blurring the lines between art and architecture.