Originally designed by William McDonough + Partners for Gap Inc.’s headquarters, 901 Cherry and its neighboring buildings represent a unique model in ecologically-innovative campus planning.  The building integrates raised flooring, displacement ventilation, extensive daylighting, and a green roof system.   Now occupying the building, an internet media company retained Huntsman to design a sustainable interior renovation focused on how the company’s workstyles have evolved and transformed.  The project team took part in a participatory design studio where real estate and facility directors, end-users, and consultants from various disciplines came together to vet project goals and design parameters achievable within an abridged schedule.  To comply with the Living Building Challenge’s Red List restricting products with known harmful chemicals, Huntsman designers researched materials and furniture to add to a master product database; new products such as ceiling and carpet tiles were created specifically for the project and to meet the client’s requirements. 

The interior layout focuses on fostering communication and creativity throughout the work environment while meeting corporate standards for space densification.  The building’s three hanger-like bays create distinct zones for open workstations which face a redwood grove on one side and the San Francisco Bay on the other.  Design features include interior tunnels that mark transitions between public spaces and work areas, a sports bar themed café, and a slide that encourages users to take a more energy efficient means to the first floor.