Google Visitor Experience
Location: Mountain View, California Status: Built Program: Strategy. Implementation Client: Google
chevron_leftEnvisioning Google's First Visitor Experience
(OU) OFFICEUNTITLED’s strategy group, OUx, supported the vision and strategy for the Google Visitor Experience in Mountain View, California. Google unveiled the destination on October 12, 2023. Today, it offers a sustainable and inclusive place where Google and local communities can thrive.
Visitors can meet at Café @ Mountain View, attend events in the Huddle, and explore the local PopUp Shop. Together, these experiences connect the campus with Mountain View residents, Bay Area visitors, and the wider community.
Connecting Community
Strategy Through Collaboration
The team reimagined what a public visitor destination could offer. First, OUx explored how Google could support local community development and create a meaningful public platform.
Next, OUx then helped define the visitor experience across the café and Huddle spaces. The team contributed programming, visioning, design guidance, and design management. As a result, OUx helped maintain a consistent vision throughout project delivery.
In addition, OUx developed workshops that engaged stakeholders and built consensus around the project’s mission. Meanwhile, the wider project team brought together several areas of expertise. Partners included Google’s project teams, HLW, Purveyor Branding, Turner & Townsend, Jamestown, and Gehl Studio.
The Huddle
A Platform for Connection
The Huddle provides a flexible platform for community connection. For example, it hosts free events, workshops, local meetings, and collaborative programs. Visitors can also use the space for casual gatherings and informal conversations.
Moreover, the interconnected spaces support different group sizes and activities. Therefore, the Huddle can adapt to both planned events and spontaneous community use.
Cafe @ Mountain View
Google’s First Public Dining Experience
Café @ Mountain View introduces Google’s first public dining experience to the broader community. Specifically, the café highlights seasonal, locally harvested ingredients. At the same time, its menu supports sustainability and biodiversity.
Furthermore, the café addresses food waste, single-use plastics, water use, and energy consumption. In addition, its team follows responsible procurement practices. Consequently, these efforts bring Google’s workplace dining values into a welcoming public setting.
Engaging the Community
Building Community Through Participation
Events throughout the Google Visitor Experience encourage connection, diversity, learning, and curiosity. Therefore, the program creates many opportunities for visitors to participate and celebrate community. On opening day, for instance, the team joined an artist-led weaving workshop.
Small businesses play an essential role in strong communities. Accordingly, the PopUp Shop gives local makers and entrepreneurs a place to present their work.
Google partners with MOMENT from San José Made to curate the shop. Together, they feature a rotating selection of local vendors and products. The program creates visibility while supporting economic opportunities for small businesses.
Details That Matter
Bringing Google’s Values to Life
The team integrated Google’s global sustainability commitments throughout the visitor experience. Every decision received careful consideration, from the culinary program to the furniture and material selections.
Additionally, small plaques explain the stories behind selected materials and products. These details help visitors understand how each choice connects with Google’s broader environmental values.
OUx worked with Google to develop the identity of these public-facing experiences. The team also invited Purveyor Branding to collaborate with Google’s internal teams.
Together, they created the Café @ Mountain View mark and brand strategy. The resulting identity combines simplicity with a local and approachable character.
Highlighting Local Artists
Reflecting Mountain View Through Art
Finally, the team used art to reflect the character of the surrounding community. Google’s Artist in Residence program commissioned local artists to create original, site-specific work.
Illustrator John Patrick Thomas created the murals inside Café @ Mountain View. His artwork celebrates life in Mountain View through images of local plants and wildlife. Consequently, the murals connect the interior experience with the region’s natural identity.
