We are pleased to reveal our contribution to Google’s new mixed-use Downtown West proposal in San Jose, California after plans were submitted to the San Jose City Council today.

Informed by a series of public engagement events that took place from August 2019 to January 2020 and an online survey that ran until the end of this past summer, the ambition of the proposal is to create a vibrant, mixed-use urban destination that reflects San Jose’s rich history and Silicon Valley’s spirit of innovation. Through the creation of up to 7.3 million sq ft of office space, up to 5,900 residential units and 500,000 sq ft of retail and cultural space, the aim is to reinvigorate the city’s downtown area.

Building upon our work for Google in Mountain View and King’s Cross as well as the studio’s interest in making places that are distinctive and accessible to everyone, we contributed to the plans by working with Google to develop the overall proposal’s vision and narrative. We also analysed, developed and tested the urban massing of the proposal by applying ‘people first’ and pedestrian-focused principles and ensuring that the publicly accessible open spaces within the development can deliver a meaningful experience for all.

Google’s plans are accessible here. The council is expected to vote on the Downtown West proposal next spring (2021).