Ooyala

Connective Design Embodies Tech Company's Vision and Style

As a leading innovator in premium video publishing, analytics, and monetization, Ooyala, which means “cradle” in the Indian language of Telugu, wished to expand their offices to accommodate 200 additional employees in their Santa Clara office.

After multiple visionary sessions with Ooyala’s team, we developed a plan to transform the 65,000-SF space by challenging the typical design aesthetics found in many of the area’s tech start-ups by using subtle interior design elements. We used Ooyala’s cradle philosophy as inspiration throughout the space by incorporating architectural circles and soft curves, ranging from the lobby’s lighting fixtures to the shape of the collaborative innovation rooms. We also integrated minor pops of the company’s signature colors, balanced by various shades of gray.

To accommodate Ooyala’s growing headcount, our team had to comply with occupant load city codes to make sure every person had, at minimum, 15 SF of space. As a result, we created multi-purpose rooms with open office spaces at the perimeters of the space as a solution. This included collaboration rooms with movable panels in the engineering and marketing departments to allow employees to reconfigure the space as needed. These panels are constructed from felt material and provide an acoustical solution to the open office environment with concrete floors and exposed ceiling. Private, circular rooms were added in the center for more privacy.

After compiling feedback from all employees, we discovered a third challenge: to design a space that connects everyone—from engineering to the marketing and administrative departments—with amenities for a “work-play” atmosphere. The result was a 25-foot collaboration tunnel inspired by a camera’s zoom lens to serve as the cornerstone of the design that connects the entire office. Also included was a large, all-hands area for employees to break for lunch, as well as an espresso café and a library—all easily accessible via a scooter or skateboard along stretches of concrete hallways.

The new space captures the essence of Ooyala as a company, their culture, and how they work – with innovation, creativity, and style.

Portfolio
Location

Santa Clara, California

Building Type

Workplace

Size

65,000 SF

  • 2015 IIDA Northern California Honor Award

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