Innovative Engineering Methodologies for Samsung’s New Headquarters

Arup, a multidisciplinary engineering and consulting firm with a reputation for delivering innovative and sustainable designs, today praised the design of the new Samsung Electronics Device Solutions America Headquarters, located in San Jose, Calif. Working directly for architect NBBJ, Arup provided integrated engineering, for the 1.1 million-square-foot project.

The new headquarters were carefully designed and crafted to encourage communication and interaction, which will lead to a synergistic innovation-focused work environment destined to further transform Samsung's position as a world leader in technology. The campus includes a 10-story office tower, a cafeteria pavilion, a multi-story parking garage and various outdoor-oriented employee amenities.

The Device Solutions America Headquarters offers its staff an eco-friendly collaborative workspace, open garden floors, an on-site fitness center and yoga studio, and an extensive courtyard. The structure was designed using advanced analysis tools to meet stringent vibration and seismic performance criteria. Energy efficient features include low-energy mechanical systems, thermal energy storage, innovative LED lighting technology, and low-flow water fixtures.

The facade for the open plan office configuration was designed to maximize the use of daylighting, by taking advantage of the courtyard's access to sunlight, while reducing solar gain to create a healthy and productive workplace interior. Arup's full suite of services for the project included structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering; civil engineering; façade engineering; acoustic consulting; fire/life safety consulting; sustainability consulting; lighting design; vertical transportation; and parking consulting.

“This project exhibits Arup's ability to produce a design that meets Samsung’s sustainable vision, working closely with NBBJ, who has been a proven partner for us on other complex and innovative projects,” said Bruce McKinlay, project director with Arup. “We were thrilled to continue our relationship with NBBJ on this project, which aptly demonstrates the methods and services Arup provides globally, and supports the scale, quality, efficiency and sustainability goals of our firms.”