Google's Cambridge office has elevators that look like the subway and take workers to 'the beach' an

Google's Cambridge office has elevators that look like the subway and take workers to 'the beach' anMarch 30, 2024newsGoogle is known for its quirky offices and built-in unusual structures.The tech giant often incorporates nods to local culture into its offices, and the one in Cambridge, Massachusetts no exception.The Cambridge-based office is full of references to local icons. Take a look inside.Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.Google may have started in garage, but it's offices are now some of the most interesting ones in tech. The company is known for places offices in unexpected buildings, from an old airplane hangar in LA to a former vodka factory in Warsaw, Poland. Its Cambridge, Massachusetts office is in a more standard building, but the inside is unique to the location.NELSON Worldwide design firm collaborated with Google employees to design a plan that includes some of Boston and Cambridge's most iconic locations, all tied together as stops on the subway that's shared by the two cities.

These photos show how the designers integrated Google culture with Boston culture to form a one-of-a-kind office that won a 2015 iDesign Award.Take a look at the photos here.Google's massive Cambridge, MA office spans 300,000 square feet.Halkin | Mason PhotographyThe multi-building workspace accommodates 1,200 workers.Halkin | Mason PhotographyGoogle's campus encircles a parking garage in Cambridge, near MIT's campus.Halkin | Mason PhotographyDesign firm NELSON Worldwide worked with Google for five years to reach the final product, made up of three buildings, plus two smaller in-fill buildings to create one large floor plan.Halkin | Mason PhotographyGoogle initially planned on a 20,000 square foot campus, but after collaborating with NELSON and Google employees based in the area, eventually, this design was the winner.Halkin | Mason PhotographyAccording to NELSON, the goal was to create a campus that was a "truly Boston/Cambridge space, with specific nods to both."Halkin | Mason PhotographyThe campus is inspired by Boston and Cambridge's transit system, the MBTA.Halkin | Mason PhotographyEach of five buildings is a different colored line of the "T," as Boston's subway system.Halkin | Mason Photography...and each floor is a different stop.Halkin | Mason PhotographyThe Arlington Street stop, for example, is a library...Halkin | Mason Photography...inspired by the Victorian houses on the real-life Green Line stop.Halkin | Mason PhotographyOn the Red Line, the Charles/MGH stop is based on the Liberty Hotel, which itself is based on the infamous Charles Street Jail, and has real jailhouse doors, according to office blog Office Snapshots.Halkin | Mason PhotographySource: Office SnapshotsThe entire campus is filled with homages to life in Boston and Cambridge.Halkin | Mason PhotographyOne of several micro-kitchens has canoes hanging from the ceiling, a nod to the popularity of boating on the Charles River that separates the two cities.Halkin | Mason PhotographyBoston's "Head of the Charles" regatta draws competitors from across the country, so it's only natural that Google would allude to this iconic piece of the culture.Halkin | Mason PhotographyAlong the Blue Line, there are more aquatic themes.Halkin | Mason PhotographyBoston is home to Revere Beach, the first public beach in the US.Halkin | Mason PhotographySo the Revere Beach stop features a lighthouse......and a beach shack.Halkin | Mason PhotographyEven the less decked out rooms have features that remind Googlers they're in the Bay State.Halkin | Mason PhotographyOf course, an aquarium is a nice touch.Halkin | Mason PhotographyWhite Adirondack chairs add to the beachy feel.Halkin | Mason PhotographyThe cafe is another reference to a Boston icon, in this case, the Public Garden, at the Park Street stop.Halkin | Mason PhotographyThe campus is full of cozy nooks to hide out and get some work done...Halkin | Mason Photography...take in beautiful views...Halkin | Mason Photography...or sneak in a quick nap.Halkin | Mason PhotographyOf course, the amenities look pretty great too.Halkin | Mason PhotographyGooglers have access to an on-site gym.Halkin | Mason PhotographyAnd Google takes the standard ping pong table up a notch with a giant chess board.Halkin | Mason PhotographySeveral kitchens and cafes offer choices for snack breaks.Halkin | Mason PhotographyCustom wallpaper is both sustainable and nods to Boston's skyline.Halkin | Mason PhotographyIn addition to the Boston-specific touches, the campus is also more broadly transportation-themed.Halkin | Mason PhotographyGooglers can work as if they're on a plane...Halkin | Mason Photography...although with more comfortable seats.Halkin | Mason PhotographyDesigners incorporated vintage signs into more standard rooms, like this conference room.Halkin | Mason PhotographyStop signs and traffic lights are a theme throughout the campus and stand in over what would otherwise be boring bare walls.Halkin | Mason PhotographyOther areas have the more typical feel of a Google office, with bright colors and open designs.Halkin | Mason PhotographyncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyou86go56rXZiurq7RopugnV2ks6e1wp5knKGkrsBuuc6sq2ahk6S7qq%2BMrKeorKNif3F%2Bj2Zo