The Grove, Google Experience Center

Authentic, flexible and innovative space showcasing Google’s position at the cutting edge of technology.

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INTRODUCTION

The Grove, Google Experience Center represents an exciting new way to experience compelling stories about Google and its technology to visiting clients, partners and guests.

Working with Thinkwell and Electrosonic, Google’s Experience Studio team re-imagined the traditional briefing center. Here, designs and technologies from the themed entertainment world combine with the latest Google machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies to create unique immersive experiences.

Hidden technology surprises visitors with dynamic interactive experiences and moments of magic throughout. Visitors gather at a Digital Campfire — a gathering place created with the latest Google Pixel devices and powered by Google Assistant. They follow the Redwood Trail, an interactive tunnel where machine learning algorithms improvise and play music live.

OVERVIEW

The Grove is a pioneering example of how technology seamlessly enhances the visitor experience by fusing architecture, storytelling, visitor-centric designs and the latest technology.

The concept and design of the space was inspired by the nearby redwood forests with their emotive themes reflected in the architecture, technology and hospitality touch points throughout The Grove.

Thinkwell designed this first-of-its-kind corporate briefing center to host a wide range of customer and partner-focused events. As each visitor group has different interests and priorities, the design gives Google the flexibility to adapt the space as its demonstration needs change.

Google needed a technology partner to take the Thinkwell systems design and build out the spaces through facility integration, engineering, fabrication, installation, programming and commissioning services. Working in partnership with Google’s Experience Studio team and Thinkwell, Electrosonic integrated the technology into thirteen spaces throughout the Grove to create a seamless experience for visitors.

The result - visitors for meetings, workshops and summits deepen their understanding and relationship with Google by experiencing the magic of Google’s technology in this unique location-based experience.

CHALLENGE

The facility was designed to be an authentic, flexible and innovative space that showcases Google’s position at the cutting edge of technology while delivering engaging, user focused design to immerse guests into the Google experience.

The project had to be completed quickly via a just-in-time construction schedule, but it also had to work in parallel with a continuous improvement process as Google refined the quality and flexibility of the guest experience.

SOLUTION

Electrosonic used experiential technology throughout. The Global Welcome Center creates a personalized greeting for visitors by converting real time data into multilingual messages and displaying interesting facts about visitors’ journeys. The experience in the elevator is completely immersive, surrounding occupants with virtual timelapse recreations of history. When visitors reach the top an innovative videowall gradually reveals a stylized skyscape to set the scene for stunning live views of the city.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Grove represents a dynamic new model of customer engagement. It creates a truly immersive collaborative experience that takes visitors on a journey to fully experience Google’s values, people, products and partnership. In recognition of its innovative approach, The Grove was awarded a 2020 World-Class Center Award from the Association of Briefing Program Managers - the pinnacle of design achievement in the corporate briefing center industry.

Electrosonic applied their expertise throughout a highly dynamic project with a design and schedule that were constantly evolving. Having ESI as partners for this project helped the full team accomplish our first-of-a kind center.