OpenText’s new, modern workplace creates a flexible, collaborative, and engaging environment that fosters innovation. Spanning two floors of a new commercial office building in San Mateo, the workplace serves as a crucible for the firm’s culture and a physical manifestation of the brand.

Embracing “The Nexus” as the overarching design concept, the workplace features open office spaces at the perimeter of each floor that are linked together via social and collaborative areas. This gives the majority of open work zones access to natural light and views to the outside. Collaboration avenues lead to a central stairway and social epicenter on both floors, enabling collaboration to occur away from desk areas. Serving as both a striking landmark and the primary nexus of the workplace, the open staircase ensures seamless connectivity between floors, creating a welcoming environment for visitors and personnel alike.

Furthermore, the design incorporates hospitality elements throughout the workplace, creating a hotel lobby/café-like atmosphere to promote mental and physical health among OpenText personnel. Strategically located refuel and hydration stations, tech-free recharge pods, and a work café on the third floor provide respite for staff, while sit/stand desks, walk stations, and a games room encourage physical activity.

Weaving OpenText’s DNA into the fabric of the design, actual lines of the firm’s source code were laser-cut into metal panels, revealing storytelling artwork throughout the space. Moreover, a large AV wall mounted by the top of the stairway presents lively, educational experiences of the firm’s products and services. The workplace’s furnishings, accents, and color palette are true to the OpenText brand.

Overall, the workplace establishes OpenText as a sophisticated, world-class technology company, presenting the firm with tools to optimize performance, spaces that generate creativity and collaboration, and a connected work environment that rivals other technology workplaces in the Bay Area.

Photography: Tom Arban Photography and Emily Hagopian Photography