While the pandemic proved work can happen anywhere, it was also a reminder that bringing people together inspires them to do their best work. Supporting NVIDIA’s vision of a workplace that reflects its identity of invention and “no barriers, no boundaries” ethos, Gensler designed Voyager – a manifestation of the idea that workers thrive in natural environments that build connection.

A 750,000-square-foot addition to NVIDIA's corporate headquarters, Voyager makes an immediate statement with its iconic, undulating roof. Shaped to bounce sound without reverberation and formed with acoustical ceiling material to absorb noise, the faceted roof helps create the optimal environment for a less siloed workplace and adds to the variety of indoor spatial and community experiences. Two hundred fourteen triangular skylights – a nod to the wireframes at the heart of one of NVIDIA’s key businesses – maximize daylight, supporting occupant wellbeing while reducing reliance on electrical lighting. Tech influences are balanced with biophilic elements, including more than 14,000 plants and living green walls that support wayfinding.

Like in a natural landscape, navigation of Voyager’s interior is intuitive. Enclosed rooms form literal landmarks, creating the backdrop for workspaces that open to the soaring ceiling and transparent exterior wall. The interior is organized around a central mountainous form that invites self-guided exploration. The “basecamp” at level one is comprised of communal areas, followed by ascending levels of labs and multifunctional, rearrangeable spaces, culminating with a bar and food amenity. Around its perimeter are wide “valleys,” or walkways that are interspersed with “cabins” for semi-private seating and small gatherings, and the backside of the “mountain” can be reconfigured into an auditorium for office-wide meetings. And while natural light factored heavily into the design, some areas are strategically shielded, such as 42,000 square feet of lab space at the center of the “mountain.”

Essential to bringing this concept to life was innovative planning, achieved with NVIDIA VR technology. Simulation of the project ensured rapid iteration and decision making, from materials selection to lighting placement to the ideal distribution of daylight. Leveraging this technology shortened a process that typically takes months to minutes.

LEED v4 NC Gold Certified, Voyager prioritizes occupant and environmental health. Water fixture efficiency enables a 37% savings in indoor potable water demand (75% if including water reuse), while PV panels on the building’s trellis produce approximately 50,000 watts of power. CO2 sensors in each room are served by systems with Demand Controlled Ventilation, and post-occupancy air quality testing was executed to meet LEED Indoor Air Quality Assessment credit requirements.

A choice-filled, explorable workplace, Voyager serves as a catalyst for continued innovation at NVIDIA and a resilient future.