Immediately’s iPhone 16 launch will make use of a brand new underground constructing at Apple Park, deemed “The Observatory.” This constructing, adjoining to the Steve Jobs Theater, “will probably be used for launch occasions and to showcase the model’s newest know-how,” in line with a Deezen unique. The timing of the announcement suggests the constructing will play a component in right now’s “It’s Glowtime” occasion.
The Observatory, a brand new constructing at Apple Park
Photograph: Apple
The constructing, like the remainder of Apple Park, makes lovely use of white stone, mild wooden and huge glass home windows. Apple has been perfecting this architectural model for years in its Apple Shops and within the sprawling Apple Park campus.
It’s nestled within the hills, lined in bushes, with a big spherical window peeking out above the bushes. This window presents “beautiful views of the campus greenery and the mountains ringing the horizon,” in line with Apple international head of design in actual property and growth, John De Maio. From the skin, it resembles the hobbit homes of the Lord of the Rings motion pictures — not less than, an Apple designer’s interpretation.
Getting into The Observatory, a big, round entrance corridor contains a nine-foot-wide ceiling window for pure lighting. The subsequent room (with its large outside-facing window) options numerous seating, potted bushes and open area. This area will probably be used for product demonstrations, and in its off-time, as “an area for contemplation,” in line with Deezen.
Photograph: Apple
The constructing is on the south facet of the Apple Park campus, close to the Steve Jobs Theater. That’s the place journalists and press are sometimes invited to look at Apple Keynotes. Constructed for a capability of 1,000, it will get fairly crowded as a hands-on space for product introductions. The Observatory’s proximity to the Steve Jobs theater and its cavernous inside suggests it might be used as extra area for these occasions.
Like the remainder of the campus, photo voltaic vitality powers The Observatory. And for each tree that was eliminated for its building, one other was planted. “From the collection of the concrete to the air filtration system to rainwater seize, each resolution was made with the setting in thoughts,” mentioned De Maio.
For extra sights of Apple Park and its adjoining Developer Heart, try my picture album from WWDC22.