Adobe’s San José headquarters gets a creative makeover with colourful aluminium trees

Adobe has recently expanded its San José headquarters by adding a fourth tower to its property. The tower has been beautifully decorated with colourful aluminium trees inspired by Adobe’s creative ethos.  The aluminium plates used to craft the trees are impressively thin, measuring only 1/8" (3.175 millimetres) in thickness.

These plates are intricately slotted and welded together to form a robust structural lattice, and each tree is designed to weigh no more than 500 pounds (226.796 kilograms). The expansion also includes the creation of a visually stunning pedestrian bridge that seamlessly connects the existing three campus towers while also serving as a creative gateway to the city of San Jose. Designed by Hou de Sousa, the bridge features captivating Blooms installations composed of aluminium, adding a whimsical touch to the structure.

About the construction

During assembly, they are divided into six sections and connected on-site using specially engineered stainless steel fasteners. Through a tight-knit partnership with bridge engineers and contractors, meticulous planning guarantees flawless integration of structural elements, seamlessly merging the tree trunks with the pedestrian walkway.

Inspired by the agricultural heritage of the San Jose neighbourhood and the diverse range of colours represented by Adobe and its creative tools, the Blooms installations symbolise the freedom for individuals to explore their creative potential and imagination.  As visitors cross the bridge, they are enveloped in a dreamlike experience, gradually approaching the canopy of Blooms. Each tree within the installation boasts a unique range of colours and geometric shapes, inviting exploration and discovery.

Combining lighting and structure cleverly blurs the boundaries between materiality, light, and sculptural form. Vibrant colours emanate from the Adobe logo at street level, gradually ascending to infuse energy into the "roots," illuminating the bridge and canopy overhead, casting a captivating glow over the San Jose cityscape after dark.

Simultaneously, the existing roof terrace of the headquarters underwent a comprehensive transformation. This included a harmonious connection to the newly constructed pedestrian bridge and Founder's Tower. To further blend the old and new elements of the campus, three benches were strategically designed to seamlessly merge with the tree canopy that traverses the pedestrian bridge, acting as a unifying feature between different parts of the campus.

Designed to encourage tactile engagement and foster relaxed, informal conversations, the chair serves as a welcoming spot for relaxation. Its vibrant red hue is a focal point, symbolising the union between the new and old campuses while framing the picturesque views of San Jose and its surroundings.

The benches' rounded contours echo the graceful shapes found in the tree canopies, maintaining a cohesive visual language throughout the space. Offering comfort to visitors, these benches are thoughtfully illuminated in the evening, casting a warm glow akin to a lantern, enhancing the ambience and inviting further exploration.