Finding Innovation in "Supyeong": Jensen Huang... Visiting the Headquarters of AI Leader Nvidia

Visit to Nvidia Headquarters in Santa Clara, USA
Overwhelming Spaceship-Shaped Building Size
Maximized Openness with Stairs Installed Throughout
Enhanced Communication Through Auditorium-Like Spaces

The NVIDIA headquarters in Santa Clara, California, USA, boasted a massive size shaped like a spaceship. Unlike the tall skyscrapers typical of many companies, it was horizontally expansive with low floors, emphasizing a sense of openness. Instead of elevators, stairs were placed throughout to enable employees to communicate frequently, reflecting Jensen Huang, NVIDIA's CEO's management philosophy.

NVIDIA headquarters building in Santa Clara, California, USA. The triangular-shaped building below is 'Endeavor,' and above it is the additionally constructed 'Voyager' building. / Photo by NVIDIA

On the second day of the AI developer conference 'GTC 2024' held on the 19th (local time), NVIDIA introduced its headquarters interior to the global press. The revealed NVIDIA headquarters consisted of two buildings: 'Endeavor,' completed in 2017, and 'Voyager,' built in 2022. From the outside, the two buildings resembled spaceships. Since Voyager was constructed based on Endeavor, the shapes of the two buildings were similar.

Endeavor covers an area of 46,000㎡ and consists of three floors. Upon entering, it felt more like an indoor sports facility than a typical office building. The roof was made of panels on a white base, supported by thin pillars. Triangular-shaped windows were scattered across the roof, allowing sunlight to pour in directly. The building's side walls were also made of glass, letting the warm sunlight of the American West reach inside.

First floor view of the 'Endeavor' building, NVIDIA headquarters in Santa Clara, USA. Tables are arranged throughout the space as shown in the photo to allow employees to communicate freely. / Photo by Kim Pyeonghwa

A distinctive feature was the triangular patterns found throughout the building, including the floor. An NVIDIA representative in charge of the tour explained, "Triangles are the basic components of 3D graphics," adding, "Movies made with cartoon animation and computer games are all created using 3D graphics, that is, wireframes, so many triangles were used in the building."

Except for some facilities, the interior was mostly open. From the first floor, you could see the office spaces on the second floor. Various tables and sofas were placed throughout for employee relaxation and informal meetings. Elevators were hardly visible, and employees mainly used the stairs. Everything was a result of CEO Huang's vision.

An NVIDIA representative said, "Although there are three floors, the two very large floors (1st and 2nd) are the core," explaining, "CEO Huang wanted to keep the number of floors low so employees could see the people they need to work with." He added, "He did not want elevators in the building," explaining, "With stairs, employees can continue conversations and freely move between floors."

Interior view taken on the 4th floor of the 'Voyager' building at NVIDIA headquarters in Santa Clara, USA. The floors are arranged in a stepped manner, and the openness is a distinctive feature. / Photo by Kim Pyeonghwa

Voyager, larger than Endeavor with an area of 70,000㎡, also emphasized openness. This building consists of four floors and features plants placed throughout, showing attention to landscaping. An NVIDIA representative said the building was inspired by a mountain, explaining, "There is a large laboratory in the mountain with several valleys (stairs) on both sides." When climbing the stairs, they would say, "Let's climb the mountain."

Upon reaching the second floor, there was a space arranged like a performance hall. Rows of black chairs were set up in front of a stage equipped with lighting and sound equipment. Behind it was a cafeteria. CEO Huang reportedly announces quarterly results here and shares company updates with employees. This means he communicates closely with all employees at least four times a year.

A space on the 2nd floor of the Voyager building designed like a performance hall. Here, Jensen Huang, the CEO, meets and communicates with employees every quarter. / Photo by Kim Pyeonghwa

An NVIDIA representative said, "CEO Huang not only shares the company's challenges and issues here but also discusses numerous questions submitted by employees," adding, "Meetings led by employees are a great way to convey company culture."

They also explained, "Here, CEO Huang introduces new employees to what we do, why it is important, and what we should focus on," adding, "Through this space, employees have the opportunity to understand how the CEO thinks and what they should concentrate on."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.