The master plan centers the building complex within alternatively large and intimate gardens, and provides subtle connections to parking areas set behind the existing forest. This provided accessibility while screening the parking lot from view and allowing for an open feel. Photo: EDSA
The PepsiCo World Headquarters in Purchase, New York is a resounding example
of how the blending of landscapes, sculptures, gardens and fountains not only
transform a corporate campus environment but also enhance the quality of
employees’ attitudes, lifestyles and overall performance. PepsiCo’s corporate
headquarters was designed to nurture the excellence and aspirations of its
people and products over thirty years ago. The corporate campus and the company
continue to embody this philosophy today.
Project Narrative
PepsiCo was founded in 1965 through the merger of PepsiCo and Frito-Lay. By the
late 60s the new corporation was approaching the $1 billion mark in sales. They
began to look for a new headquarters location which would signify the strength
of the company and the market presence they intended to achieve. PepsiCo made
the decision to move 45 minutes outside New York City to 114 acres on
little-used polo grounds and forested land in Purchase, New York.
In 1970, PepsiCo Chief Executive Officer Donald M. Kendall assumed the
position of Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Kendall was very involved in
choosing the architect and design team that would design their new headquarters
and stayed involved, not just through all aspects of design and construction but
many years beyond. The company hired the world renowned architect Edward Durrell
Stone to design the building complex which would occupy 10 acres of the site and
consist of seven three-story buildings representing the seven divisions of
PepsiCo at the time.
The Landscape Architectural firm chosen to design the surrounding habitat
that would embrace the building had its beginnings only five years prior to
PepsiCo and was quickly becoming a leader in their respective field as well.
They were brought on board to blend this major building complex into a landscape
of great natural beauty. In their new corporate home, PepsiCo would welcome the
world and advance its positioning to compete with global markets.
Water is utilized throughout the site. The entry fountain welcomes guests and employees. Smaller, more intimate use of water is found in the sunken gardens. Paths wind around the lake offering a place to walk and unwind. Tranquil pools calm those who stop to enjoy them. Photo: EDSA
One of the goals the Landscape Architect had at the very center of their
planning and design process was the balance between practical and aesthetic. The
quality of a person’s physical surroundings has a real and profound impact on
their attitude and performance as well as their enjoyment of a place. The firm
beautifully integrated the employees’ experience and needs with the requirements
of the structures and hardscape elements.
The international prominence of PepsiCo was illustrated through a planting
palettethat included not only native trees, shrubs and grasses, but plant
material from different countries and biomes . Trees were added to the grounds
complete with placards designating their name origin. Existing greenhouses on
the property were maintained and used to grow all of the annuals used on the
property. Plants were also made available to employees.
The Landscape Architects were able to draw upon the environmental movement
that was beginning to gain momentum around that same time by making it a
priority to feature important environmental elements on the site. To protect the
water quality of the adjacent brook, a lake was created with the perimeter road
serving as a dam. Water drainage from roof tops and surface water flowed into
the lake and was filtered out before exiting to the brook.
It was always the intent to create a sustainable, quality environment for
employees to work. Carpooling was encouraged and the whole experience from
arriving at the site, to parking one’s car, to walking through park-like
surroundings, set the tone for the day. The parking was sited beyond the forest
to obscure cars from view as well as to permit employees to walk/exercise before
arriving at their desks and then again in the evening as a way to decompress.
The office buildings and spaces were designed with open, accessibility to
nature, formal landscapes and sculptures which, in turn, created a unique
environment that enhances the workplace and spawns creativity. The quality
environment created at PepsiCo resulted in lower turnover, less absenteeism,
shorter lunch hours and greater productivity.
In working with Mr. Kendall, the Landscape Architect was able to integrate
his vision for the company which included the creation of a sculpture park named
after him that focused on major twentieth century art, and featured works by
masters such as Auguste Rodin, Henri Laurens, Henry Moore, Alexander Calder,
Alberto Giacometti, Arnaldo Pomodoro and Claes Oldenberg. Mot only enjoyed by
the employees, the Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Garden has been a great
attraction and draws people from all over the country and local community.
As seasons change the sculptures within the Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Garden reveal changes of their own. Winter presents the captivating figures in a stark contrast to the transparent landscape and often white, snowy ground. Photo: EDSA
The Garden has expanded throughout the years and now includes 45 large-scale
sculptures of bronze, marble, steel, nickel, resin, granite and spruce all
selected by Mr. Kendall.
This blend of landscape and function not only exists on the lawns and paths
surrounding the building, but other aspects of the property as well. The seven
building complex was set on mounds for prominence and to keep apparent height to
three floors. These mounds also allowed for easier access by employees through
an underground connection with services and pedestrian corridors to the dining
and gym facilities. The buildings were arranged around a formal entrance court
complete with fountain. Three courtyards are located throughout the buildings
offering places for meeting, relaxing and gaining inspiration during the work
day. Fountains, plantings, walkways and sculpture make up these courtyards
forming a calming oasis in each space.
The Landscape Architect remained involved with PepsiCo 14 years after the
construction was complete and still looks back on this World Headquarters
project with both a fondness and a sense of pride to have been involved with a
landmark undertaking giving so much to visitors and its thriving employees.
The world’s best corporate campuses succeed because they enhance the quality
of life while allowing for growth and change. The PepsiCo World Headquarters
continues to be a wonderful representation of this in its conception and
continues to embody this philosophy today.
"One of the most extraordinary gardens anywhere in the world and one of the
greatest post-war efforts of that period. It gets more beautiful every year and
is the perfect place to learn about where art should be placed in the landscape.
But the landscape is so powerful, it's not just about looking at the art. The
concept of separating the parking lots from the building and forcing everyone to
walk through this beautiful area to get to work is an extraordinary move on the
part of the owner. It marks one of the first times a great landscape had to deal
with cars and the relationship is extraordinary. How the landscape is integrated
with parking has really stood the test of time. A masterpiece." — 2009
Professional Awards Jury
Read more on the Results of the ALSA Professional Award 2009 at architects24.com
Further Information:
American Society of Landscape Architects
636 Eye Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001-3736
United States of America
Tel.: +1 202-898-2444
Fax: +1 202-898-1185
eMail: info@asla.org
web:
www.asla.org/2009awards/489.html
