Synopsis
“The Architectural Elevation of Technology” is a photographic survey of 75 prominent Silicon Valley corporate headquarters buildings. The 134-page edition is photographed and authored by California artist Marques Vickers. The geographical territory included with the book is framed to the north by Redwood City and extended to the south until Cupertino. Corporate headquarters are included within the cities of Palo Alto, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Menlo Park, San Jose, Sunnyvale, Milpitas and Fremont. Notable structures include the Oracle, Samsung and the Apple 2 campus, currently under construction. Background is provided on each building’s history and when each present tenant began their occupancy. “The photo project’s motivation was based on my curiosity as to the public face of the information technology sector,” notes Vickers. “Did the more prominent companies mirror the aesthetic polish of their online renown and presence? Would their architecture reflect the affluence and prosperity many of these industry icons have come to represent?” “Silicon Valley technology parks, corporate campuses and headquarters appear indistinguishable from other more traditional office construction. Their appearance is generally consistent with contemporary design trends favoring reflective glass framed by steel and masonry.” Vickers observes in his accompanying commentary several distinctive traits regarding high-tech constructions. Among those include decentralized layouts, lack of streetfront parking and the significant shielding of inside views by landscaped trees and foliage. “The true innovation and resources appear to have been concentrated on interior space management schematics and novelty design.” Vickers adds, “The intention is purposeful. By creating a playful and aesthetic interior environment for employees, many are inclined and stimulated to spend significant additional hours on work-related projects in the facility. Social bondings are encouraged, creating a synergy of professional comradery. Working hours assimilate into lifestyle preferences.”
About the Author
Visual Artist, Writer and Photographer Marques Vickers re-established his Pacific Coast art and creative operations following a five-year residence in southern France between 2005-2009. His figurative painting, photography and sculptural works have been sold and exhibited internationally since 1986 (MarquesV.com). Born in 1957, Vickers grew up in Vallejo, California. He is a 1979 Business Administration graduate from Azusa Pacific University in the Los Angeles area. Following graduation, he became the Executive Director of the Burbank, California Chamber of Commerce between 1979-84. He later served as Vice President of Sales for AsTRA Tours and Travel in Westwood, California between 1984-86. Following a brief residence in Dijon, France, he began Marquis Enterprises in 1987 until 2004 in northern California. His company operations have included sports apparel exporting, travel and tour operations and fine wine brokering. In 2005, he relocated to southern France where he refurbished and flipped two different 19th century stone village houses. Returning in 2009, he began the Marquis Gallery (ArtsInAmerica.com) and (InsiderSeriesBooks.com) focused on reselling rare books, collectibles, fine art and wine through online marketplace stores and barter trade exchanges. He has published numerous e-book and paperback works on the fine arts and auction industry, Southern France, notorious murder crime sites, wine, architecture, his poetry and short stories, phobias and obsessions, photography themed editions and photojournalism projects. He has two daughters, Charline and Caroline who presently reside in Europe.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
