By John Arenas | February 19, 2014

Model Redesign: Air BnB Pumps New Life into its San Fran Home

When designing its new San Francisco headquarters, Air BnB used its work with unique lodging to create a corporate home-away-from-home for employees. To do so, the company enlisted Gensler and Interior Design Fair to observe its work environment for four months to get an understanding of the corporate culture.

What we like about it: The 72,000-square-foot office complex captures Air BnB’s mission with a bit of whim. Eight private meeting rooms are decorated to mirror some of Air BnB’s coolest listings from around the world. The rooms are visible through windows from other areas of the building; the view resembles that of a private city or inner courtyard. As a playful touch and an homage to their alma mater, Air BnB founders Joe Gebbia and Brian Chesky modeled some work zones and dining areas after those at the Rhode Island School of Design.

Other perks and quirks: An atrium with foliage climbing up a brick façade in the lobby and a conference room that replicates the war room in Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove, complete with a circular table and overhead lighting.

See the complete slideshow here.