Microsoft Evolves Its Growth Philosophy - And it grows...and it grows...

Microsoft has evolved its growth philosophy and it keeps on growing. The company is continually expanding its headquarters in Redmond, Washington, but at the same time, it is introducing new nuances and strategies building an intimate connection between architecture and the workspace. Essentially, Microsoft has begun constructing workspaces designed to adapt to the occupants. The new offices introduced with the inauguration of Building 99, the new international headquarters of Microsoft Research can have the position of the walls customized in order to provide individual workspaces or group areas.

"Continuing to build a world-class campus in Redmond is critical to a company like Microsoft that has innovative people as its greatest asset," said Chris Liddell, chief financial officer at Microsoft and the executive overseeing the expansion. "The physical campus growth the company announced today underlines our investment in Redmond and the greater Puget Sound area and shows our commitment to our future."

But Building 99 is just the start of Microsoft's campus expansion that will ultimately add in excess of 2.4 million square feet to the company's real estate portfolio, with a total of seven new buildings. With Microsoft Research taken care of, the company informed that the Entertainment and Devices Division will move into four of the buildings that are now under construction. At this point in time, Microsoft plans the completion of the entire West Campus by April 2009. Currently, over 72,000 people work at the Redmond company, with a concentration of 36,000 just in the Puget Sound region and the rest of 46,000 spread worldwide.

"Microsoft continues to grow at a healthy pace, and this growth means strengthening our physical infrastructures," said Brad Smith, senior vice president at Microsoft. "We are committed to doing our part to help improve transportation on SR 520 with the goal of facilitating an easier commute for all Puget Sound residents."