1) Google (Googleplex): California…

You can’t mention cool places to work at and not mention Google. The big G has been in the top best companies to work for for a good number of years — and, after seeing the pictures below of their main quarters in Mountain View, California, who can argue with that? (try – but you won’t win).

It’s really a case of ‘home is where the office is’. Far from an office in the traditional sense, Google’s main quarters is more like a totally uber-cool college campus where you just happen to get paid really well too.

There’s gourmet food (in no less than 11 cafeterias), a doctor on site, laundry facilities, sleeping pods, pool tables, lapping pools.

Google Cali doesn’t scrimp on the parental perks either – includes: adoption assistance of up to $5000 — and $500 towards take-away meals for parents of a new born – over the first couple of months they’re at home with their little one. Can someone say fairy godmother?

Aaaah, this is the life.

I so want one of those …whatever it is.

They let you bring your dog too?

And England win the World Cup!

Google, you neeeed me.

Space. The final frontier.

(img credit: google.com)

2) Google, Zurich…

Nothing can match Google’s main quarters, but its branch in Zurich is pretty damn impressive. Five floors. Five different themes of cool. Meetings are held in vibrantly-coloured pods (real igloos formerly used in Antarctic expeditions), staff can take some serious timeout in serene water lounges…

…and the piers de resistance is a fireman’s pole that gets staff from one floor to the next. What could be cooler than that? (hmm…a magic carpet???)

If Google won’t go to the Alps, the Alps will come to Google. Simple as that.

A fireman’s pole? Right. Where do I sign?

Conferences in igloos? Should come as no surprise, really. We are talking Google, after all.

Find your inner Mister Miyagi in the water lounge. No snoring, though.

Gives ‘work-life balance’ a whole new meaning.

3) White Mountain Office, Stockholm…

I’m not taking away from the super duper coolness of this ‘office’, because it’s certainly awe-inspiring. Yes indeedy. But doesn’t it remind you of a chemical plant in a James Bond film?

Not too far off though – at 100 feet below the streets of Stockholm, it used to be a nuclear shelter. In 2008, it was transformed into the amazing office you now see; home to Bahnhof AB: an internet service provider.

“Veeve been expecting you, Mr Bond”.

(img credit: theroxor.com)

4) Selgas Cano Architectural Firm, Spain…

This is way too cool. Google, you’re losing me.

How could anyone get complacent about coming to a place like THAT for work? Must be an incredible experience.

The glass windows down the length of the side of the office have the desired effect – you literally feel as if you’re part of nature.

David Attenborough would be proud. So, so proud. You could try doing a Dr Doolittle impression with the wildlife, teach the bears how to use a laptop and encourage the bees to squeeze their honey directly into your tea.

Doesn’t it get a tad creepy at night with all that window — with bright beady eyes staring at you from the outside?

Part of the building is apparently underground. Maybe that’s where the toilet is…because I don’t see it. Unless you’re expected to answer the call of nature amongst the bushes — literally.

(img credit: iwan.com)

5) CheBanca!, Milan…

You wouldn’t guess it by looking at it, but believe it or not, this …is a bank. No, really. It is.

The word ‘CheBanca!’ means ‘What a bank!’ and what a bank it is. The exclamation mark isn’t a typo, by the way. Plush, unique, unusual, spatial, magnetic, futuristic, you probably get as many tourists passing through as you do account holders.

The fact that it’s in Milan serves to add that extra layer of cool.

6) TBWA\Hakuhodo, Japan…

Whereas Selgas Cano went out to nature, TBWA Hakuhodo brought theirs right in. The trees, grass and bamboo flooring look lush and authentic. Their own little Garden of Eden. Simple, but quite powerful design. It’s got that whole calming thing going on.

That’s my spot right there.

p.s. they have a VERY cool website. Make sure you have your speakers on.

(img credit: theroxor.com)

7) Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Slovenia…

The huge structure snaking through the space is pretty damn awe-inspiring, almost as if it’s challenging you to question its sheer magnitude and ability to co-exist with other visual embellishments in the space.

This is just the photo. Imagine being there in person.

The plants accentuate the space and look as if they tame the structure’s boisterousness.

And the windows look great too – part of the space without dominating it.

(img credit: theroxor.com)

8) RedBull, London…

Redbull’s office is so smooth, it’s ‘smoove’. Very slick, sharp, minimal design.

…and then it’s cheekily disrupted by the audacity of a slide that takes you from one floor to the other. That’s just…just…irresistibly playful. Looks like a whole ton of fun. I’d love to try walking back up it just for the hell of it!

Good morning, super cool RedBull reception. Sam speaking. How may I help you?

Game of tennis, anyone? I must warn you: I WILL win.