knOwhere Palo Alto, California, USA knOwhere is workshop, store, office and incubator all in one. Established in 1997, the firm was based on a concept developed by Matt Taylor, CEO of its parent company MG Taylor. The corporate mission is "collaborative business", that is, to develop creative relationships among consumers, producers and investors. Taylor felt that organizations needed a network based on added values provided by each organization. Furniture and space should support the formation of such a network. At knOwhere the concept became a reality. In the residential district of Palo Alto near Stanford University, there's a distinctive space. Walk through the front entrance trimmed in green, and you'll be in a retail space with natural cosmetics and housewares. Look around, and you'll find a selection of well designed wood chairs, tables and shelves. Next to the shop is a large open space with chairs around a curved wall of whiteboard. The back section of the spacious building is divided into two floors that are used as offices. The core of knOwhere is the central open space, where workshops are held for high-tech companies in Silicon Valley and other public institutions. Simultaneously, consultation and support services are offered to find solutions through original programs. The space is symbolized by the arc of freestanding whiteboard, also known as the Work Wall. While subdividing the large space in an organic manner, it also serves as a crucial tool during workshops. Participants may freely write or post notes with magnetic tile to enhance communication. Another eye-catching element is the "pod." It is a unique workstation framed by a semi cylindrical partition made of wood and plastic panels. The interior preserves the right amount of privacy. Not only relaxing but also functional, the PCs and other work tools, books and reference materials can all be placed within reach.           Location: Palo Alto, California, USA     Move-In Date:     Floor Area: 1,860 m2     Workforce: 10 full time & up to 200 users     Building Design:     Interior Design:     Interview Date: 2002.11