Google Barge To Be Used As An 'Interactive Space' To Introduce New Technology To Public

by UInterviewNovember 8, 2013, 12:00 amNews >

Google has released a statement regarding the mysterious Google Barge spotted in the San Francisco Bay, saying that the tech company plans to use the structure as an “interactive space.”

Last week, a strange structure off the San Francisco bay coast sparked many theories on what the structure, the Google Barge, was and what Google was doing with it. The structure, reportedly made up of shipping containers creating a four-story building, is currently under construction and docked on Treasure Island.

Google was silent about the mysterious structure, and continued to keep the project in secrecy after another barge appeared off the coast of Portland, Maine. As rumors about what Google might be doing with these large crafts began to gain momentum, the Google Barge mystery grew to such cultural prominence, it was featured in a segment on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show With Jon Stewart.

Google has finally addressed the rumors, releasing a vague statement about their plans.

“Google Barge… A floating data center? A wild party boat? A barge housing the last remaining dinosaur? Sadly, none of the above. Although it’s still early days and things may change, we’re exploring using the barge as an interactive space where people can learn about new technology,” reads the official statement.

The statement appears to confirm rumors that the barge will be act as a showroom for Google technology and products.

A source previously told local station KPIX 5, that the first three floors would serve as showrooms and the fourth floor would act as a social lounge, complete with bars and a “party deck.”

What Google means exactly by the description “interactive space where people can learn about new technology” remains unclear, though, no doubt, the Google Barge will serve as a pseudo-Google store. The Google Barge has reportedly been designed to rival the sleek and sophisticated showroom style of Apple stores.

The structure is said to be designed to allow for easy dismantling and transport. The storage containers that make up the four-story building are interchangeable and, therefore, can easily be transported via train or barge. The plan is to move the Google Barge from port to port – or location to location – and keep the showroom in each place for a month .

The company that is building the structure, By and Large LLC – rumored to be strongly connected to Google – submitted documents to the Port of San Francisco detailing their plans. When complete, the barge will be 50-feet tall and 250-feet long and will be topped with huge, aesthetic sails that will also act as cover for people on the Barge.

“The artistic structure combines innovative architecture with a bit of nautical whimsy, creating a surprising environment that inspires conversation, community and ‘a-ha’ moments,” states the proposed documents.

In the documents, By and Large writes that they are creating a space where local businesses can “engage with guests and gain visibility in a unique way.”

“We envisioned this space with community in mind, a surprising environment that is accessible to all and inspires conversation about how everything is connected – shorebirds, me, you, the sea, the fog and much more,” reads the documents obtained by SF Gate.

The documents propose to dock the Google Barge in multiple areas in the San Francisco Bay, including Angel Island and Redwood City. Before their plan can take effect, Google has to complete construction on the Barge, a feat easier said than done. The construction plan has to satisfy safety regulations set by the Coast Guard, which has confirmed previous visits to the barge in question, but refused to say whether or not the structure passed a safety regulations inspection nor would they confirm any rumors regarding the plans for the structure.

– Olivia Truffaut-Wong

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