Yah - definitely. That would be an out of control building. Imagine how fun it would be to do a tour of that building, and go from room to room to see all the interesting things people are working on. With M$ budget they could also provide some incredible facilities.

I used to work at the MS, and it really did seem removed from the world of startups. And, having worked in shared office space with other startups I've really felt the difference it makes to not be working in isolation. They are definitely making good inroads in Seattle to connect with the community, but something more transformational may be needed.

Microsoft research feels a lot like this, only with a more academic bent.

That's kind of what it is like to work at amazon.