The commute to Major League Soccer‘s new Manhattan headquarters begins through a vibrant, tunnel-like entrance reminiscent of players’ path to the field. Barrel-shaped and wrapped in mesh that echoes a goalkeeper’s net, the lobby in PENN 2 is illuminated by dynamic, color-changing lights, complete with ceiling-mounted LED screens. This innovative space at the league’s headquarters in Manhattan celebrates the league’s 30th anniversary within a sprawling 126,000-square-foot office crafted by TPG Architecture.
Concept and Inspiration at the League’s New Office
The “office as a stadium” concept emerged early in collaborative sessions with the league’s commissioner, ex-players, and staff. Synthesizing history, athleticism, and fan dedication, the vision evoked the stadium as the heart of soccer. TPG Architecture, inspired by “The Beautiful Game,” crafted spaces that echo the fluidity and artistry of soccer through graceful, flowing forms.
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Arrival Experience
Upon entry, guests are greeted by mannequins sporting current club jerseys and the MLS Cup, previously without a permanent display, now stands on a central pedestal amid a glowing tribute to past champions. Three towering media screens spotlight club, country, and community — the league’s core pillars. According to Gladys Yue of TPG Architecture, “It offers fans a spot to capture memories of the game’s climax.”
Architectural Highlights
Integrating MLS branding, the design mirrors the trophy with metallics and gold accents. Elsewhere, 45-degree transitions evoke the angles in the MLS shield, paralleling a game’s halves. The league’s office also features a neutral palette of white and silver which accommodates diverse club identities, while a bespoke display of 212 blue soccer cleats celebrates the city’s area code, reflecting an innovative soccer stadium design.
The Midfield Hub
The feature staircase connects two floors, descending into a café concourse. An LED ticker board wraps the curved edge, mirroring stadium scoreboards. The “Midfield” serves as a central hub, uniting previously separate departments, framed by IT support and collaboration spaces distinguished by green fields marked out with white bands. The headquarters uses these elements to foster communication and unity.
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Custom fixtures and acoustics mimic elements of the game, encouraging collaborative space usage. Light fixtures reflect the original 1996 MLS ball design, while walls of historic game balls and locker room-style conference rooms personalize the space for each team.
Tifos and Team Spirit
Bringing the outdoors in, TPG installed 30 hand-painted tifos, respecting a cherished fan tradition. These installations in the Manhattan office infuse energy and team spirit by representing various teams, motivating staff as they work. Yue notes, “It’s more than decoration; it embodies the supportive energy of the fans.”
Source: design-milk.com
Frequently asked questions
What inspired the design of MLS’s new headquarters?
The design of MLS’s new headquarters was inspired by the concept of ‘office as a stadium,’ developed during collaborative sessions with the league’s commissioner, ex-players, and staff. It aims to synthesize history, athleticism, and fan dedication, evoking a stadium’s heart of soccer.
How is MLS’s history and branding integrated into the new office?
MLS’s history and branding are integrated with design features like metallics and gold accents, reflecting the MLS trophy. Additionally, walls of historic game balls and locker room-style conference rooms personalize the space for each team, showcasing diverse club identities.
What unique features are present in the Midfield Hub?
The Midfield Hub includes a feature staircase connecting two floors, descending into a café concourse. It has an LED ticker board that wraps around the curved edge, mirroring stadium scoreboards and fostering a central hub for unifying previously separate departments.