Innovative Design Inspired by a Soccer Field
Major League Soccer (MLS) has relocated its headquarters to the Penn 2 skyscraper in New York City, with an innovative design fashioned by TPG Architecture. Reflecting the dynamics of a soccer pitch, this two-storey office showcases the new building’s design, opening its doors ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and MLS’s thirtieth anniversary.
A Stadium Experience in an Office
The concept of an “office as a stadium” was developed after feedback from the MLS Commissioner, who consulted with current and former players, coaches, and staff. The entrance mimics the player tunnel, setting an energetic tone for visitors. The office’s layout seamlessly integrates elements that evoke a sense of being in a stadium.
The Design Elements of MLS Headquarters Architecture
Visitors are greeted by an elevator bay covered in a custom mesh that resembles a goalie’s net. This space features programmable LED screens for dynamic branding displays, creating an immersive entrance experience. Such immersive qualities reflect the ingenuity of the overall design.
For more on how cultural spaces are transformed into immersive environments, check out how Tottenham Hotspur Stadium’s design fuses innovation with community spirit.
The Heart of the Headquarters
A double-height lobby anchors the office with a grand staircase leading to various amenities like meditation rooms and coffee bars collectively known as the Midfield. A wall of jerseys and the Championship Cup prominently display MLS’s rich history, adding depth to the unique design of the headquarters.
Modern Workspaces and Unique Features
The staircase is adorned with digital LED banners showcasing stadium tiers and player profiles. At its base, a cafe and IT corner reflect a stadium’s technical area aesthetic, offering employees engaging spaces. This is further complemented by the stadium design, which enhances the overall working environment.
Meeting rooms are equipped with screens and color schemes that include “grass green” and “MLS-blue,” while the work areas feature unique carpet patterns inspired by the MLS logo, all significant aspects of the site’s creative architectural features.
Explore how another remarkable space was redesigned in a sports setting with the Emirates transformation of Arthur Ashe Stadium for an elevated experience.
Architectural Excellence and Heritage
This headquarters is another milestone for TPG Architecture, known for projects like the NHL’s Manhattan headquarters. MLS, the leading football league in the US and Canada, continues to grow since its inception in 1996 following the 1994 World Cup held in the USA. The headquarters embodies these aspirations and achievements.
The photography showcased here is courtesy of Major League Soccer.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What inspired the design of the MLS headquarters?
The design of the MLS headquarters was inspired by the dynamics of a soccer pitch, which is reflected in the office’s ‘office as a stadium’ concept.
What features create a stadium experience at the MLS headquarters?
The MLS headquarters features an entrance that mimics a player tunnel, programmable LED screens for dynamic branding, and a double-height lobby with a grand staircase leading to amenities like meditation rooms and coffee bars.
How does the MLS headquarters incorporate soccer elements into its design?
The MLS headquarters uses design elements like a custom mesh resembling a goalie’s net, LED banners showcasing stadium tiers and player profiles, and meeting rooms with color schemes of ‘grass green’ and ‘MLS-blue’.