Modern midcentury designs with history, surprises

General Motors has unveiled its new world headquarters in Detroit, marking a significant shift in the company’s approach to office space and collaboration. The new headquarters, located in the Hudson’s Detroit development, is a far cry from the company’s former fortress-like Renaissance Center, which was infamous for its difficulty to navigate and siloed culture.

Embracing the Past and Present

Outside the new headquarters, two red Chevrolet pickup trucks sit on display, symbolizing the company’s past and present. One is a 1963 Chevrolet K20, while the other is a new Silverado EV. This nod to the company’s history is reflected inside the building, where artifacts, design elements, and “Easter eggs” tied to GM’s history are on display. These include a blueprint of GM’s iconic design dome, an early map of its nearby proving grounds, and a decorative wall of cassette tapes featuring songs that reference the company’s brands and vehicles.

The interior design of the new headquarters draws inspiration from Eero Saarinen’s iconic GM Global Technical Center, incorporating golden metallic finishes, wood feature walls, and warm recessed lighting. The building also features a patent wall with graphics highlighting over 300 of the company’s more than 49,000 patents granted since its founding in 1911. A model of the Chevrolet Corvette CX concept hangs on the wall outside the executive boardroom, while a statue of GM’s “Cadillac Goddess” sits on a table inside the executive floor.

A New Era of Collaboration

GM’s new headquarters is designed to foster collaboration and innovation, with open office spaces, social gathering areas, and lounges. The building features a semi-public space on the first floor to display products and host events, as well as a pickleball court and recreation area. The company’s roughly 50,000 U.S. salaried employees are currently required to work in-office Tuesday through Thursday, but the rules are more flexible than before regarding location and remote working.

The new headquarters is a significant reduction in square footage from the Renaissance Center, which spanned over 5.6 million square feet. GM’s new HQ occupies four floors, roughly 200,000 square feet, in the Hudson’s Detroit development. The company has signed a 15-year lease for the space, which is owned by a real estate company of Rocket Companies chairman and billionaire Dan Gilbert.

A Shift in Company Culture

GM’s move to a new headquarters reflects a broader shift in the company’s culture, which has historically been siloed and fortress-like. Under the leadership of CEO Mary Barra, the company has prioritized collaboration, innovation, and flexibility. The new headquarters is designed to reflect this shift, with open office spaces and a focus on community and teamwork.

The new headquarters also marks a significant investment in the city of Detroit, which has undergone significant revitalization efforts in recent years. The Hudson’s Detroit development, where GM’s new HQ is located, is a major mixed-use project that includes office space, retail, and residential units. The development is expected to bring new jobs and economic growth to the area, and GM’s presence is seen as a major boost to the local economy.