Celebrating their 70th anniversary at their world headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany, adidas have opened a brand-new building on their immensely impressive complex. Herzo has always been the Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory of the sporting world with it's innovative architecture and thousands of rooms hiding Three Striped secrets for years to come, and now they've provided a look at their latest building: Arena.
The new building is designed to resemble a football stadium with it's bold outer design reminiscent of a modern sporting arena. After 34 months of construction the doors were opened for the first time on August 9 to unveil the latest chapter in the long book of adidas' story in Herzogenaurach. Propped up by steel columns for a unique aesthetic, the Arena features three stories, each of which providing the home of next-generation adidas innovation, a kitchen where the future of sport will be cooked up. Packing a typically open feel with retreat-styled rooms offering adidas brains the freedom and comfortable environment to express themselves, it's the latest block that consolidates Herzo as one of the coolest places to work on the planet.
The central staircase of the building features 136 steps, and is designed so that if employees walk up and down the stairs once each workday, they will have expended as much energy as is required to complete a marathon by year’s end.
Arena follows the completion of the the "Halftime" building (below) which was opened last year as adidas continue their growth. Halftime features sports themed meeting rooms, chill out areas and a company restaurant that provides 2,000 meals per day; much needed if you've been getting stuck into the on site football pitches, beach volleyball & tennis courts, running tracks, bouldering facility, gym suite and fitness studio.
The global HQ in Herzo is home to 5,600 employees, with the complex, called “World of Sports,” comprising around 145 acres. Set on the site of a former military barracks, the HQ opened with the “Spikes” building in 1999, while the “Laces” building (below) was knocked up in 2011 to provide 63,000 square feet and host 1,700 employees.
Reports suggest that adidas have invested around €1 billion into 'World of Sports' since 1999; Arena and Halftime alone costing about €350 million. The company employ 57,000 employees internationally, but Herzogenrauch will forever be the brand's home, and a home to be proud of with its state-of-the-art innovation from the courts and pitches reflecting in its futuristic buildings on site.
