The Underlying Idea Behind the Design
A gathering space for agents of change
The seven-story program for the New York World Headquarters encompasses a thoughtfully designed space spanning 50,000 square feet. 3 Floors feature a combination of private and open office zones, team conference rooms, and a generous 20,000 square feet of employee amenity spaces. The LEED-certified renovation of this global headquarters embodies their strong ties to New York City while highlighting their enduring influence across different regions and the people central to their work. The new offices are specifically designed to foster collaboration and innovative thinking, establishing a center for enthusiastic problem-solvers to forge a path toward universal and sustainable opportunities for all.
Interior Design: MYODO
Architect of record: STUDIOS
The main reception area features a glass chandelier with deep aqua tones and an upside-down Y shape, reminiscent of Lake Como’s serene beauty. A golden-illuminated stone panel adds warmth to the space. Surrounded by these evocative elements, the entrance beckons visitors to reimagine what is possible once they step through the doors. Across from the reception desk, two chairs accompanied by a rug made from organic and recycled wool fibers create a sense of comfort. The orange color in the pillows and rug pays homage to New York’s Dutch history as New Amsterdam.



On the left side of the stairwell in the reception lobby, an Italian stone wall made from Lava stone sourced from Mount Etna showcases a pattern inspired by the 1950s and 60s era in Northern Italy. Overhead, the light fixture’s tawny browns and cloud shapes draw inspiration from Italian roofscapes and stucco at sunset, encouraging visitors to develop their own audacious ideas for transformative change, as inspired by the Bellagio Center.

The agrarian pattern on the wood ceiling guide visitors from one space to another, appearing throughout the offices on ceilings, walls, and floors. Organic or recycled wood, along with glass, stone, and other natural materials, was chosen to align with the Headquarters’ dedication to sustainability and reverence for the Earth’s resources.
There are several custom wool rugs found throughout the lounges. Designed especially for this project. Each rug represents a region and a story.


The light fixture suspended above the coffee bar symbolizes photosynthesis and is named “Origin.” Its color and the shapes of its individual glass panes draw inspiration from close-up images of golden wheat.

The Research Center employing warm orange and burgundy tones that evoke the vibrant culture of many Asian countries, brimming with enthusiasm and happiness. The community table in the library and research center draws inspiration from Indic scripts while maintaining a mid-century modern aesthetic. The rich walnut bookcase is filled with books from an Art Center. The custom-designed area rug takes the form of an abstract satellite image of the Ganges River in India. Behind the library bookcase, a pantry space provides a gathering spot for employees, and a 15 by 17 ft custom rug zones the lounging area, this rug use the same graphic element extends to the glass panel by the Island bar, tying the pantry and lounge space together.





The remarkable two-story signature sky lobby, characterized by two-story rift oak wood panels and a backlit glass wall that creates an appealing backdrop for the reception area. The design of this backdrop is based on the topography of a region and extends seamlessly to the ceiling of the upper floor, all the way to the cafeteria. The light fixture above the reception desk draws inspiration from the iconic Baobab trees found in Africa, translated into translucent bark glass vertical elements that become a prominent feature of the space. Beyond the Glass wall, the office space is accessed through a wooden portal, maintaining the same topographic pattern on the desk wrap and custom casework, creating a cohesive look throughout the area. On the opposite side of the reception lobby, the green wall structure extends, creating a cozy and tranquil lounge area.







The two-story wood ceiling continues to the other side of the upper floor, which houses the living room lounge and the cafeteria. The living room lounge offers sweeping views of the captivating midtown Manhattan skyline. The furniture layout is centered on the “seed” light fixture, constructed using clear and gold test tubes, the fixture symbolizes the role of science and innovation in food production. A vibrant 20 by 20 ft area rug captures the lively atmosphere of an Asian night market, creating a warm and inviting space for gathering. The international signage around the cafe mimics the ambiance of a night market, showcasing the diverse cultures that makeup New York City.





The creative design goals behind this project were twofold: to reestablish a sense of community within the office environment and to create a diverse range of spaces for daily collaboration and meetings. Drawing inspiration from the Headquarters’ philanthropy programs worldwide, the design vision truly reflects the brand and philosophy of the Headquarters. MYODO worked closely with the client group to develop a shared vision, resulting in an inspired workplace that fosters productivity and creativity for all.