2019 marked the 70th anniversary of the iconic sports brand Adidas. As early as 2018, the globally renowned company unveiled its newly completed headquarters in Herzogenaurach, southern Germany. This impressive building, part of Adidas’ headquarters complex, reflects the brand’s vision and commitment to creating a true “sports world.” The images featured here were jointly released by Adidas and the COBE architectural agency.
Same Adidas, Under One Roof
The new building, named HALFTIME, spans 15,500 square meters and was designed and constructed by the COBE architectural firm. Beyond the standard cafeteria found in all headquarters buildings, HALFTIME features multiple conference rooms, a forum center, and an exhibition hall. This setup allows brand ambassadors to visit at any time, providing a space to explore the latest designs and company philosophy. The building is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing spaces to be adapted quickly to suit various functions.
“To accommodate the company’s diverse internal and public space needs, we designed a building that offers a wide range of possibilities and flexibility. The vast diamond-shaped roof acts like a carpet, bringing together Adidas employees, visitors, and brand ambassadors under one space. This arrangement fosters communication and exchange on a broader scale.”
— Dan Stubbergaard, founder of COBE
▲ Ground Floor Plan
Sunlight Flooding Through the Roof
The diamond-shaped roof covers 8,650 square meters and is constructed from a series of V-shaped concrete beams topped with glass. Architecturally, the roof features 6-meter-long concrete beams, totaling 3,200 meters and weighing 28 tons. Approximately one-third of the roof’s glass surface allows natural sunlight to pour into the indoor spaces during the day.
The architects incorporated numerous natural elements throughout the design, including natural materials, plant walls, skylights, tree greenhouses, and plant pools that extend throughout the building. This approach creates a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments, fostering a positive and comfortable atmosphere for both employees and visitors. Furthermore, the design pursued LEED Gold certification, aiming for a truly sustainable building.
Creative Spaces Beneath the Roof
Beyond its sustainable design, HALFTIME offers an inspiring and dynamic work environment tailored to Adidas’ innovative culture. The architects designed 12 workshop spaces within the building, each dedicated to a specific sport. Additionally, a large conference hall seats up to 1,500 people and is styled like a sports arena, complete with vintage guardrails.
In collaboration with the renowned Danish design brand HAY, a custom indoor seating fixture named the HALFTIME chair was created specifically for this space.
“The main challenge was to express Adidas’ unique corporate culture through spatial experiences. We divided the building into several zones: themed meeting spaces designed to suit various purposes, providing ample support and inspiration; and a large conference hall styled as a sports arena. Events can also take place in the blue swimming pool area, changing rooms, and even in the studio of brand founder Adi Dassler, which remains filled with his tools.”
— Dan Stubbergaard
▲ First Floor Plan
▲ Roof Plan
Project Details
Location: Herzogenaurach, Germany
Architect: COBE
Area: 15,500 square meters
Year Completed: 2019
Photographer: Rasmus Hjortshøj – COAST
Suppliers: Stretch Room Systems, Zumtobel, HAY, Max Bögl
Owner: Adidas Pension Trust
Competition Teams: COBE, CLMAP, Knippers Helbig, Transsolar, COBE Berlin
Design Development Team: ARGE COBE & CLMAP (Chief Advisor), Knippers Helbig, Fact, Bartenbach, Soda, PMI, HMP
Design Guidance: COBE & EIGA
Interior Design: COBE
HALFTIME Chair Design: COBE and HAY
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