Unilever’s new headquarters in New Jersey puts its product development process on full display

Unilever's new North American headquarters in Hoboken, New Jersey, showcases the entire product creation process. The design, spanning 111,000 square feet, prioritizes collaboration for diverse consumer products. Central to the headquarters is an accessible spine containing innovation labs, a test kitchen, and a retail lab. This design aims to foster immediate understanding of Unilever's mission and activities. The smaller footprint, compared to their previous campus, reflects a post-pandemic shift toward connection and creativity. Collaborative spaces are key, including the kitchen where new food products are developed and sampled. Flexible innovation labs encourage the birthing of new product ideas. These spaces serve both R&D and marketing purposes, acting as stage sets for product launches. The headquarters also features workstations and meeting areas designed for smaller groups and individual interactions. The emphasis on informality encourages employee interaction and the flourishing of company culture. Ultimately, the design facilitates turning innovative ideas into future products.