This new Pinterest Office space is a love letter to Chicago.
Located on the 5th floor of 120 S. Riverside, the unique, new Pinterest workplace draws inspiration from the essence of everything Chicago. In conjunction with the Pinterest Design Team, PBD created the floor plan, covering approximately 19,000 square feet, to offer a curated experience that pays homage to the city’s iconic attractions and culinary delights. Each section embodies the city’s spirit, from a Chicago Pizza Parlor-inspired micro kitchen to a Riverwalk-themed work lounge and All-Hands space. The Navy Pier-inspired Executive Business Center and a Chicago-style Hot Dog IT help desk add a touch of local charm. With conference room spaces dedicated to Union Station, Chicago sports venues, music venues, and a public art crafting creator space inspired by the MART, the project fosters creativity and community. It redefines the traditional office, emphasizing collaboration, events, and maker spaces, all driven by a commitment to discovery, and inspiration. Creator spaces cater to content creation and crafting, food, and home decor workshops, making it an experience-driven hub for innovation and expression.
1. Reception | An “El-evated Space”
The design concept of the reception area draws inspiration from the iconic El train traversing the loop. Integrating branding elements, such as distinctive lighting, furniture, and a CTA-inspired tile wall adorned with “Pindy City,” the space encapsulates the cinematic essence of Chicago.
A “Pin” wall featuring a mix of digital, 2D, and 3D elements mirrors the social media platform’s grid layout. The front-facing client area exudes a casual and inviting atmosphere. With expansive windows overlooking the Chicago River, the design skillfully recreates the effect of the natural light filtering through Chicago’s iconic maroon-clad Elevated Train tracks.
2. Executive Business Lounge
This pre-function area is encapsulated by two elevated meeting rooms and two private phone booths, creating a versatile suite for collaboration. Drawing inspiration from the timeless charm of the First Lady River Cruise boat and the sophisticated AON Ballroom at Navy Pier, the design seamlessly integrates function and comfort to support all-day creative work sessions.
The space features distinctive design elements, including lustrous brass finishes, curved doors reminiscent of portholes, sea green textiles and finishes, and an electric fireplace surrounded by 3D wall tiles adorned with rivets reflecting those found on a ship.
3. Riverwalk Work Lounge
The cutting-edge work lounge design reimagines traditional workspaces, offering individual cluster areas inspired by Chicago’s Riverwalk. Inspired by the “Jetty” on the Riverwalk and adorned with Chicago native wildflowers and grasses, integrated lights are scattered throughout the greenery to mimic fireflies, creating a magical ambiance.
Walking through this space evokes the feeling of transitioning from the Riverwalk into a summer meadow. Shrouded seating groups mirror the enclaves of the river walk, while adjacent Creator Spaces like a barista bar (“The Bean”) and pizza kitchen add vibrancy and variety. The result is a dynamic and visually stimulating environment that seamlessly integrates nature, creativity, and functionality for a positive work experience.
4. Town Hall
Meant to reflect the transition from the Riverwalk areas to the “great lawn” at the Pritzker Pavilion, the entry to the town hall space is marked by a larger archway that emulates the experience of walking under the iconic Chicago maroon bridges.
Inspired by the nostalgic concept of capturing lightning bugs on the lawn at dusk with friends, a custom-built ceiling light illuminates the area, capturing the essence of those magical moments.
This multipurpose space functions as a dynamic town hall, featuring a spacious maroon bar for food staging and a versatile layout that can be configured in various ways to accommodate different events and activities.
5. Creator Space – Meet me at the MART
Inspired by the iconic MART showrooms in Chicago, this creator space boasts a facade meticulously designed to emulate the experience of strolling through and peering into chic showrooms. A curated selection of iconic chair designs adorns the “showroom” window. The space serves as a dynamic space to host events, content creation activities, and everyday meetings. Embracing elements of the Mart’s showroom ambiance, the interior will feature a mood board pin-up wall, textile displays, and finish samples used to create the Pinterest office. This fusion of style and functionality creates a unique environment that not only pays homage to the MART but also serves as a hub for creative endeavors and design exploration.
5. The Multipurpose Room
The Multipurpose Room is a large event space at its core, fostering creativity, learning, and activities. The area is thoughtfully complemented by comfortable furnishings, creating inviting corners for breakout sessions or casual mingling. The essence of creation permeates the design, evident in the inclusion of peg boards, pin-up boards featuring local artists, and shelves adorned with a diverse array of crafting materials. These thoughtful design elements not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to the overall functionality of the space, making it a dynamic hub for both collaborative events and individual creative pursuits.
5. The “Chicago Style” IT Desk
It’s lunchtime! Immerse yourself in the IT Desk’s vibrant and lively atmosphere, a delightful homage to everything “Chicago style.” Drawing inspiration from the iconic Chicago-style hot dog carts and stands, the IT workspace captures the spirit of the city’s culinary culture. Step into a fun and flavorful environment where work seamlessly blends with the essence of Chicago’s renowned street food scene.
5. Conference Rooms
These three conference rooms each highlight a unique aspect of Chicago culture: sports, music, and packaged goods. The stadium-themed room pays homage to local Chicago teams through a striking mural and interactive scoreboards. In the market-themed room, visitors can explore niche Chicago-based products such as popcorn and giardinara. Finally, the Venue room celebrates the vibrant music festivals and scene in Chicago.
Thank you to the Pinterest team and all of our collaborators for helping us create this inspired space!
For media or marketing questions please contact marketing@pbdinc.com
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