American architecture studios SOM and Gensler have completed a bold new headquarters for Disney in New York City. The Robert A. Iger Building, standing 19 stories tall, is a striking example of contemporary design that acknowledges the area’s historic architecture while using innovative materials such as large-format green terracotta cladding.
The building occupies a full city block, bounded by Hudson Street on one side and Varick Street on the other, and serves as a central hub for Disney’s New York operations, including administration and production for divisions like ABC. SOM was tasked with shaping the form of the structure, responding to a zoning change in Hudson Square that has allowed mixed-use development in what was previously a residential area.
“When Disney purchased this site, that became the most visible expression of that ongoing change,” said Colin Koop, a partner at SOM, highlighting the significant role the building plays in the ongoing transformation of the neighborhood.
Its Features
- The building takes the form of a “valley and peak,” breaking the bulk of the structure into more legible parts.
- Setbacks provide terraces and green spaces, enhancing usability and promoting outdoor engagement.
- The massing strategy allows more natural light to penetrate the interiors, supporting wellness and productivity.
This geometry is not only practical but also symbolic. As Colin Koop of SOM notes, the aim was to “stand out by fitting in.” The solution was a structure that speaks the language of its neighborhood—through proportions, materiality, and scale—while asserting a clear identity of its own.
Terracotta Cladding: A Contemporary Echo of Historic Materials
A defining element of the new HQ is its green terracotta cladding. This large-format ceramic references traditional masonry and oxidized copper commonly found in the area. However, Disney’s version presents a more vivid, chromatic finish that adds distinction.
- The cladding’s green tone aligns with exposed structural concrete at the base, which naturally features a green tint.
- “Art deco tonalities” and grid patterns seen in historical Manhattan structures have informed the detailing and surface articulation.
The building’s design follows a valley-and-peak form, with taller volumes pushed to each side of the block. This creates a dynamic visual flow that complements the surrounding architecture while providing a modern interpretation. The overall aim, according to Koop, was to “stand out by fitting in.”
This choice in material and color both grounds the building in its historic setting and distinguishes it as a contemporary landmark.
Interiors Optimized for Creativity and Production
Gensler led the interior design, creating a versatile, technology-enabled environment where Disney’s diverse operations—ranging from ABC News to streaming content production—can thrive under one roof.
Key features of the interior include:
- A highly adaptable program that facilitates collaboration across departments.
- Technical floors at the base house sound stages and production equipment.
- Upper floors are configured for administrative functions, meeting spaces, and collaborative work.
- Multiple workspace formats accommodate a range of digital workflows, from desktop editing to mobile production setups.
One standout feature is the central “Great Room,” a vast, column-free space beneath a saw-tooth roof that floods the area with natural light via skylights. This integration of architecture and daylight reinforces both creative energy and environmental performance.
Green Infrastructure and Regulatory Compliance
In line with New York City’s recent push to eliminate fossil fuel usage in new buildings, the Disney HQ is an all-electric structure. SOM and Gensler have approached sustainability not as an add-on but as a core design driver.
- Photovoltaics help power the building.
- Bird-safe glass and high-performance facades improve energy efficiency.
- Landscaped roofs, designed by SCAPE, are not just visual amenities but part of a wider ecological strategy.
Koop describes the project as “the greenest building at this scale in New York City,” offering a model for future developments that aim to balance density, sustainability, and design excellence.
A Legacy of Media Architecture, Reimagined
New York has been the site of iconic media headquarters, from Rockefeller Center to CBS’s Black Rock. Disney’s Robert A. Iger Building continues that legacy, but with a shift. Its green terracotta skin and all-electric systems signal a new direction—where media, architecture, and environmental goals align in a single structure.
Image source- dezeen.com, architecturalrecord.com
