IBM’s New Manhattan Office Redefines the Workplace with Outdoor Terrace and Collaborative Spaces
IBM’s outdoor terrace is billed as the largest usable commercial office terrace in New York.
IBM’s latest office in Manhattan sets a new standard for innovative workspaces, emphasizing the importance of outdoor areas and collaborative environments to attract and retain top talent. Located at One Madison Avenue, IBM’s 270,000-square-foot office features a 25,000-square-foot outdoor terrace that stretches an entire city block, providing employees with a unique space to work and relax while enjoying stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
A Workspace Designed for the Future
The outdoor terrace, which wraps around three sides of the building, is filled with over 3,000 plants, creating a serene environment that promotes wellness and creativity. This expansive outdoor area isn’t just a scenic spot; it’s designed for productivity, with many seating areas equipped with power access, allowing employees to work outdoors. The terrace is one of the largest usable commercial office terraces in New York, reflecting IBM’s commitment to creating a vibrant and flexible work environment.
IBM’s new office exemplifies the lengths to which major companies are going to create enticing workspaces in a post-pandemic world. As hybrid work models continue to evolve, companies are investing in high-quality, well-located office spaces with unique amenities to draw employees back into the office. For IBM, the terrace is not just an architectural feature but a strategic tool to foster collaboration, innovation, and a deeper connection to the workplace.
Blending Innovation with History
The office at One Madison Avenue, redeveloped by SL Green Realty, blends modern design with historical elements from the original 1893 structure. Inside, the space offers a mix of collaborative and communal areas, focus zones, and private office booths. The redesign consolidates IBM’s operations from 10 previous office locations in the city, creating a centralized hub that embodies the future of work.
IBM’s senior vice president of transformation and operations, Joanne Wright, emphasized the company’s vision of creating a technology-led, innovative workplace that attracts talent and encourages engagement. “We saw this space as an opportunity to create a new, innovative workplace experience,” Wright said. “We believe this will drive a new level of engagement, where people will want to be in the workspace.”
A Global Trend in Workplace Design
IBM’s Manhattan office is part of a broader global initiative, with similar office openings in London, Toronto, Tokyo, and Madrid. These new spaces have been designed with a focus on collaboration, flexibility, and state-of-the-art amenities, leading to higher utilization rates compared to previous locations.
The Manhattan office also features a ground-floor lobby exclusive to IBM employees, a 40-foot-long Quantum Wave light sculpture designed to spark curiosity, and a second-floor innovation studio showcasing IBM’s technologies. The office’s 10th floor serves as a prime amenities hub, including a full-service kitchen, cafe, and an auditorium that can host up to 300 people.
Creating Spaces for Connection and Collaboration
IBM’s design approach aims to foster spontaneous interactions and social engagement among employees. The interconnected staircases, open communal areas, and a flexible work policy—all contribute to a dynamic and adaptable work environment. Employees can use an electronic reservation app to book workspaces, aligning with IBM’s flexible work policy where most employees are only required to be in the office three days a week.
IBM’s new Manhattan office not only provides a functional space for its employees but also sets a new benchmark for workplace design. With its focus on outdoor spaces, collaborative areas, and innovative amenities, IBM is redefining what it means to work in a modern office, setting an inspiring example for other companies to follow.