Dearborn, Mich. — Ford Motor Company has unveiled its new world headquarters in a move that signifies a shift from its iconic 1950s “Glass House” to a more dynamic and collaborative workspace designed for modern employees. Spanning 2.1 million square feet, this facility aims to meet the needs of thousands of staff who have embraced a return to in-person work following a period of remote operations.

The headquarters, affectionately referred to as “The Hub,” is set to officially open on Sunday, although construction won’t wrap up until 2027. This new facility replaces a 12-story structure located a few miles away in the same city, which is slated for demolition. This marks the sixth headquarters the company has established since its inception in 1903.

Designed to consolidate several locations, The Hub is anticipated to accommodate up to 4,000 employees dedicated to daily operations, design, and product development. The building features large, flexible work areas dubbed “neighborhoods,” allowing employees to choose where they work based on daily tasks. According to Jennifer Kolstad, global design and brand director for Ford Land, the operation discourages the practice of “domain staking,” where workers claim fixed workspaces.

“This is not merely a building. It’s a tool to enhance productivity and foster collaboration,” said Jim Dobleske, chair and CEO of Ford Land, highlighting the alignment of the workspace with Ford’s broader corporate strategy, known as the Ford+ plan.

Ford’s workforce includes approximately 30,500 white-collar salaried employees in the U.S., and many are expected to return to the office at least four days a week, a shift from the more flexible hybrid schedules adopted during the pandemic. “We’re inviting our team back to a space that encourages their best work through collaboration,” Dobleske added.

A key feature of The Hub is its expansive 160,000-square-foot dining area. This space boasts eight distinct kitchen concepts with evolving menus, catering to diverse tastes and encouraging communal dining. Executive chef Grant Vella remarked on the intention to create a unique dining experience that celebrates culinary diversity while catering to local staff and visiting guests.

Moreover, the new headquarters promotes an outdoor-friendly environment, with pathways designed to enhance walkability compared to the previous location. “This facility is the cornerstone of our overall campus redevelopment, creating a much more inviting atmosphere for our teams,” Dobleske stated.

Architectural firm Snøhetta, responsible for the headquarters’ design, emphasized thoughtful elements like inviting staircases over traditional elevators to encourage more movement among employees. Each of the multiple entry points features wide, accessible stairs, which aim to make using them a pleasant experience rather than a chore.

Art plays a significant role in the aesthetic of the new building, with various installations emphasizing Ford’s legacy and innovation, including a prominent display of vehicle parts in the lobby. The striking use of natural light through expansive glass walls enhances the workspace, creating an open and welcoming feel throughout the four-story structure.

While Ford has not disclosed the financial specifics of the headquarters project, part of a broad $1 billion campus transformation initiated under former leadership, the new space exemplifies the company’s commitment to evolving workplace dynamics and fostering innovation.