NBCUniversal

Bleachers bring the breakout space for teams to mix and collaborate

Location

Chicago, Illinois

Partners By Design

built by

Thomas Interiors

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As one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies, NBCUniversal delivers news, sports, entertainment and streaming content to audiences across multiple platforms. To support the evolving demands of modern broadcasting, NBCUniversal undertook a significant workplace transformation at its 65,000 sq ft Chicago headquarters, consolidating previously fragmented teams into a single, highly connected environment.

With Partners by Design leading on the project, they reimagined how a contemporary newsroom and media workplace could operate. The strategy centred on breaking down silos between departments, improving operational efficiency, and creating a destination workplace that supports both the fast pace of live broadcasting and the wellbeing of employees. Alongside state-of-the-art production facilities, the new environment introduces a variety of spaces designed to encourage interaction, creativity and collaboration throughout the working day.

A key objective of the workplace was to provide employees with flexible settings beyond the traditional workstation, supporting everything from informal conversations and project discussions to larger team gatherings and presentations. Thomas Interiors brought in their expertise and industry connections to help achieve this.

Spacestor's Bleachers seating was incorporated as a central collaboration hub within the workplace. Configured in a distinctive three-tier U-shaped arrangement, the installation creates an inviting destination where employees can come together, share ideas and connect with colleagues from across the organisation.

Positioned away from the desk environment, the Bleachers provide an alternative setting that encourages spontaneous interaction and knowledge sharing. Its amphitheatre-style format also allows the space to support presentations, team briefings and informal events, with integrated screen capability enabling content to be shared easily with larger groups.

In a business built on communication, storytelling and teamwork, creating opportunities for people to connect was an essential component of the overall workplace strategy. The Bleacher installation helps foster a stronger sense of community by providing a space that can flex throughout the day, adapting to the varied needs of employees and teams.

Whether used for collaborative working sessions, town hall meetings, presentations or social gatherings, the space supports the dynamic nature of NBCUniversal's workplace while helping to bring people together in a more engaging and inclusive way.

The completed workplace successfully combines cutting-edge broadcast facilities with people-focused environments that encourage collaboration, creativity and connection. By introducing flexible destinations for gathering and knowledge sharing, Spacestor's Bleacher seating helps support NBCUniversal's vision for a more integrated workplace, creating a central hub that reflects the energy, agility and collaborative culture of one of the world's leading media organisations.

Photography: ©Kendall McCaugherty, Hall+Merrick+McCaugherty