M Moser reveals landmark zero carbon HQ for HSBC New York

Photography: Garrett Rowland

Adopting an integrated approach that encompasses architecture, smart building design, engineering and sustainability consulting, international firm M Moser has unveiled its ambitious design concept for HSBC’s New York headquarters. Billed as one of the largest zero carbon workspaces in the city, the 260,000 sq ft project places sustainability, inclusivity and integrated technology at its heart, crafting a state-of-the-art space in close collaboration with the banking giant. The result is an engaging, future-ready HQ that marks a new, progressive chapter for the global firm, which is already poised to achieve a host of environmental certifications including WELL and LEED Platinum and RESET International Standard.

Beginning by encouraging a more collaborative, efficient style of working, at the vast new headquarters M Moser unites HSBC’s New York operations, which previously took place across five different sites. Here, smart building integration was key as one of the firm’s core goals was to create an adaptive, future-facing site that could evolve with the changing needs of its employees over time. The floorplan therefore includes a variety of new, flexible work zones, which – alongside inclusive onsite wellness facilities – has helped the firm bring employee attendance from just 40% to 80%.

Striving to capture an elevated industrial aesthetic, the workspace – located within one of the cities many iconic skyscrapers, The Spiral – features a palette of warm metals, woods, corten steel, concrete and black detailing throughout, brightened by a broad selection of verdant indoor planting. Taking cues from the site’s exterior architecture, the cascading staircases within that connect each floor are inspired by The Spiral’s external terraces. Central hubs within the building overlook the neighbouring plaza at Hudson Yards, while open workspaces boast views of the Hudson River; alongside plenty of natural light from glazed walls, employees can also take breaks and socialise at the onsite coffee bars, lounge spaces and bleacher-style seating.

In pursuit of its ambitious zero carbon goal for this project, M Moser used the ample smart technology present onsite to not only install more energy efficient systems, but also to create a so-called ‘digital twin’ of the HSBC floorplates. This virtual building plan creates real-time data for the company to analyse, helping senior teams to adjust the smart building’s features and continuously improve employee experience – be that boosting attendance, targeting wellbeing and inclusivity standards, or better catering to hybrid working styles and neurodiverse staff members.