Google’s St. John’s Terminal HQ redefines immersive design and experiential technology

Today marks a significant milestone as we celebrated the ribbon cutting at Google’s newly transformed New York headquarters at St. John’s Terminal

This milestone celebrates the transformation of St. John’s Terminal into a sustainable, dynamic workplace after three years of planning and innovative design. With Google’s New York team growing to over 14,000, the space now blends historic legacy with cutting-edge office environments. Partnering with Downstream, a leader in experiential design, Google set a new standard for workplace innovation, following the success of Pier 57.

Google's workspace reflects their commitment to pushing boundaries and creating inspiring and empowering spaces.

The transformation of St. John’s Terminal into Google’s state-of-the-art HQ reflects their commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community. Over three years of strategic planning, concept development, prototyping, and execution, our teams have developed 21 immersive activations across four floors, integrating cutting-edge experiential technology and space experience design to create a collaborative, sensory-rich workplace. These include: 

• A metal sculpture enhanced with programmable lighting, paying homage to the building’s historical roots
• The Community Hub, designed to foster interactive, community-building experiences
• An artistic wayfinding system seamlessly blends functionality with experiential elements, guiding visitors across event spaces
• Climate-driven moving visuals paired with electromechanical wind chimes create a sensory experience reflecting Google’s commitment to environmental stewardship
• Storytelling areas such as the Community Garden, Book Nook, and Reflecting Pools, showcasing Google’s community initiatives and groundbreaking innovations. 

St. John’s Terminal transforms office space into a team-focused environment with innovative design, cutting-edge tech, and multi-sensory experiences. This project enhances connections, diversity, and inclusion, setting a new standard in workplace design and community creation.

We’re proud to have contributed and look forward to its positive impact on New York City. For more on the creative process, branding strategies, and data visualization art, explore our full case study.