In the aftermath of World War I, Adi Dassler showcased his inventive flair by repurposing scavenged tires and parachutes in his mother’s kitchen to create innovative sport shoes.
Dassler, with the aid of a bicycle-powered fabric-cutting machine and his brother Zehlein’s blacksmithing skills, revolutionized the creation of spikes for Adidas’ inaugural soccer shoes.
From Humble Beginnings to Innovation
Throughout its humble beginnings, two themes have remained constant in Adidas’ journey to become the world’s second-largest shoe manufacturer: creative design and collaboration.
In 1993, Adidas shifted its office base from New Jersey to Portland, Oregon, aiming to tap into the creative talent pool needed to compete with Nike. Six years later, Adidas, along with its 1,000-strong workforce, occupied various office locations across the metropolitan area. Recognizing the pivotal role of the North American market in driving global sales, Adidas acquired the former Bess Kaiser Hospital in North Portland in 1999 to consolidate and centralize its North American operations.
The Village: A Symbol of Adidas’ Vision
After two years and an investment of $66 million, the 11-acre space Village materialized, much to the satisfaction of Chief Executive Herbert Hainer. Hainer grasped the significance of establishing a stronghold in North America, the world’s largest sports market. The Village provided improved access to this market, enabling Adidas to connect with a wider range of consumers and demographics.
Within the Village’s cafeteria, Project Director Owen Clemens, situated at a horizontal and vertical pedestrian interchange, smiles when discussing the challenges of converting a hospital into a dynamic creative hub. “I might be a bit biased,” Clemens begins, “but seamlessly blending the existing structures with the new ones demanded substantial effort.”
Each structure’s blend comprises segmented aluminum squares, rectangles, and windows, creating a harmonious integration of old and new tableau, reminiscent of idle Transformers.
“Simplicity is key,” Clemens explains as he rises, inviting a tour of the facility. “We use color to distinguish each structure.”
The remodeling project involved gutting 210,000 square feet on the west side of the site, while the entire east side underwent complete demolition and reconstruction.
Embracing Flexibility in Workspace Design
“In general, medical structures consist of smaller spaces,” explains LRS Architects Project Designer Michael Roberts, who oversaw the conversion of small rooms into flexible workspaces.
“During the initial design phase, we prioritized open workspaces over enclosed individual spaces, allowing for effortless departmental changes.” As Clemens and I traverse the site, traces of the Village’s former institutional life come into view.
The once chic storage units, used for transporting patients, now serve as stylish housing racks of prototype apparel. Glass sliding doors, once granted access to operating rooms, now enclose workspaces where graphic designers add color to shoes. In addition to providing adaptability, these doors were part of a larger initiative to repurpose the hospital’s remnants. Any items that couldn’t be saved were donated to hospitals in Honduras and Azerbaijan.
Clemens suggests another innovative elevator element as we exit the structure and cross the street toward the 830-car parking garage, which serves as the foundation for 147,000 square feet of new construction and the east plaza’s public soccer field, basketball, and tennis courts.
To infuse the east plaza with vitality, the garage elevators make stops at the plaza, necessitating passage through the lively space on the way to one’s destination.
Infusing Life into the Workplace
The ambiance is set by hip-hop music, accompanying individuals savoring coffee at an outdoor café and a spirited soccer game taking place on the adjacent field, creating a scene reminiscent of a college campus rather than a corporate headquarters. “As a sports company, we encourage employees to prioritize their well-being,” explains Clemens, leading us toward the only elliptically-shaped, uniformly colored structure in the Village.
The structure’s glass façade offers passersby a glimpse into the heart of the Village, a complex filled with sports facilities and equipment. “We operate on flex-time to accommodate those who prefer to take their lunch at different times to engage in physical activities,” Clemens explains.
Individuals like IT Consultant Gerd Kolbenschlag, who relishes playing pickup basketball in the late afternoon, attest to the vibrant sports culture within the Village.
“Every day, there are physical activities and sports events that anyone can join,” Kolbenschlag exclaims. “Just as it should be for a sports company.”
Celebrating Legacy and Innovation
As Clemens and I traverse the sky bridge toward the site’s west side, my attention is captivated by a modern art installation featuring two car-sized, iconic Superstar sneakers. Celebrating 35 years of strong sales, these shoes serve as a testament to the enduring relevance of Dassler’s creations.
“In the world of creativity, things are constantly evolving,” Clemens elaborates. “Good building design is flexible and adaptable to changing needs.” Although materials and designs have changed and the company that bears Adi Dassler’s initials no longer stitches shoes from old parachutes in a kitchen, innovation and collaboration remain Adidas’ greatest assets.