HSBC’s new headquarters in New York City is a landmark project. Our multiservice team led the design and delivery of the most sustainable, inclusive and technologically enabled workplace within HSBC’s global portfolio. This bold venture into uncharted technological territories sets a benchmark for corporate environments globally.
This article explores how we leveraged cutting-edge technologies and sustainable design practices. Our goal was to create a workplace that not only meets but exceeds the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility.
From the outset, HSBC envisioned its NY headquarters as a lighthouse within its portfolio, aspiring to redefine the workplace. Sustainability, inclusivity, occupant experience, resilience and adaptability, driven by the latest in smart building technology, were the cornerstones. The project was not only about adopting new technologies but also about using data collected from the building. This data helps the real estate team evolve the workplace as the needs of the occupants and business shift over time.
Initial engagements revealed HSBC’s desire to better understand how its space performs. Specifically, there was an interest in how the workplace supports the teams in collaboration, experience and ultimately in delivering for the business.
To support this, we developed a technology platform to gather and utilise vast amounts of data. From this, our team built a digital twin on which we could run analytics on space performance and equipment health. This data then feeds insight to the occupant engagement dashboards located throughout the workplace.
Initial discovery discussions began 18 months before the formal project kickoff with our workplace strategy teams. Far more than just planning; this stage was about aligning visions and setting actionable goals. Our approach to a strategic discovery process is holistic and cross-disciplinary. We uncover space needs, programming and design intent alongside sustainability ambitions at the project’s outset. Additionally, technology and experience workshops help establish a strong definition of goals. This is what drives the engineering and design through to delivery.
We mined pain points alongside ambitions. The insights uncovered allowed us to understand how workplace elements could be supported by smart building technologies at both project and portfolio scales. Each session was instrumental in establishing the strong design brief needed to create a connected, technology-advanced workplace that also prioritises an optimal user experience.
Engaging with a diverse group of stakeholders helped drive decision-making. This moved the project beyond concepts and into a detailed blueprint perfectly tailored to enhance HSBC’s functionality and innovation capacity.
HSBC’s integrated building management system is the central nervous system of its new headquarters. Unifying disparate systems – from HVAC and lighting to security and energy management – it is a cohesive, intelligent network that streamlines operations and efficiencies, enhances comfort and provides actionable insights for data-driven decision making.
Ron Lapointe, Project Executive, JLLWe focused our smart technology integration on both present and future outcomes, creating a building that could adapt its use of space over time. These revolutionary technologies involve sophisticated data modelling and real-time occupancy monitoring to ensure HSBC’s environment is continuously aligned with its use.
We implemented advanced technologies such as IoT sensors and systems for real-time environmental monitoring, predictive maintenance and energy management. 
Building systems are embedded into the building’s architecture and building systems to enhance operational efficiency and occupant experience. Our engineering approach involved rethinking traditional solutions to enhance sustainability and efficiency. Strategies were deeply intertwined with smart technologies, optimising everything from energy use to spatial configurations based on real-time data.
Solutions included efficient MEP systems and integrated lighting designed for maximum flexibility and efficiency. Notably, replacing inefficient fan-powered terminal units with low-energy VAV and radiant reduced the energy footprint by 30%.
The digital twin we developed for HSBC’s workplace enables real-time monitoring and management of building operations. This virtual model is essential in ongoing building maintenance and provides valuable insights to guide continuous improvement. Furthermore, it embodies the project’s ethos of viewing the workplace as a dynamic, resilient, responsive and flexible environment with an evolving, data-driven strategy. As Julian Rimmer, Director, phrases it, “the focus of this project went beyond integrating smart technology—it was about smarter utilisation of technological resources.”
Through ongoing data and analytics, we are able to support our clients over the life of their workplace. This service sets us apart in the industry and ensures that the spaces we design remain aligned with business needs.
Julian Rimmer, Director, M Moser AssociatesSmart technologies were key to the project reaching net zero carbon operations and maintaining sustainability certifications like Zero Carbon, WELL and LEED Platinum. They also facilitate comprehensive, ongoing energy and resource management, aligning with global standards.
Interactive dashboards enhance the user experience. These allow employees to personalise their workspace environments based on individual and sensory preferences.
This initiative is part of the broader goal to create an inclusive workplace, as envisioned by HSBC leadership. Efforts focused on accommodating neurodiversity and sensory sensitivities include varied environmental settings like quiet, loud or brightly lit spaces.
Furthermore, wayfinding and amenity dashboards display real-time space performance data such as noise and light levels. These tools are designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring usability for individuals with visual impairments, including those with colour blindness.
Continual monitoring and optimisation are achieved through advanced algorithms in the digital twin. These assessments align space utilisation with real-time needs, allowing HSBC to make informed decisions about space management. This ensures the building’s layout and resources are optimised.
The technology we deployed supports flexible work environments and hybrid work models – responding adaptively to various business and employee needs. I think what’s most revolutionary is the way that data is gathered, ingested and held in a place where it can be used later on for things that we didn’t envision on Day One.
Sam Allen, Associate Director, M Moser AssociatesOur work with HSBC and the ongoing impact of these technologies continue to set standards for future developments within the company’s portfolio. This showcases the long-term value of integrating advanced technological solutions into workplace design.
This project succeeded thanks to M Moser’s integrated and multidisciplinary approach. By combining strategy, design, engineering and technology, we break down barriers and create holistic solutions that benefit people, the planet and business.
“This project, through its challenges and innovations, sets a new standard for the future of workplace design, demonstrating that the true value of technology investment is realised over time and with a continuous commitment to adaptation and improvement. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to HSBC for their visionary leadership and dedication to advancing the state of the art for the entire industry.” Sam Allen, Associate Director, M Moser Associates
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