Gensler designed the offices for Hudson River Trading, a financial technology company located in New York City, New York.

When this innovative fintech company required new offices to accommodate their growing workforce, they turned to Gensler to design their new, multi-level headquarters in 4 World Trade Center. Numbering over 200 employees and constantly expanding, Hudson River Trading’s (HRT) team is made up of engineers, mathematicians, and coders working together to develop automated trading algorithms. However, they realized design intervention was necessary to prepare them for growth and embody their workforce’s diverse passions: finance, technology, engineering, fitness, and fun.

The new open workplace spans the 58th and 59th floors of 4WTC and allows for flexibility and staff expansion. Offices and meeting rooms are pushed towards the building’s core to maximize natural light and to ensure uninterrupted, expansive downtown views from the workspace. Breakout locations are strategically placed to support spontaneous meetings with tools such as modular, adaptable furnishings and whiteboards to allow for quick workshops.

HRT wanted the office amenities to reflect their inclusive ‘culture of togetherness’ and build community in a place that their employees could call home. Gensler placed the roof terrace and café and kitchen assembly areas adjacent to each other for ease of gathering. These communal spaces are supplemented by a full gym and a game room and lounge to provide moments of relief and hospitality during the day. A full-service foodservice staff provides complimentary breakfast and lunch to encourage team togetherness. The floors are connected by a massive, interconnecting bleacher stair, allowing for airy, vertical sightlines that are emphasized by a double-height mural by MOMO. Other bright flourishes of environmental graphics and site-specific art, such as a ping-pong wall installation, shifting neon light system, and alternating floor/wall logo variations visually communicate HRT’s playful brand and culture throughout the space.

HRT’s new home contrasts functional and playful, light and dark materiality, and reinforces the company’s ethos and culture. Beautifully detailed, the space retains a fun casualness and culturally-rich approachability that HRT, the industry’s leading algorithmic traders, can use to keep their current staff engaged and recruit new talent.

Designer: Gensler

Photography: Garrett Rowland

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