LinkedIn expressed their desire to be playful, yet highly professional in tone for their offices at 455 Mary. This led to ‘Finding Our Common Thread,’ a whimsical theme centered around different types of communications, aimed to both connect and energize the building’s existing circulation.

Using a graduated color scheme allotted by floor, the artwork and wayfinding work in tandem throughout the building. Each story follows a subtheme of the common thread, represented by one of three modes of communication: analogue, human and digital.

Digital is celebrated on the fourth floor through text, calls, voicemails and emails—all 1’s and 0’s that keep us connected.

On the third floor, the sharing of ideas, conversation about processes in various languages, listening to others and learning new perspectives come together as part of the Human Transformation.

Following paths, assisting others to connect the dots, brushing up on sign language or even saying hello with a tin can phone—are all analogue forms of communication artistically expressed on the second floor.

Visitors are greeted with LinkedIn’s three-dimensional logo upon entry, internally referred to as an “InBug.” It is composed from a blend of common and sustainable materials—blue fabrics, threaded frames, acrylics and painted woods.

LinkedIn 455 Mary

When LinkedIn acquired two buildings in Sunnyvale, California; it was clear that they would require a significant amount of work for these offices to feel like their new home. Built in 1986, the interiors were characterized by stark white and gray finishes among curving soffits and grids of acoustical tiles. To accommodate their workforce in the short term, the company adopted a phased approach, making temporary improvements to one of the existing buildings, while occupying the other immediately. The idea was to limit their resources, knowing that in two-to-three years, a larger, architectural renovation would take place to fully update the building. With this in mind, designers were challenged to express the brand with artwork made from recycled materials, paints and wall coverings that could be easily replaced.

Through a series of visioning sessions, the client expressed their desire to be playful, yet highly professional in tone. The process led to the ‘common thread,’ a whimsical theme centered around different types of communications, aimed to both connect and energize the building’s existing circulation.

Upon entering the lobby, visitors are greeted with LinkedIn’s three-dimensional logo, internally referred to as an “InBug.” Composed from a blend of common and sustainable materials—blue fabrics, threaded frames, acrylics and painted woods—the combined layers form the corporate emblem and represent the company’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive community. The adjacent double-height wall is backed with diagonal particle board slats, that contrast the white acrylic word mark on the ground floor and the typographic neon artwork visible on the mezzanine that reads “build stuff people love.”

Using a graduated color scheme allotted by floor, the artwork and wayfinding work in tandem throughout the building. Each story follows a subtheme of the common thread, represented by one of three modes of communication and collaboration: analogue, human and digital. LinkedIn holds their values to a high regard, which is why they’re represented on each floor with art.

Following paths, assisting others to connect the dots, brushing up on sign language or even saying hello with a tin can phone—all analogue forms of communication artistically expressed on the second floor. On the third, the sharing of ideas, conversation about processes in various languages, listening to others and learning new perspectives; all part of the Human Transformation. Digital is celebrated on the fourth floor through text, calls, voicemails and emails—all 1’s and 0’s that keep us connected.

LinkedIn’s new Sunnyvale offices are a colorful manifestation of their aspirations. As the builder of a software intended for professional networks, the company holds the concept of connection to a much higher regard with deep rooted values aimed at cultivating a culture of transformation, integrity, collaboration, humor and results. As stated in their handbook, “as you move throughout the space of 455 Mary, you will find symbols of the LinkedIn culture and a common thread of details that connects us all.”