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North American HQ Technical and Innovation Center, Autoliv
Auburn Hills, MI
Product and people.
Putting the client’s mission at the core of design.
Aligning a client’s business, product, and processes with creative facilities design
For over six decades the Swedish automotive safety systems supplier Autoliv has demonstrated the ability to be responsive in real life safety solutions and automotive safety research and development in 27 countries. HED was initially hired to conduct a feasibility study to revamp the Autoliv North America headquarters. With the goals of attracting and retaining the best talent, bringing the technical/product development functions of their work to the forefront of the facility, bringing their engineers closer together to increase collaboration and innovation, and provide a state-of-the art engineering innovation center for their employees and customers, it became clear that the best solution was to consolidate the Auburn Hills operations in a new North American Headquarters Technical and Innovation Center.

This new center showcases the HED team’s ability to align a client’s business, product, and processes with creative facilities design and engineering solutions. Autoliv’s vision was brought to life by work sessions that engaged the users of the space and tremendous collaboration between all disciplines of HED and Autoliv. Through open communication, trust, and integration of innovative ideas, Autoliv North America Headquarters Technical and Innovation Center brings all engineers under one roof and puts Autoliv’s product and people at the core of its design. Throughout the facility, Autoliv products are visible to all employees and customers. Architectural transparency and visual connectivity enhance this corporate culture and overall wellbeing and productivity by engaging employees with the product, other teams, and natural daylight, creating a more dynamics and democratized space.

Marrying a new 3-story building to an existing structure and working with a narrow site brought challenges that required creative problem solving and extreme attention to detail. Every inch of this facility is equipped with functional design solutions. Special attention was given to pathways that connected every part of the building, allowing users to easily flow from one area to another. A clearly articulated and dynamic customer experience was another very important goal of this project and was curated through careful planning of customer circulation within the facility and the experience they will be engaged in during their visit at Autoliv.
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Results
The new technical workplace provides employees with the tools and resources needed for maximum collaboration and innovation.
The building architecture and control systems are designed to maximize daylight and views and provide optimum occupant comfort while accommodating future growth and flexibility.
Enhanced customer and employee experience is achieved by not only the architecture of the building, but also through creative use of materials, wayfinding cues, and strategically designed millwork and lighting functions.
Accessibility and visibility of the product helps engage employees to the work they do and is displayed upon entering the building and throughout the facility in different shapes and forms.
The new 3-story building is visible from major highways, drawing attention to the building and Autoliv’s brand. Visibility and transparency goals of the company is carried through inside and outside of the building.
Working with HED has proven to be a great experience in many aspects. On day one the goals and vision for our new Technical Center was brought to life on paper. Several months later the project was realized and our expectations surpassed.”
Patrick Patercsak
Facilities Manager
Autoliv
Putting the client’s mission at the core of design.
North American HQ Technical and Innovation Center, Autoliv
Auburn Hills, MI
PROJECT DATA
Product and people.