Most Expensive Headquarters in the World
Written by Jaya Pathak
It is said that money is not everything because it can not make someone happy. But it’s not true at all. Money can buy happiness as well and can put a big and satisfying smile on your face. From a very basic item to a bit expensive thing, we need to have money in our pocket. A grocery shop to a jewellery shop, money is needed everywhere. But the prices of materials are touching the sky.
But the question arises why everything is becoming expensive? From vegetables to the flight tickets, the price is raising high. But there can be several reasons why things may appear expensive which includes :-
- Supply and demand: When the demand for a product or service exceeds its supply, the price tends to go up. This can happen due to various factors, such as limited availability, increased consumer interest, or scarcity of resources required for production.
- Inflation: Over time, the general price level of goods and services in an economy tends to rise due to inflation. Inflation erodes the purchasing power of money, making prices higher for consumers.
- Market competition: In some cases, lack of competition in a market can result in higher prices. When there are fewer options for consumers to choose from, businesses may have more flexibility to set higher prices.
- Currency fluctuations: If the value of a currency depreciates, it can lead to higher prices for imported goods, as it takes more of the local currency to purchase the same amount of foreign currency needed for imports.
There are some people who spend their money in making expensive houses while some are fond of buying expensive jewelleries. Some individuals spend their money in buying branded clothes that will be expensive obviously. As we are discussing much about money and expenses so in this article, we will discuss about few expensive headquarters globally. Here presenting the list of few expensive headquarters globally:-
01. Nike:-
Nike, Inc. is an American multinational corporation known for its design, development, manufacturing, and marketing of footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories, and services. The company is headquartered in the Portland metropolitan area near Beaverton, Oregon. Nike is the world’s largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel and is also a major manufacturer of sports equipment.
- The company was founded on January 25, 1964, originally under the name “Blue Ribbon Sports,” by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight. It officially became Nike, Inc. on May 30, 1971. The name “Nike” is derived from the Greek goddess of victory.
- Nike markets its products under various brand names, including Nike Golf, Nike Pro, Nike+, Air Jordan, Nike Blazers, Air Force 1, Nike Dunk, Air Max, Foamposite, Nike Skateboarding, Nike CR7, and subsidiaries such as Air Jordan and Converse. Over the years, Nike has acquired and previously owned brands such as Cole Haan, Umbro, Hurley International, and Bauer Hockey.
- In addition to manufacturing sportswear and equipment, Nike operates retail stores under the Niketown name. The company sponsors numerous high-profile athletes and sports teams worldwide and is well-known for its slogans “Just Do It” and its iconic Swoosh logo. As of 2022, Nike had revenue exceeding US$46 billion in its fiscal year. The company had around 79,100 employees as of May 2022. Nike is widely recognized as one of the most valuable brands in the sports industry.
- Nike’s world headquarters are located near Oregon. In 2005, Nike successfully lobbied for protection against forced annexation by the city of Beaverton through Oregon Senate Bill 887. The company has plans to expand its headquarters with a 2 million square foot expansion that focuses on sustainability and environmental features.
02. Apple:-
Apple’s headquarters is also called the corporate headquarters of Apple Inc. It is located in Cupertino, California, United States. The construction of Apple Park began in 2013, and it was opened to employees in April 2017. It serves as the company’s corporate headquarters and replaced Apple Infinite Loop, which had been the previous headquarters since 1993.
- The main building at Apple Park has a distinctive circular design and is often referred to as “the spaceship” due to its shape. The building was designed by architect Norman Foster and his firm Foster and Partners. It is a four-story building above ground and three stories underground. The circular design houses more than 12,000 employees and has a diameter of 0.46 km (0.29 mi). The building is surrounded by approximately 64 acres of green space, including a 30-acre park with fruit trees and pathways inspired by California orchards.
- The construction of Apple Park utilized advanced architectural and engineering techniques. The building features curved glass walls and a seamless design, with meticulous attention to detail. The interior wood used for furniture was sourced from a specific species of maple. The campus also incorporates sustainable and energy-efficient features, such as solar panels on the roof and natural ventilation systems.
The total cost of Apple Park was estimated to be around $5 billion, with the land cost estimated at $160 million. The campus is one of the most energy-efficient buildings in the world and has received LEED Platinum certification for its sustainable design and practices.
03. Googleplex:-
The Googleplex is the corporate headquarters complex of Google and its parent company, Alphabet Inc. It is situated at 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway in Mountain View, California. The original complex, built in July 2004, covers an area of 2 million square feet (190,000 square meters) and is the second largest assembly of Google buildings in terms of square footage, surpassed only by Google’s 111 Eighth Avenue building in New York City.
- The term “Googleplex” is a combination of “Google” and “complex,” referring to the complex of buildings that make up the headquarters. It is also a play on the word “googolplex,” which is a mathematical term representing the number 10^(10^100), or 10 raised to the power of a googol.
- The Googleplex is located in Mountain View, close to Shoreline Park wetlands, between Charleston Road, Amphitheatre Parkway, and Shoreline Boulevard. Google provides free Wi-Fi-enabled shuttle buses for employees commuting from San Francisco, the East Bay, and South Bay. These shuttles use a fuel blend of 95% petroleum diesel and 5% biodiesel and incorporate emissions reduction technology. The Shoreline Amphitheatre and Intuit are situated to the north of the Googleplex, while Microsoft Corporation’s Silicon Valley research complex, the Computer History Museum, and Century Theatres are located to the south. Moffett Field is situated nearby to the east.
04. Microsoft:-
The Microsoft Redmond campus is the corporate headquarters of Microsoft, located in Redmond, Washington, United States. It is part of the Seattle metropolitan area. Microsoft moved to the campus on February 26, 1986, just before going public on March 13 of the same year. The headquarters has undergone multiple expansions since its establishment and is currently estimated to encompass over 8 million square feet (740,000 m2) of office space and have over 50,000 employees.
- The campus consists of 83 buildings spread over an area of 502 acres (203 hectares). In addition to the main campus in Redmond, Microsoft also has offices in the Eastside suburbs of Seattle, including Bellevue and Issaquah. Building 92 on the campus houses the Microsoft Visitor Centre, which features interactive exhibits and a store open to the public.
- In recent years, Microsoft has undergone further expansion and redevelopment of its Redmond campus. In 2017, the company announced plans to demolish 12 older buildings and replace them with 18 new buildings, creating space for an additional 8,000 employees. The new buildings are designed to resemble an urban neighbourhood, with an open space featuring sports fields, retail space, and hiking trails. The expansion is scheduled to open in 2023 and will include 17 office buildings and four floors of underground parking with capacity for 6,500 vehicles.
- Transportation to the campus is facilitated by the nearby Redmond Technology light rail station, which will be connected to the new campus buildings via a pedestrian bridge. The campus also incorporates sustainable features, such as a geothermal energy system utilizing 875 wells and 220 miles (350 kilometres) of water pipes flow.
05. Samsung:-
Samsung Group, also known simply as Samsung, is a South Korean multinational conglomerate. It is headquartered in Samsung Town, Seoul, South Korea. Samsung Group consists of numerous affiliated businesses, most of which are united under the Samsung brand. It is the largest business conglomerate in South Korea and has a significant global presence.
- Samsung was founded by Lee Byung-chul in 1938 as a trading company. Over the years, it diversified into various industries such as food processing, textiles, insurance, securities, retail, electronics, construction, shipbuilding, and more. After Lee’s death in 1987, Samsung was divided into five business groups: Samsung Group, Shinsegae Group, CJ Group and Hansol Group, and JoongAng Group.
- Some of the notable industrial affiliates of Samsung include Samsung Electronics (the world’s largest information technology company and consumer electronics maker), Samsung Heavy Industries (one of the world’s largest shipbuilders), Samsung Engineering and Samsung C&T Corporation (construction companies), Samsung Life Insurance, Samsung Everland (operator of Everland Resort), and Cheil Worldwide (an advertising agency).
- Samsung Electronics, in particular, is a major player in the global market, producing a wide range of consumer electronics, semiconductors, and electronic components. It is known for its flagship smartphone series, televisions, home appliances, and other technological innovations.
- Samsung has made significant investments in advertising and marketing. In 2013, it spent an estimated $14 billion on advertising and marketing, making it one of the world’s biggest advertisers. The company has also been involved in various controversies throughout its history.
06. Facebook:-
Facebook is an online social media and social networking service owned by Meta Platforms, an American technology giant. It was created in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg, along with his Harvard College roommates Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes. The name “Facebook” derives from the face book directories often given to American university students.
- Initially, membership on Facebook was limited to Harvard students, but it gradually expanded to include other North American universities and, since 2006, anyone over 13 years old. As of December 2022, Facebook claimed to have 2.96 billion monthly active users, making it one of the most visited websites worldwide. It was also the most downloaded mobile app of the 2010s.
- Facebook allows users to create profiles and share text, photos, and multimedia content with other users who have agreed to be their “friends.” The service also provides features such as Messenger for direct communication, common-interest groups, and notifications about the activities of friends and followed pages.
- However, Facebook has faced numerous controversies and criticisms over the years. It has been criticized for issues related to user privacy, political manipulation, mass surveillance, addiction, low self-esteem, and the spread of fake news, conspiracy theories, copyright infringement, and hate speech. Some commentators have accused Facebook of facilitating the spread of such content and inflating its user numbers to attract advertisers.
- The headquarters of Facebook, or Meta Platforms, is located in Menlo Park, California, United States. The headquarters campus is spread over a large area and includes several buildings. The main building is known as MPK20, which is a large, modern facility. The campus also features various amenities and recreational space for its employees.
07. Amazon:-
Amazon HQ2 is the expansion of Amazon’s corporate headquarters, originally based in Seattle, Washington. The new headquarters is located in Crystal City, Arlington, Virginia. The construction of Phase I, which is expected to have a capacity for 14,000 employees, was scheduled to open in June 2023. However, construction on Phase II has been delayed, and there is currently no specified timeline for its development.
- The office complex of Amazon HQ2, known as the Metropolitan Park, encompasses a planned total floor area of 6,000,000 square feet (557,400 square meters) for office space and 50,000 square feet (4,600 square meters) for retail space. As of the information available, approximately 2,100,000 square feet (195,100 square meters) are currently under construction. The architectural design of Amazon HQ2 is being carried out by ZGF Architects, while the main contractor for the project is Clark Construction.
- The announcement for Amazon HQ2 was made in September 2017, when Amazon requested proposals from governments and economic development organizations. The company sought tax breaks and other incentives to attract their headquarters. Amazon stated its intention to invest $5 billion in construction and employ 50,000 workers upon completion of HQ2.
- Amazon’s main headquarters, known as Amazon’s Corporate Headquarters or Amazon HQ1, is located in Seattle, Washington. The company’s main campus is situated in the South Lake Union neighbourhood and covers a significant area of the city. The headquarters complex consists of numerous buildings, including high-rise office towers and various facilities to support Amazon’s operations.
- Amazon’s Seattle headquarters serves as the central hub for the company’s global operations and houses a substantial number of its employees, including executives, engineers, product managers, and other staff members. The campus features state-of-the-art offices, meeting spaces, research and development facilities, data centres, and other amenities.
- The Seattle headquarters has played a pivotal role in Amazon’s growth and success as a global e-commerce and technology company. It serves as the centre for innovation, development of new products and services, and the coordination of Amazon’s vast operations worldwide.
08. Aldar Headquarters:-
The Aldar Headquarters building is a unique circular building located in Al Raha, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is the first of its kind in the Middle East. It is a commercial type office which is located in Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates with Coordinates: 24°26′28″N 54°34′31″E
- It was topped out in 2010 and completed in 2010. The owner of the headquarter is Aldar Properties. The roof of the building reaches a height of 110 meters (360 feet). The building has a total floor area of 61,900 square meters (666,000 square feet).
- The building was designed by MZ Architects. The main contractor for the project was ALDAR Laing O’Rourke.
- The unique circular shape of the building is achieved through the use of a structural diagrid, which is a diagonal grid of steel. The building also incorporates several elevators, including 12-passenger elevators, 2 service elevators, 3 mono-space elevators, 1 circular hydraulic lift, and 2 dumbwaiters. It has a total of 23 floors.
- One interesting aspect of the design is the use of the golden ratio. The extent to which the circle is embedded in the ground was designed around the golden ratio, which is a mathematical ratio often associated with aesthetic beauty.
09. BMW Headquarters:-
The BMW Headquarters, also known as the BMW Tower or BMW Hochhaus, is a high-rise building located in the Am Riesenfeld area of Munich, Germany. It serves as the global corporate headquarters of the German automaker BMW. The building was constructed between 1968 and 1972 and was ready in time for the 1972 Summer Olympics. It was officially inaugurated on May 18, 1973.
- Designed by Austrian architect Karl Schwanzer, the tower stands at a height of 101 meters (331 feet) and is situated next to the Olympiapark and BMW’s main factory. The exterior of the tower is designed to resemble four cylinders of a car engine, with the nearby BMW Museum representing a cylinder head. The tower consists of four vertical cylinders positioned next to and across from each other. Each cylinder is horizontally divided in the middle by a mould in the façade.
- An interesting feature of the tower is that it is suspended on a central support tower and does not stand directly on the ground. During construction, the floors were assembled on the ground and then elevated into place. The tower has a diameter of 52.30 meters (171.6 feet) and comprises 22 occupied floors, including two basements and 18 floors used as office space.
- Adjacent to the BMW Tower is the BMW Museum, which showcases the history and innovations of BMW. On the opposite side of the road, you will find BMW Welt, a facility that displays the current car models of BMW and serves as a distribution centre. BMW Welt opened on October 17, 2007.
- The BMW Headquarters is considered one of the most notable examples of modern architecture in Munich and was declared a protected historic building in 1999. Extensive renovations took place from 2004 to 2006 to maintain and enhance its architectural significance.
10. Infosys Headquarter:-
Infosys Limited is an Indian multinational information technology company that offers business consulting, information technology, and outsourcing services. It was founded in Pune, India, on July 2, 1981, by N. R. Narayana Murthy, Nandan Nilekani, Kris Gopalakrishnan, S. D. Shibulal, K. Dinesh, N. S. Raghavan, and Ashok Arora. The company is headquartered in Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
- As of March 2023, Infosys has approximately 343,234 employees. It operates globally, ऍserving clients worldwide. The company provides software development, maintenance, and independent validation services to various industries, including finance, insurance, and manufacturing.
- Infosys has a significant global presence with sales and marketing offices in 82 locations and development centres in 123 locations worldwide. It has a strong presence in India, the United States, China, Australia, Japan, the Middle East, and Europe.
- In terms of financials, as of 2023, Infosys reported an increase in revenue to ₹149,468 crore (approximately US$19 billion), operating income of ₹33,322 crore (approximately US$4.2 billion), net income of ₹24,108 crore (approximately US$3.0 billion), total assets of ₹125,816 crore (approximately US$16 billion), and total equity of ₹75,795 crore (approximately US$9.5 billion).
- Infosys is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) under the ticker symbol 500209, on the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) under the ticker symbol INFY, and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol INFY. It is also a constituent of the BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty 50 indices. The company has received numerous awards and recognition for its contributions to the IT industry. However, it has also been involved in some controversies over the years.
The headquarters that have been provided in the article are quite expensive in terms of money. Lot of money has been invested for the incarnation of such buildings. I hope the article will be helpful and able to clear some queries as well. But it is advised to do your own research and try to keep yourself updated.
