SOM Becomes a “Science-Based Targets Initiative” Validated Organization

SOM is now a Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validated organization. SBTi validated SOM’s targets to reduce Scopes 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 67 percent in absolute terms from 2019 levels by 2033 in line with a 1.5-degree scenario. We have also committed to reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions from the use … Continued

SOM Shapes Building Code Guidelines to Increase Office-to-Residential Conversions in San Francisco

The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection has introduced new building code guidelines clarifying adaptive reuse code provisions and exceptions for converting office-to-residential buildings, aiming to increase the viability of converting underutilized office buildings into housing in specific zoning districts downtown.  Led by SOM Adaptive Reuse Practice Leader and Associate Principal Lisa Follman, the Commercial-to-Residential … Continued

CIMC Global Headquarters in Shenzhen Breaks Ground

Landmark tower to set a new standard in sustainable design, serving more than 60,000 employees by 2029 Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), in partnership with China International Marine Containers Group (CIMC) has officially broken ground on the global headquarters in Shenzhen, marking the start of construction on a new landmark in the district of Qianhai. … Continued

SOM and gad to Design Hangzhou Science and Technology Innovation District

Together with China-based architecture firm gad, we have won the international competition to design the Hangzhou Science and Technology Innovation Central Business District (CBD) in Hangzhou, the capital of China’s Zhejiang province. The master plan envisions a dynamic regional hub that integrates advanced transit connections with the characteristic landscape of the Jiangnan region, creating a … Continued

Peter Jackson on the Future of Tall Residential-Led Buildings

What’s next for tall residential-led buildings? Principal Peter Jackson writes about the latest advances in tall building design for residential property journal PrimeResi, explaining how SOM’s newest program designs attract and retain residents. Showcasing Thames City in London and Gothenburg’s Karlatornet, Jackson advocates for a greater mix of use and amenities in residential-led developments to … Continued

SOM to Redevelop 95th and 96th Floors at Former John Hancock Center

We’re honored to return to one of SOM’s most defining projects, the John Hancock Center (now 875 N. Michigan Avenue), where we’ve been entrusted with the redesign of its iconic 95th and 96th floors. This collaboration with Magnicity, the parent company of 360 CHICAGO, presents a unique opportunity to refresh and elevate this historic space—known … Continued

U.S. DOT’s Volpe Center Wins Wayfinding and Signage Awards

At the U.S. DOT Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, our Graphics + Brand studio developed a comprehensive signage and wayfinding strategy that not only makes the building easy to navigate, but also reflects the institution’s identity as a transportation research center. And for it, the project won two awards, the 365: American Institute of Graphic … Continued

Applications for SOM’s 2025 Winter Shadowship Now Open

Applications are now open for the next edition of SOM’s annual Winter Shadowship, taking place January 13-17, 2025. This week-long program offers an immersive professional experience, mentorship, and guidance to students planning careers in architecture, engineering, urban planning, graphic design, or interior design and who share a passion for advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in … Continued

Recognizing 50 Years of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

We’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the Smithsonian’s national museum of modern and contemporary art, and one of our most significant legacy projects. Led by Gordon Bunshaft, we created a unique structure for a singular art collection with an open, circular design that intrigues visitors along the National Mall … Continued

Lower Manhattan Projects Featured in the New York Post

We have a long history of revitalizing the urban landscape of Lower Manhattan. Most recently, we returned to two of our historic office buildings, and the New York Post reported on our latest renovation work.  With the Financial District having evolved into a 24-hour mixed-use neighborhood, we returned to 28 Liberty—formerly One Chase Manhattan Plaza—to … Continued