General Motors has recently undergone a nearly $2 billion renovation of its historic 1956 technical center, designed by renowned modernist architect Eero Saarinen. The result is a state-of-the-art facility that has been dubbed the ‘Willy Wonka Factory for Car Design’ by industry insiders.
Inside this newly updated design headquarters, over 1,000 employees are hard at work sculpting clay models of Cadillacs and Buicks, as well as utilizing virtual reality technology to envision the interiors of future cars. This innovative approach to car design is helping GM stay at the forefront of the automotive industry, while also paying homage to its rich history.
The Wall Street Journal recently took a tour of the design headquarters to see firsthand how GM is future-proofing car design while still maintaining a connection to its past. The tour showcased the various upgrades to the office space, including the Design Dome where designers collaborate on new concepts and ideas.
By connecting GM’s past with its future, the company is ensuring that its design process remains cutting-edge and continues to push the boundaries of automotive innovation. As part of the WSJ’s Open Office series, viewers were given a glimpse into the unique amenities and design features that set GM’s office apart from the rest.
Overall, GM’s newly updated design headquarters serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to excellence and creativity in the world of car design. With a focus on innovation and a nod to its storied history, GM is setting the standard for future automotive design.
Watch the video by The Wall Street Journal
Video “Inside GM’s Newly Updated $2B ‘Willy Wonka Factory for Car Design’ | WSJ Open Office” was uploaded on 10/24/2024 to Youtube Channel The Wall Street Journal
Wow, Cadillac vehicles look so beautiful
Does anyone else miss the 1950s-1960s? I know I'm a millennial, but I can't help wondering if life might have been better back then, before all the focus on 'wokeness' and DEI. At least people were creating and innovating during that time. Plus, I bet even the burgers were bigger!
No way I’m pretty esrly
Really like how they made the building modern while keeping it comforting and also a throwback to the og design
GM shareholders might be wondering why they’re spending $2 billion on office upgrades for innovation 😅
Still gonna make unreliable vehicle.
Go confront the person who designed the new Corvette
Since 1980s auto shows Cadillac had the best looking concept cars but never in production? Why the fear?
Is GM a luxury brand??
They have clearly lost their way. That’s a very fancy office to design unreliable cars for the upper class.
A lot of companies go bust after building a new head office. Good luck.
How much of that 2 Billion came from taxpayers money
Need to invest on making reliable cars, not overpriced junk
I like how they use photo studio ideas in to design space, like black sealing that reduce light glare from top and enhance contrast.
Wsj is not credible anymore
The narrator speaks from a lower throat, very hard to comprehend.
GM doesn't need a studio. All they make any more are trucks, Cadillacs, and the Corvette.
Pathetic attempt to try to look like a “tech” company.
Impressive investment GM, future of cars is here! 🚗
Can they spend that money on making normal sized, practical trucks?
Just look at the surrounding area though. It's hardly inspiring.
The title and thumbnail are to give the impression it's a chocolate car. That is ugly click bait.
and they will still turnout boring looking vehicles except for Cadillac where they only turn out over styled vehicles because there isn't someone who knows when to say no.
What a waste of money maybe they should focus on their cars
Cue all the agenda driven comments…
As a Finn, I'm really surprised that a Finn designed the original center… So cool! 😀
wsj gets custom made car there
They don't seem to have the same sense of urgency as Tesla leaders.
BAD ENGINES GARAGE MEAT
Yeah, Warren Michigan the epicenter for creativity and forward thinking.
And yet they are abandoning CarPlay. A shame.
so much thought put into looking at the past for a company that isn't competitive and headed to bankruptcy with failed leadership – don't worry, Elon will clean you guys up
They're surprisingly forward and honest in this.
Lithium Americas says GM boosts investment in lithium project: https://on.wsj.com/3A2C4Y2