Subway Offices – Shelton
HLW designed Subway’s headquarters in Shelton, highlighting brand freshness and quality through color-coded wayfinding, ingredient-inspired elements, biophilic features, and a Connecticut-rooted design ethos.
For the design of Subway’s headquarters in Shelton, Connecticut, the brand wanted the space to be a testament to the brand’s commitment to freshness, quality, and innovation. Drawing inspiration from Subway’s core values and its dedication to providing freshly made food, HLW made the brand’s headquarters more than just a workspace; it’s a sub-perbly craveable world that prioritizes the needs of its users through thoughtful design.
From the moment employees, franchisees, and guests step inside, they are greeted by signature shades of Subway Green® and Subway Yellow®, creating a visually striking environment that immediately immerses them in the Subway experience. The color-coded wayfinding strategy, based on Subway’s six flavor profiles, not only guides navigation but also offers a taste of the brand’s identity at every turn.
Throughout the space, design elements inspired by Subway’s ingredients, such as lettuce, cucumbers, spinach, avocado, and peppers, are integrated seamlessly, infusing the workplace with an approachable flair that reflects the brand’s commitment to freshness and quality. From ingredient-themed pantries to a compact test kitchen and a small film studio, every aspect of the headquarters is designed to celebrate Subway’s culinary heritage.
The design prioritizes employee wellness, with features like a 15-foot-wide moss wall behind reception, biophilic elements, and an abundance of natural light and plants throughout the space. The Lounge, a dedicated gathering space, combines energizing color schemes and patterns with eco-friendly materials, creating a serene environment where employees can relax and recharge.
Beyond aesthetics, the design also pays homage to Subway’s Connecticut roots, with localized elements like “Easter Egg-like” plaques and an infographic pointing to Subway’s first Bridgeport shop. These subtle touches add depth to the space, fostering a sense of connection and pride among employees.
Subway’s Shelton headquarters sets a new standard for immersive workplace environments, seamlessly blending brand identity, user experience, and employee wellness into a modern and fresh, playfully sophisticated space that embodies the essence of Subway.
Design: HLW
Branding and Graphics: brandx
Lighting Consultant: Spark
Sustainability Consultant: BEYOND
Photography: Mike Van Tassel
