MATTER Offices – Chicago
Gensler’s MATTER Offices in Chicago masterfully blend innovative design and adaptability, fostering community and collaboration within a vibrant environment that echoes the dynamic spirit of healthcare entrepreneurship.
MATTER’s long-standing design partnership with Gensler began in 2016, when the healthcare innovation incubator first engaged the firm to transform its workplace. Since then, the two teams have collaborated on multiple iterations of MATTER’s environment, each evolving in response to the growing needs of its startup ecosystem. Located along THE MART’s most active corridor in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, MATTER’s new office represents a refined expression of the brand, building on familiar design elements while introducing impactful upgrades that support connection, visibility, and wellness.
Dichromatic film marks the glass façade, engaging passersby while creating a dynamic entry sequence and providing privacy. MATTER’s main event space is positioned prominently at the entry, signaling openness and community and reinforcing its role as a gathering place for healthcare innovation. Inside, the film continues through the lobby and event space, casting prismatic colors that shift throughout the day.
Co-working areas line the windows to capture daylight and expansive views of the Chicago River, while an open, adaptable layout accommodates both collaboration and focused work. A warm palette of wood and natural finishes is paired with bold, digital-inspired colors, underscoring MATTER’s innovative identity and referencing familiar elements from its previous space. Repurposed furnishings promote sustainability while enabling investment in high-impact design features.
Flexibility is central to the workplace strategy, reflecting post-pandemic work patterns and MATTER’s diverse needs. Members can choose from lounge seating, shared tables, phone rooms, or enclosed meeting spaces throughout the day. At the heart of the office, the “Matterverse” features a rotating wall that allows seamless reconfiguration, from intimate gatherings to large-scale events, embodying the adaptability and experimentation at the core of MATTER’s culture.
Together, the space supports connection, exchange, and discovery, placing MATTER’s community at the center of the workplace experience.
Design: Gensler
Gensler Team: Eric Gannon, Hao Phung, Sarah Adams, Anna Nelson, Franklin Guttman
Contractor: Skyline Construction
Photography: Gensler/Gillian Fry
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