North American Headquarters Technical and Innovation Center
Connecting People, Products, and Purpose
For more than six decades, Autoliv has been a global leader in automotive safety systems, developing life-saving technologies across 27 countries. But in North America, the company’s Auburn Hills operations had grown fragmented, spread across multiple facilities that limited collaboration and visibility. HED was first engaged to conduct a feasibility study, which confirmed what leadership suspected: the best path forward was not just a renovation, but the creation of a new consolidated North American Headquarters Technical and Innovation Center.
The goals were ambitious and clear. The new facility needed to attract and retain top talent, bring engineers closer together to accelerate collaboration, and put product innovation at the center of both the workplace and the customer experience.
The design process involved extensive work sessions with staff and leadership, enabling HED to align Autoliv’s business goals, product identity, and processes with creative facility solutions.
The resulting three-story center combines new construction with an existing structure, overcoming the challenges of a narrow site through thoughtful planning and efficient use of space. Every square foot supports function, from circulation pathways that connect departments seamlessly to customer-focused routes that choreograph a purposeful experience from arrival to demonstration.
“Working with HED has proven to be a great experience in many aspects. On day one, the goals and vision for our new Technical Center was brought to life on paper. Several months later, the project was realized and our expectations surpassed.”
Architectural transparency plays a central role. Glazing and open interiors maximize daylight while creating visual connectivity between teams. Throughout the building, Autoliv products are integrated into the environment—displayed prominently in the lobby, embedded in walls, and visible across collaborative zones—reminding employees of the life-saving mission driving their work. By making the product an ever-present element of the workplace, the facility reinforces culture, inspires pride, and connects employees to the outcomes of their innovation.
The building itself was designed for both performance and flexibility. Mechanical and control systems optimize comfort while accommodating future growth. Strategic use of materials, wayfinding cues, and lighting functions enhance both customer and employee experiences. The facility is outwardly visible from nearby highways, serving as a physical and symbolic representation of the brand to the broader community.
HED’s integrated design approach helped Autoliv create a headquarters that does more than house people and programs. It embodies a culture of openness, collaboration, and purpose. For employees, the building provides tools and spaces to innovate. For customers, it delivers a curated, transparent experience that reflects the company’s values. And for Autoliv, it establishes a North American home that connects people, products, and purpose in one unified space.
