LeBron James Innovation Center on Nike Campus

The architects of the Olson Kundig bureau designed an innovation center on the Nike campus, named after the legend of American sports. 

Инновационный центр имени Леброна Джеймса в кампусе Nike

Photo: Nike

LeBron James, an American basketball star, has been distinguished by outstanding abilities since childhood. His basketball career brought him great fame. However, during his life, he not only became one of the most titled NBA players, but also managed to prove himself in other areas: for example, he starred in several blockbusters, became the host of a TV show on HBO, as well as co—owner of a popular pizza chain — in general, the list of his achievements is as endless as the number of comments in a YouTube video with his participation. Now, the LeBron James Innovation Center has opened on the Nike campus.

Инновационный центр имени Леброна Джеймса в кампусе Nike

Architect Tom Kunding (second from left) stands near the building of the innovation center.Photo: Nike

The 70,000 m2 building is located on the territory of the Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. The center plans to develop sports science, including the introduction of new technologies in the creation of sportswear and footwear. This building, like the athlete after whom it is named, certainly attracts attention. Although architecture is usually static, this center is rather an exception to the rule. “When I saw the building for the first time,” says LeBron James, «I looked up and it seemed to me that it was growing before my eyes, getting taller and taller.» Probably, many of James’ rivals think about the same thing when he makes a jump up during the game.

Инновационный центр имени Леброна Джеймса в кампусе Nike

Photo: Nike

The first thing that catches the eye of visitors is the front part of the building, which protrudes forward. There is a large part of the Nike research laboratory (its area is almost 8000 m2), a basketball court, a 200-meter running track and a training field with artificial turf. But this laboratory is truly unique thanks to the world’s largest motion capture studio, which allows you to track and shoot human movements in detail — it includes more than 400 special cameras and 97 power plates. The latter are so sensitive that they can measure the pulse of a person in a stationary state.

Инновационный центр имени Леброна Джеймса в кампусе Nike

The Nike research laboratory is located on the top floor of the center.Photo: Nike

However, when designing the ledge, the architects faced a difficulty: the fact is that such a laboratory could not be located on the top floor, as they wanted. Architect Tom Kundig had to show considerable ingenuity to bring the project to life the way it was conceived. “We asked the civil engineer what material would be able to withstand such a massive structure by weight, to which he gave an unambiguous answer: plates in the form of a waffle iron,» says Kundig. «And as it turned out, it was a really good decision.”

Инновационный центр имени Леброна Джеймса в кампусе Nike

At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a stand with LeBron James shoes, in which he won various trophies.Photo: Nike

Interestingly, this case echoes a long history dating back to the origins of Nike. “One day Nike co—founder Bill Bowerman broke his wife’s waffle iron,” begins Tinker Hatfield, legendary sneaker designer and current vice president of design and special projects at Nike. In the early 1970s, Bowerman worked on creating a rubber sole for new shoes that would be durable, but at the same time light — for this he just needed the material from which the waffle iron is made. And so the iconic sole from the “waffle iron» was born. “But you know, Bowerman’s wife never prevented her husband from spoiling the waffle iron,» Hatfield continues. — After all, she knew that in the long run it would be for the good. In experiments, people often make mistakes and fail, but then after a long search they achieve their goal.”

Инновационный центр имени Леброна Джеймса в кампусе Nike

LeBron James trains in a gym with a special floor covering. Empty circles mean that LeBron missed when making a throw from this place, and filled ones mean his hits in the ring. Photo: Nike

There is a ramp with a length of more than 150 m next to the main entrance. It was designed not for aesthetic reasons (although, I must say, it looks attractive), but in order for athletes to have the opportunity to train on the surface with a slope. Thus, the architects from the Olson Kundig bureau designed the facade of the building to be both functional and original.

Инновационный центр имени Леброна Джеймса в кампусе Nike

The office premises are designed according to the open principle. Most of the connecting elements between floors, such as stairs, are made of steel. «I think steel is a wonderful material,» says Tom Kundig, «depending on how you fold it, weld it, or shape it, you can turn it into a work of art.»Photo: Nike

As for the interior of the innovation center, it turned out to be quite restrained. Perhaps the most important part of the building for LeBron himself is the Glo’s restaurant, named after his mother, Gloria Marie James. The walls of the restaurant depict key scenes from LeBron’s sporting career, as well as his early basketball trophies.

Инновационный центр имени Леброна Джеймса в кампусе Nike

Photo: Nike

With the opening of the innovation center, Nike hopes to improve the performance of athletes by raising them to a higher level — big data analysis and new clothing from the brand should especially help in this. 36-year-old LeBron James (a man who will give odds to any athlete, even half his age) shows by his personal example that there is no limit to perfection and there is always something to strive for. “I think it’s quite logical that the Nike innovation center is named after me,“ says James, ”because I’m always trying to improve and I want to prove that there are no age restrictions or «prime of strength.» Perhaps we should add that LeBron could also be a good motivational speaker.

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