PROJECT

IMI

A World Closer: where news, people and place intersect

Transforming IMI's headquarters into living environments where global stories unfold in real-time

Global media group, IMI, has unveiled a comprehensive rebrand to coincide with its move into a new state-of-the-art headquarters in the UAE. The project brought together Wiedmann Lampe, Universal Design Studio and FIELD.IO who collaborated on a cohesive vision spanning brand identity, spatial design, and digital experience.

As the region’s most AI-enabled media company, IMI is entering a new chapter that defines a refreshed direction and identity. Its vision is encapsulated in “a world closer,” reflecting a commitment to fostering connection, a greater understanding, and empathy across borders, cultures, and perspectives.

“The ambition was to bring many different organisational cultures under one umbrella. The challenge was to craft a purpose to enable the different businesses and people to maintain their individual identity while also sharing a wider culture.” – Benji Wiedemann, Co-Founder and Executive Creative Director at Wiedemann Lampe

Universal Design Studio designed the seven-floor HQ to showcase IMI’s innovation, foster collaboration, encourage communication and help the company become an iconic media destination in the UAE. The spatial identity transforms the corporate headquarters into living spaces where global stories unfold in real-time. Elevating the Abu Dhabi HQ as both an innovative and cultural destination, turning news consumption into an artful and informative experience that makes world news feel tangible and interconnected.

The interiors include the IMI Yas Welcome Centre, a reception area designed to be an artful representation of IMI’s brand. It features the Interactive Global News Lens – an emotionally-engaging and functional news experience – through which visitors use a touch-screen device to control the screen, taking them on a journey into global news stories. The AI interface helps to surface relevant story connections and context by category and location within the 72 hours space in time.

Universal Design Studio designed The Newstand, lined with a carefully curated collection of limited- edition books to showcase the importance of physical records of history and promote round table discussion and thought leadership.

Bespoke illuminated colour gradients transition from the ceiling to the floor to guide visitors towards the largest broadcasting studio in the region. As the news is 24 hours, the sequence of spaces allows for moments of engagement and activity as well as recharge across all floors of the HQ.

“This was a unique opportunity to showcase IMI’s bold, optimistic vision across the physical environment at their HQ in the heart of Yas Creative Hub. This was an inspiring project of true collaboration, through the layering of art, digital content and craft to showcase the bold, innovative and inspiring ecosystem of IMI.” – Suzanne Gaballa, Director at Universal

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Universal Design Studio is an architecture and interior design practice based in London & New York

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