HNTB named to Most Innovative Companies list

Oakland, Calif. — The March 2015 issue of Fast Company magazine named HNTB Corporation as one of the World’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies of 2015 in Live Events. The firm ranked No. 3 on the list for its design of Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers.

“Fast Company including our firm among this prestigious list of companies is both an honor and a demonstration of HNTB’s expertise, creativity and commitment to delivering the very best in infrastructure solutions,” said Rob Slimp, P.E., HNTB CEO. “Levi’s Stadium sets the standard for all future outdoor entertainment venues. The combination of fan experience, sustainability, multimodality and state-of-the-art technology helped HNTB solidify its place among the most innovative companies in the world.”

According to Fast Company, the “Live Events” category where HNTB appears focused on changing the way we organize and experience live, shared events. In the article, the magazine calls Levi’s Stadium “the most environmentally friendly and connected stadium in the world” while recognizing its solar energy features and powerful stadium app.

“Many years in the making, HNTB-designed Levi’s Stadium is the first of a new generation of stadiums, influenced by the innovations of Silicon Valley and the food and wine culture of the region,” said Tim Cahill, HNTB national director of architecture design. “We put a primary focus on open spaces, terraces and glass-enclosed lounges that combine with advanced technological solutions to keep the fan constantly connected to the action.”

Completed for the start of the 2014 National Football League season, Levi’s Stadium will be the site for Super Bowl 50 in 2016.  Sustainable features of the stadium include photovoltaic panels, a green roof, convenient bicycle parking, walking path access, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, sophisticated building control systems and recycled materials. It’s within walking distance to various transit options and features stadium-wide Wi-Fi, mobile connectivity and high-definition video boards.

In July 2014, the stadium was awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold Certification established by the U.S. Green Building Council.

“Our goal is to illuminate the state of innovation as it exists right now within the rapidly changing global landscape,” said Robert Safian, Fast Company editor. Most Innovative Companies is one of the magazine’s most significant and highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year. The magazine’s editors spend months gathering and analyzing data on companies around the globe. The resulting package emphasizes the breadth of companies with progressive, nimble business models, an ethos of sustainability and a culture of creativity.