Skip to main content

The context you need, when you need it

When news breaks, you need to understand what actually matters — and what to do about it. At Vox, our mission to help you make sense of the world has never been more vital. But we can’t do it on our own.

We rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. Will you support our work and become a Vox Member today?

Join now

What it’s like to work in the world’s greatest office

The SC Johnson administration building was Frank Lloyd Wright’s corporate masterpiece. What does it feel like?

Phil Edwards
Phil Edwards was a senior producer for the Vox video team.

SC Johnson’s administration building and research tower in Racine, Wisconsin, have become legendary as corporate headquarters buildings.

As the above video shows, the administration building’s “Great Workroom” is a stunning example of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s unique approach to office design. They were built ahead of their time, the precursor to corporate campuses like Apple Park and the Googleplex.

But what did it really feel like? Vox’s Phil Edwards visited the headquarters to find out — and actually try to work there. First, he visited Wright’s nearby Hardy House, an earlier design that features many of the same Wright signatures found in the SC Johnson building, from custom-designed furniture to ideas about compression and expansion.

Watch our video to follow Phil and see what it really feels like to work in such a space.

You can find this video and others like it on Vox’s YouTube channel.

See More:

More in Video

Video
Why Americans can’t escape credit card debtWhy Americans can’t escape credit card debt
Play
Video

Credit card APRs are now as high as 20 percent.

By Frank Posillico
Video
Why some couples are happier living apartWhy some couples are happier living apart
Play
Video

This growing relationship trend might change the way you think about living with your romantic partner.

By Gina Pollack
Video
The strange myth behind carrots and night visionThe strange myth behind carrots and night vision
Play
Video

How we fell for World War II propaganda.

By Nate Krieger
Video
Are team sports the secret to living longer?Are team sports the secret to living longer?
Play
Video

How a basketball league for “grannies” is reimagining aging.

By Benjamin Stephen
Video
How Georgia manufactured the Peach State mythHow Georgia manufactured the Peach State myth
Play
Video

It was never really about the fruit.

By Frank Posillico
Video
How smart design can benefit senior livingHow smart design can benefit senior living
Play
Video

And why it matters for retirement communities.

By Lindsey Sitz