JORDAN THE ONE X NIKE
PART I : THE COLOSSEUM
CLIENTS: JORDAN, NIKE AGENCY: GAME SEVEN ROLE: SR. SPATIAL DESIGNER
Set high above the city on the rooftop of Pier 17, this Jordan x Nike experience brings together NYC’s next generation of basketball talents for days of competition, culture, and celebration.
LOCATION: PIER 17, MANHATTAN
Pier 17 is a contemporary waterfront venue situated in Manhattan’s historic South Street Seaport district. Framed by sweeping views of the Brooklyn Bridge, East River, and downtown skyline, it has become a cultural epicenter for New York City’s most dynamic performances, brand activations, and immersive experiences. With its rooftop space elevated above the city and water, Pier 17 offers a uniquely cinematic setting that blurs the boundary between urban energy and open sky.
DESIGN PLANNING
Plan & Consumer Flow:
At the heart of the rooftop, a circular center stage acts as the gravitational core of the experience. Surrounding it, tiered bleachers form a minimalist and porous “colosseum”—a space of energy, spectacle, and focus.
From this core, the architecture radiates outward in a series of circular shells—concentric rings that extend the stage’s energy into movement. These shells are not just spatial dividers; they are functional design cues. They break open strategically to create thresholds, entry points, and exits, gently guiding guests to flow inward toward the game and stage, and outward through curated branded tunnel moments.
DESIGN ELEMENTS
The space takes cues from the Colosseum—a symbol of spectacle, legacy, and dominance—mirroring the spirit of Jordan: The One. The circular arena becomes a stage for myth-making.
Vibrant red lighting casts a cinematic glow, evoking intensity and energy—Jordan’s signature presence.
Structures are minimal yet monumental, inspired by Richard Serra’s curved steel forms. They guide movement, frame views, and give the space weight without excess.
THE EXPERIENCE
Before you even step inside, you see it—a towering, glowing red “The One” logo, fused with the iconic Jumpman. It anchors the entrance like a beacon. Backlit by smoke and sound, it sets the tone: bold, legendary, untouchable.
Guests enter through red-lit tunnels that cut through the outer shells of the colosseum—branded, immersive, and loud. The lighting pulses, the sound system hits, and every detail is designed to build adrenaline. It’s not just an entrance—it’s a walk-up moment, like stepping into the arena as The One.
Whether you're a player or a fan, the tunnel sets the tone: this is your moment to rise.
At the heart of the colosseum, the central stage is where the competition unfolds—a circular court surrounded by energy on all sides. It’s raw, open, and elevated, placing the players in full view like warriors in the arena.
As night falls, the energy shifts. The space extends seamlessly into the main stage, where the skyline becomes backdrop and the sound takes over. Live performances light up the rooftop, turning the court into a dancefloor, the bleachers into front row seats, and the crowd into one unified force.
From game time to showtime, the architecture flexes with the energy.
