Facts about the FIFA Headquarters, Zurich that are meant to blow your mind

We're all familiar with the existence of one of the most phenomenal complexes in Zurich, Switzerland. But not many of us are familiar with the reason for the its worldwide prosperity. 

The FIFA Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland

The FIFA HQ is a distinctive complex in Zurich. The complex has served as the official hub for activities by FIFA since its completion in 2006. It is located on the Zurichberg, a wooded hill in District 7. 

As well as offices, the complex includes a fitness centre, a meditation room, geographically themed parks and a full-size international football pitch.

More than what meets the eye

The main building has only two upper levels, but five underground levels, resulting in two thirds of the headquarters lying underground.

As quoted by the former FIFA President, Sepp Blatter

" Places where people make decisions should only contain indirect light, because the light should come from the people themselves who are assembled there."

Underground Skyscraper serves as FIFA's unique headquarters 

The simple exterior design conceals a rich interior where form is well attuned to function. 

The unusual new headquarters for the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) now stands in one of Zurich's most exclusive neighbourhoods. For around €145 Million, FIFA's 208 member countries chipped in to develop a "skyscraper" that is largely underground. Building was completed 3 years ago, well in time for the FIFA WORLD CUP 2010, in June. 

The unique building unfolds along 134 metres (440 feet) in a series of sleek, glassy partitions. But not everyone occupying its offices has made peace with the design by Swiss  architect Tilla Theus, in which understatement trumps grandeur, at least on the surface. 

The grand entrance

The former FIFA President said about the design, 

"The house we were in before was much prettier, of course. There, I had a view of the lake, but on the other hand, we're not out to look impressive but efficient" 

More than meets the eye 

Once inside the building, visitors can see that it's comprised of multiple storeys. Two-thirds of the HQ lies underground include space for archives, parking, meetings, technology and a prayer room. 

The segment above ground houses offices for 300 employees, the reception area and a conference room.

A glimpse inside the massive HQ

Although the building's simple exterior blends in with the woody landscape, the interior is marked by rich material luxury. Its design features costly works from glass, Brazilian shale and American walnut wood. 

The Aluminium walls in the Headquarters were hammered from a specially constructed machine and are adorned with chrome steel hand railings that artfully reflect the light streaming inside. 

Modesty was clearly not at the fore in constructing FIFA's interior - a fact which reflects the success of the organisation as a whole under Blatter's firm leadership. During his tenure, FIFA has grown from a shaky venture to an International Organisation with a global scope. 

Decisions Underground 

In contrast to many parliamentary buildings, where glassy transparent exteriors suggest the ability of the outside world to keep an eye on its elected officials, FIFA's underground design closes it off to the public. 

The third of its five underground stories contains the executive committee's meeting chamber. Inside, Aluminium walls and a cool, Lapis Lazuli floor lend the chamber an enclosed feel. 

Here in FIFA's hidden centre, a small circle of leaders reach decisions on new reforms, rules, sanctions, legal issues and the conferral of World Championships. The results of their meetings sometimes produces an impact on Soccer Worldwide. 

The FIFA boardroom. Dreamy, right ? 

The importance of certain questions they discuss explains why the FIFA Headquarters is constructed the way it is, said Joseph Blatter. 

" It's more important to me that the employees of FIFA have direct access to sunlight rather than the executive committee members, who are only occasionally here in the office. Also, the room is closed off so that the result of a vote cannot be known until we leave the chamber."

A Street Of its own 

FIFA's prayer room is also among the most unusual points of its design. The Onyx Room opens upward toward an indirect light and glitters like an oversized diamond. 

Visitors can enter from one of the two sides, and green arrows in the passageways point towards Mecca as a service to Islamic FIFA members. Otherwise, though, the room is bare and cold. 

"People of each religion agreed not to include specific religious ornaments in order to create a neutral space for everyone" said Theus. 

The HQ lies on FIFA Street, which was approved by the city specifically for the new structure. 

All the staff members feel insanely proud to be a part of the 'Home of FIFA' in Zurich. And after a glimpse inside, its quite easy to understand why. 

Here's a small glimpse of the beautiful structure, through the eyes of fan.