One week after the launch of a decisive ISU and Olympic season (read here), the International Skating Union (ISU) proudly inaugurated its new headquarters in Lausanne (SUI). This milestone marks another powerful symbol of the organisation’s ongoing transformation under ISU Vision 2030. Situated in the heart of the Olympic Capital, this new “Home of Skating” offers a modern, collaborative workspace designed to shape the future of skating and strengthen support for athletes, while reaffirming the ISU’s deep ties with the Olympic Movement. 

To celebrate this occasion, the ISU hosted a special opening event attended by distinguished guests including representatives of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Presidents and Secretaries General of International Sports Federations, officials from the Canton of Vaud and the City of Lausanne, ISU Council Members, business partners and media.  

ISU President, Jae Youl Kim, giving a  speech during the Opening Event of the ISU's new Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.  © ISU

ISU President Jae Youl Kim opened the evening with welcoming remarks: "Today marks another milestone in our 133-year history as we officially welcome friends and partners from across the Olympic Movement and our sports family to our new Home of Skating here in Lausanne. This new headquarters reflects both our long-term commitment to the Olympic Capital and the strategic transformation we are pursuing through ISU Vision 2030. We have already made great progress, and with the right capabilities, energy and a clear plan, we are ready to keep moving forward. Our journey of modernization is well underway, and from this home, we will continue to reshape the future of skating for generations to come."

ISU Director General, Colin Smith, giving a  speech during the Opening Event of the ISU's new Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.  © ISU

ISU Director General Colin Smith further emphasized the significance of this opening, stating: “This workspace has truly been designed as a Home for our Members, Partners and in particular our Skating family. The presence of Skaters is felt everywhere - on our screens, on our walls, and in the inspiration their achievements bring to us every day. In creating this environment, our goal was for staff to feel fully immersed in the sports they work tirelessly to promote, protect, and grow. We want to ensure they receive the support they need to reach their full potential and continue captivating the world with their passion and performances.”

An inside look at the ISU's new Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.  © ISU

IOC Director General Christophe De Kepper then took the floor and added: “The new ISU Headquarters symbolize their wish to embrace the future as outlined by the ISU Vision 2030 strategic roadmap. Good governance and efficient working premises are put at the service of the ISU athletes and officials. It will allow them also to connect with the larger Olympic Family present in Lausanne”.

IOC Director General, Christophe De Kepper, and ISU President, Jae Youl Kim,  discussing during the Opening Event of the ISU's new Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.  © ISU

Finally, President of Etat de Vaud, Christelle Luisier Brodard, concluded: “This beautiful new Headquarters is a strong sign of your evolution but we know the transformations you are undertaking are much deeper. You are here at the very heart of a vibrant international sports ecosystem, one that our authorities have been working hard to nurture in support of ongoing development and innovation. This is exactly what the Olympic Capital is about: connecting your ambitions with solutions. The ISU and the Olympic Capital have been skating hand in hand for decades; a partnership we greatly value and one we truly hope will continue for many years to come”. 

President of Etat de Vaud, Christelle Luisier Brodard, giving a speech during the Opening Event of the ISU's new Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.  © ISU

A Workspace designed for Collaboration and Innovation

Embodying the ISU’s bold new brand identity (read here), the new "Home of Skating" has been designed with a contemporary, functional aesthetic, where the organisation's core DNA – Inspiring, Supportive, and Unstoppable – comes to life. 

An inside look at the ISU's new Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.  © ISU

Spanning an entire floor, the workspace has been purposefully laid out to foster cross-departmental interaction, creativity, and fluid collaboration among ISU departments. 

An inside look at the ISU's new Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.  © ISU

At the entrance, visitors are welcomed into the ISU’s “Hall of Fame”, an immersive space where multiple screens showcase legendary and current skaters across all ice-skating disciplines. This hall has another key function: it can be transformed into a flexible meeting room for ISU Council sessions and corporate events.

An inside look at the ISU's new Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.  © ISU

This design approach centres on modularity and sustainability, offering adaptable spaces that can evolve with the organization's future needs while minimizing environmental impact through energy-efficient systems and the use of sustainable materials.

An inside look at the ISU's new Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.  © ISU