Though the majority of the over 37,000 McDonald's outlets around the world hardly rise to the definition of "architecture," the company is no stranger to spectacular design: some of its first locations, built throughout the Midwest as early as 1955, were remarkable demonstrations of mid-century design, typified by two large golden arches that appear to hold the structure upright.

McDonald's Global Flagship, by Ross Barney Architects

In response to the company's recent rebirth of its brand, after several attempts to appeal to a younger generation, McDonald's has recently unveiled a shockingly clean and modern design for its new global flagship in Downtown Chicago. Not only is the Ross Barney Architects-designed building an aesthetically pleasing take on the fast food chain, but it also features several innovative features, including cordless phone charging, a mini-arboretum with harvestable apple trees and 27-foot windows to keep them and the whole interior well-lit.

Interior of McDonald's Global Flagship, by Ross Barney Architects

On the company's website, it is stated that their initiative is "putting people, processes and practices into place to make sustainability the new normal." With that in mind, Ross Barney Architects introduced several sustainable features into their design, including the Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) implemented in the building's structural system, a solar pergola and permeable paving "used to reduce storm water runoff and the heat island effect."

