Project Description
Within one of North America’s largest industrial warehouses, 70,130 square feet were transformed into the headquarters of a technology company. The design team was challenged to think beyond conventional office planning, creating an environment that is cool, collaborative, and unmistakably fun. Signature spaces, including a café, skateboard park, and “the Pit", break from traditional workplace norms in alignment with the company’s vision: think summer camp, not corporate office.
The primary challenge was to celebrate this non-traditional culture while remaining respectful of the building’s heritage industrial architecture. Lighting design played a key role, taking cues from the interior concept that reimagined rooms as a series of experiential “moments,” each with its own mood. Color, form, and abstract compositions were layered as a counterpoint to the machine-like austerity of the existing structure.
An eclectic mix of off-the-shelf fixtures was intentionally curated, with stylistic contrasts that suggest a sense of playful, organized chaos. Open office areas utilize direct/indirect lighting to ensure visual comfort and meet required illumination levels, while breakout areas and meeting rooms incorporate more direct sources to introduce warmth and contrast.
Traditional dimming technologies, including 0–10V and phase dimming, were employed throughout, allowing occupants to easily tune each space. Open office areas are controlled through the base building system and daylight harvesting sensors, while localized wireless controls were implemented in breakout spaces, classrooms, boardrooms, and meeting rooms.
Abundant natural light from existing oversized skylights, high ceilings, and perimeter windows was carefully balanced with artificial lighting. Additional interior glazing was introduced in core meeting spaces to extend daylight penetration. All lighting strategies were designed to comply with IESNA workplace illumination standards.
In total, 912 fixtures were installed, forming a whimsical and expressive lighting composition that captures the spirit of the company while supporting a diverse range of private and communal experiences.