When global architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) moved to new office space in The Broadgate Tower actions spoke louder than words. There’s something to be said for championing your own work and the design of this fabulous City tower was all down to them.
Our job – in collaboration with SOM’s interior design team – was to create an architectural lighting design that complemented the strong, commanding architecture and reflected the personality and feel of the international practice.
First off, it was important to respect the architecture while bringing depth, texture and ambience to the studio space. The lighting scheme enhanced, yet softened the prominent building’s strong angles (sculptural trusses meet the building on this floor) highlighting the unique characteristics and architectural form. Also, with clever lighting techniques the coolness and strength of the tower’s glass make-up was harmonised, softening the interior’s understated tones.
The outcome’s a comfortable but stimulating work environment that’s warm and permeable with focus on the “distinctive” structure. And, because the lighting design’s flexible, simple and energy efficient it helped achieve a BREEAM Very Good rating.
Images: © Nulty
— Daniel Blaker
