J.M. Gordon Lighting Design

The design challenge for this new corporate law office within the historic Guardian Building was to provide a comfortable and modern workspace that respected and heightened the building’s historic attributes, such as exposed old brick and steel beams.  The challenge thru out the high exposed ceilings of the two-story space was dual in nature: organization and integration of the lighting system with HVAC and other infrastructure fixtures, and still maintaining the building’s historical features.

The lighting design strategy was to accentuate and balance the light fixtures with the challenging architecture.  To achieve an airy feel, the architecture was painted out white while the light fixtures were emphasized in black.  To give more flexibility to the space, a magnetic linear track system was installed to provide general illumination to the space, along with highlighting a rotating art collection on the second floor.  Illumination was discretely integrated into the stair’s handrail providing adequate light levels to each tread.  A central skylight provides natural light during the day, while at night it is softly illuminated by concealed LED product within the historic beams.

The completed project provides a minimal yet functional balance with lighting which contributes to a visually comfortable environment in respect to the building’s historic features.

Architects: AWH Architects

Photographer: Vondelinde, LLC