Let There Be Light

The spectrum of light impacts our bodies with multitudes of nuance—blue light suppresses our sleep hormones, while warm tones enhance relaxation. Exposure to sunlight escalates our endorphins, improving productivity and happiness, while the reverse depresses us, causing Seasonal Affective Disorder. While artificial luminaires can supplement the positive effects of the sun’s rays, prolonged durations under poor-quality lamps can cause eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. That’s why for LAVA, light is a crucial ‘soft factor’ paramount to each design—a focus based upon the science of neuroaesthetics, which points to how aesthetics affect the brain’s chemistry by stimulating the prefrontal cortex (associated with thinking) and limbic systems (associated with emotions). “We are governed by light. It shapes our moods and daily rhythms,” observes LAVA Partner Alexander Rieck. “In conjunction with temperature, color, and acoustics, light profoundly impacts our productivity and well-being in the workplace.”

LAVA turned to its research on the human response to light for the design of the Philips Lighting Headquarters and Philips Lighting Application Centre (LAC) in Eindhoven, The Netherlands. Having relocated to a new campus outside the city center, the global lighting manufacturer aimed to cultivate an identity resonating with its brand ethos and draw in the next generation of talent. Philips' aspiration to become the world's second-largest provider of light after the sun served as the catalyst for LAVA, alongside design partners INBO and JHK, to reimagine the campus's 1950s landmark building, embodying the essence of sunlight in its literal representation within the structure.

Correspondingly, the building’s inner courtyard was transformed into an experiential atrium with a cascading light installation. The parametrically designed interactive light ‘tree’ is made of 1500 reflective pyramidal ‘leaves,’ 500 of which are Philips’ Ecophon Soundlight panels. Its design explores how the warm and sunny ambiance of a summer day in the woods can be replicated within an artificial environment. Based on the filtering effect of a tree canopy, the lighting oscillates between activating and relaxing scenarios. The entrance to the facility signifies the commencement of a journey into the realm of light experience, where the light tree attracts employees to its two daily artificial sunrises, turns golden when meetings are in progress, and moderates the flow of natural light from the windows. Here, light serves as both a guide and an informant—its gentle, inviting glow emanates from around corners, drawing visitors in with its warmth and allure. Rieck explains: “The sun guides our sense of time, yet office work often blocks the subtleties of natural light. We programmed the panels using artificial intelligence to generate organic daily light scenarios for the entire calendar year.”

While the atrium is a functional test space that the company can use for research and demonstrations of the behavior of light, both natural and artificial: reflection, diffusion, and emission, it also steps up to a philosophical role for the company: “Our design delves into a profound comprehension of the essence of light. Light becomes visible to the human eye only when it reflects on something, so the sculpture grants shape and visibility to light,” explains Rieck. “Light serves multiple functions, including conveying information, aiding visualization, evoking emotion, and enabling sight by stimulating our retina and optic nerve, which then sends signals to the brain. It's our tool for visualizing a volume of space."

Alongside this profound experience, beneath the branches of the ‘light tree’, an exhibition space, coffee bar, and areas for public talks draw workers and visitors to gather and interact. Adjacent to this vibrant hub is a 25-meter-long dark corridor, serving as a transition to the workspaces. "Similar to a palate cleanser between courses, it was crucial to establish a nearby dark space to offer respite for the mind while encountering various lightscapes," explains Rieck. This deliberate interplay between light and darkness stems from studies examining the impact of architectural environments on the human brain and the formation of neural pathways. It ensures that the atrium remains inspiring and rejuvenating each day.

Rieck highlights the transformative impact of the atrium’s layered spatial design on fostering workplace community, with its golden light serving as a unifying force for daily gatherings. “We then extended this effect into the workspaces themselves. Within the open and densely laid out floor plans, we’ve tailored creativity spaces to each team’s needs, promoting agility throughout the workday and facilitating various work situations, from concentration to relaxation.” This scheme responds to the latest workspace research, Philips’ fit-out expertise, and extensive user and management input. It also addresses post-pandemic shifts by combating feelings of isolation and evoking a sense of belonging.

“Navigating the intricacies of contemporary workspaces demands a holistic approach. Beyond mere functionality, we must prioritize the psychological and aesthetic dimensions of our environments. Integrating neuroaesthetic principles such as lighting into office design isn’t just a passing trend; it signifies a dedication to crafting spaces that foster mental well-being, ignite creativity, and cultivate a culture of productivity, community, and flourishing,” concludes Rieck.

Our book What If (2022, Birkhäuser) features this project.