From Bell Labs to Lumon Industries: The Evolution of an Architectural Landmark

The unsettling headquarters of Lumon Industries, the fictional corporation featured in Apple TV+’s dystopian thriller “Severance,” has captivated audiences. But the building’s real-life identity is equally intriguing. Director of photography Jessica Lee Gagné, while searching for abandoned malls, discovered photos of a decaying midcentury office building: Bell Labs in Holmdel, New Jersey. The building’s eerie emptiness, wraparound internal walkways, triangular skylights, sunken lobby, and giant planters made it the perfect location. Gagné’s revelation transformed the perception of this once-innovative space.

Bell Labs, now known as Bell Works, has become a tourist destination and a social media sensation, drawing fans eager to experience the unsettling atmosphere of “Severance.” But before its transformation into a symbol of corporate dread, Bell Labs was a hub of groundbreaking innovation. This article explores the fascinating history of this architectural landmark, from its golden age as a research powerhouse to its current role as a filming location and public space.

The Discovery of a Dystopian Dream

Jessica Lee Gagné’s search for the perfect Lumon Industries headquarters lead her to an unexpected location. After stumbling upon images of Bell Labs, she located the building on Google Maps in holmdel, New Jersey.

“When I saw the overhead of it, I was like, this can’t be true,” Is this a real place? Gagné said, recalling her initial reaction.

Within days, Gagné and Ben Stiller, the director and an executive producer of “Severance,” visited the site. They drove past a towering, three-legged white water tower shaped like a radio transistor. Even though renovated, the building retained its corporate frigidity. Gagné described her reaction to seeing the mirrored building in the summer of 2019 as a mind-blowing moment.

The building’s unique aesthetic made it the ideal setting for Lumon Industries, a central character in “Severance.” The show’s premise involves employees who have surgically severed their brains, separating their work and home lives. The building’s architecture perfectly embodies this sense of division and isolation.

Bell Labs: An “intellectual Utopia”

Decades before its association with corporate dystopia, Bell Labs was a renowned research facility, the research arm of AT&T. Known as the “Black Box” due to its opaque, rectangular exterior, it was considered an “intellectual utopia,” according to “The Idea Factory,” a 2012 book about the rise and influence of Bell Labs.

At its peak, Bell Labs employed approximately 15,000 people, including 1,200 with Ph.D.s, spread across various locations, primarily in New Jersey. The Holmdel location, situated on 460 acres of farmland purchased in 1929, was the site of numerous technological breakthroughs. Scientists and engineers there pioneered technologies for microwaves, touch-tone dialing, cellphones, and satellite and fiber-optic dialog. The facility’s contributions were so significant that they earned several Nobel prizes, including the 1978 award in physics for detecting evidence supporting the Big Bang theory.

Eero Saarinen’s Vision

In 1958, Bell Labs commissioned Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen to design a modern facility for its growing workforce.Saarinen, known for iconic designs like the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the T.W.A. building at Kennedy Airport, envisioned a space that would foster collaboration and innovation. The Holmdel building was among Saarinen’s final projects; he died in 1961,a year before its opening.

The two-million-square-foot,six-story structure,the first office building to use mirrored glass,was designed to encourage spontaneous interactions among its 6,000 researchers. Saarinen imagined that workers would meet on the floating walkways or gather on the lobby sofas, sparking new ideas. Donald Albrecht, a curator who organized a Saarinen exhibition, noted that this concept was a very modern idea.

Though, the building’s design had its drawbacks. The windowless offices and labs failed to fully realize Saarinen’s social aspirations.Jon Gertner, in “The Idea Factory,” described the building as a monument to architectural presumption.

Barry Kort, a retired engineer who worked at Bell Labs for 19 years after being hired in 1968, recalled that the catwalks reminded people of a prison. However,Kort,who spent much of his time at Bell Labs,working late nights and weekends,didn’t mind the design. I practically lived there, he said, even using the building as his mailing address.

From Innovation Hub to Tourist Attraction

The breakup of AT&T in 1982, following antitrust cases, led to a decline in research at Bell Labs. By 2006,the Holmdel building,then owned by Alcatel-Lucent,faced possible demolition. Though, an international outcry from the science community saved it. In 2013, a new developer purchased and renovated the “Black Box,” transforming its quarter-mile-long atrium into an indoor promenade with shops, a food court, and a libary. The upper floors now house offices.

Today, Bell Works is a vibrant mixed-use complex. On a recent afternoon, people walked their dogs and pushed strollers through the atrium. remote workers used laptops in the sunken conversation pit, on sofas, and at bistro tables. Toddlers played on artificial turf and lounged on beanbags.

Rick Ely,a Bell Works security guard,mentioned that the “Severance” shoots provide a welcome distraction. The crew brings in truckloads of ice, spraying the berm and trees and laying snow blankets to create the show’s eternal winter atmosphere.

For Jessica Lee Gagné, Bell Labs serves as a metaphor for the “innies” and “outies” in “Severance.” She views the opaque glass facade as a reflection of the characters. she added, Who they really are on the inside is a lot darker than who they are on the outside.

Conclusion

The transformation of Bell Labs from a pioneering research facility to the eerie setting of “Severance” highlights the building’s enduring architectural impact and its ability to evoke a range of emotions. Once a symbol of innovation and progress, it now embodies the unsettling nature of corporate isolation. As Bell Works continues to evolve, it remains a fascinating landmark, attracting visitors and inspiring creative interpretations.

From Bell Labs’ Golden Age to Dystopian Dreamscape: An Architectural Enigma

Did you know that a building initially designed to foster collaboration and innovation became the eerie backdrop for a hit TV show exploring the stark realities of corporate isolation? This intriguing transformation is the story of Bell Labs, now Bell Works, a landmark that embodies both utopian aspirations and dystopian anxieties. Let’s delve deeper with Dr. Anya Sharma, architectural historian and expert on mid-century modern design.

World-Today-news.com: Dr. Sharma,Bell Labs’ transition from a symbol of scientific advancement to the unsettling headquarters of Lumon Industries in “Severance” is captivating. Can you tell us more about the building’s architectural significance?

Dr. Sharma: absolutely. Bell Labs,designed by the renowned Eero Saarinen,stands as a prime example of mid-century modern architecture. Saarinen’s vision was to create a space that stimulated interaction and creative exchange among its thousands of researchers. The building’s unique features—the mirrored glass facade, the expansive atrium, the internal walkways—were intended to facilitate spontaneous collaborations and the free flow of ideas. This concept of an “intellectual utopia,” as described in The Idea Factory, aimed to break down customary hierarchical structures within a corporate environment. This focus on open design and communal spaces highlights Saarinen’s pioneering approach to designing for both functionality and the promotion of social interaction. The use of mirrored glass, as an example, was groundbreaking for its time and speaks to the innovative spirit of the building’s conception.

World-Today-News.com: The show, “Severance,” contrasts the building’s intended purpose with its portrayal as a site of corporate control and emotional detachment. how does the architecture itself contribute to this narrative contrast?

Dr. Sharma: The juxtaposition is indeed striking. The architecture that was intended to foster openness and collaboration is repurposed to portray a sense of fragmentation and isolation within the “Severance” narrative. key elements like the seemingly endless internal walkways can be perceived, thru the show’s lens, as restrictive and labyrinthine, rather than facilitating interaction. The sunken lobby, perhaps meant for informal gatherings, takes on a different meaning within the context of the show. The building’s stark design and expansive yet impersonal spaces create a visual reflection of the characters’ internal divisions. this intentional contrast showcases the power of architectural design to shape not only the physical environment, but our lived experience and emotional perception of space.

World-Today-News.com: The building’s history involves notable technological innovations. Can you highlight some of Bell Labs’ critically important contributions?

Dr. Sharma: Bell Labs was incredibly prolific! This research facility made groundbreaking contributions across various technological fields. Its scientists and engineers invented the transistor—a pivotal moment in electronics—which earned multiple Nobel Prizes. Their work also propelled advancements in communications technologies, including microwave transmission, touch-tone dialing, and the foundational work for cellular phones and fiber optic cables. Bell Labs, in essence, laid the groundwork for many technologies prevalent in modern life, transforming communication systems worldwide. their contributions were so impactful that they fundamentally altered the course of electronic and communications technologies.

World-Today-News.com: What are the major stages of the building’s evolution, from its inception as an innovative research hub to its current status as a mixed-use complex?

Dr. Sharma: The building’s evolution is a captivating narrative. The golden age followed its construction in the late 1950s and 1960s, with remarkable technological advancements within its walls. Then came the breakup of AT&T and a period of uncertainty. The building faced the possibility of demolition! There was then a significant redevelopment in the 2010s,transforming it into Bell Works,the vibrant mixed-use complex we know today. This revitalization showcases the ability to repurpose and reimagine a significant architectural space, preserving its heritage while adapting to current needs. The story of Bell Works from a pioneering research hub, through a period of potential destruction, and culminating in its current revitalized state is a testament to the enduring power of architectural preservation.

from Bell Labs’ Golden Age to Dystopian Dreamscape: An architectural Enigma Unveiled

Did you know a building designed to foster collaboration became the unsettling backdrop for a hit TV show exploring corporate isolation? This engaging transformation is the story of Bell Labs, now Bell Works – a landmark embodying both utopian ideals and dystopian anxieties. Let’s delve deeper with Dr. Anya Sharma, architectural historian and expert on mid-century modern design.

World-Today-News.com: Dr. Sharma, Bell Labs’ transition from a symbol of scientific advancement to the unsettling headquarters of Lumon Industries in “Severance” is captivating. Can you tell us more about the building’s architectural significance?

Dr.Sharma: absolutely. Bell Labs, designed by the renowned Eero Saarinen, stands as a prime example of mid-century modern architecture. Saarinen’s vision was to create a space that stimulated interaction and creative exchange among its thousands of researchers. The building’s unique features—the mirrored glass façade, the expansive atrium, the internal walkways—were intended to facilitate spontaneous collaborations and the free flow of ideas.This concept of an “intellectual utopia,” as detailed in The Idea Factory, aimed to break down customary hierarchical structures within a corporate surroundings. This focus on open design and communal spaces highlights Saarinen’s pioneering approach to designing for both functionality and the promotion of social interaction.The use of mirrored glass, for instance, was groundbreaking for its time and speaks to the innovative spirit of the building’s conception. It’s a testament to the power of architectural design to shape human behavior and encourage collaboration.

World-Today-News.com: The show, “Severance,” contrasts the building’s intended purpose with its portrayal as a site of corporate control and emotional detachment. How does the architecture itself contribute to this narrative contrast?

Dr.Sharma: The juxtaposition is indeed striking. The architecture intended to foster openness and collaboration is repurposed to portray fragmentation and isolation within the “Severance” narrative. Key elements like the seemingly endless internal walkways can be perceived, through the show’s lens, as restrictive and labyrinthine, rather than facilitating interaction. The sunken lobby, perhaps meant for informal gatherings, takes on a different meaning within the context of the show.the building’s stark design and expansive yet impersonal spaces create a visual reflection of the characters’ internal divisions. This intentional contrast showcases the power of architectural design to shape not only the physical environment but also our lived experience and emotional perception of space. the repurposing of the building’s design highlights the fluidity of meaning in architectural spaces and how context significantly alters interpretation.

World-Today-News.com: The building’s history involves notable technological innovations. Can you highlight some of Bell Labs’ critically crucial contributions?

Dr. Sharma: Bell Labs was incredibly prolific! This research facility made groundbreaking contributions across various technological fields. Its scientists and engineers invented the transistor—a pivotal moment in electronics—which earned multiple Nobel Prizes. Their work also propelled advancements in communications technologies, including microwave transmission, touch-tone dialing, and the foundational work for cellular phones and fiber optic cables. Bell Labs, in essence, laid the groundwork for many technologies prevalent in modern life, transforming communication systems worldwide.Their contributions were so impactful that they fundamentally altered the course of electronic and communications technologies.These advancements underscore the building’s past significance as a center of innovation and technological progress.

World-Today-News.com: What are the major stages of the building’s evolution, from its inception as an innovative research hub to its current status as a mixed-use complex?

Dr. Sharma: the building’s evolution is a captivating narrative. The golden age followed its construction in the late 1950s and 1960s, with remarkable technological advancements occurring within its walls. Then came the breakup of AT&T and a period of uncertainty. The building even faced the possibility of demolition! There was then a notable redevelopment in the 2010s, transforming it into Bell Works, the vibrant mixed-use complex we certainly know today. This revitalization showcases the ability to repurpose and reimagine a significant architectural space, preserving its heritage while adapting to current needs. The story of Bell Works, from a pioneering research hub, through a period of potential destruction, and culminating in its current revitalized state, is a testament to the enduring power of architectural preservation and adaptation. Its transformation reflects broader societal shifts and the evolving role of such landmark structures in the modern world.

World-Today-News.com: What are some key takeaways from Bell Labs’ architectural and historical legacy?

Dr. Sharma: Several key takeaways emerge:

The power of architectural design: Saarinen’s vision, while not fully realized in its original intent, highlights how architecture can influence human interaction and collaboration.

The dynamic nature of space: The building’s transformation from a hub of innovation to a setting for a dystopian narrative underscores how the meaning and interpretation of space is highly contextual.

The importance of preservation: The building’s near-demolition and subsequent revitalization demonstrate the importance of preserving historically significant structures and adapting them for future use.

The enduring legacy of innovation: Bell Labs’ contributions to technology continue to shape our daily lives, emphasizing the enduring impact of research and development.

This fascinating case study of Bell Labs provides a compelling example of how architectural design can influence human behavior,the significance of preserving historical buildings,and the adaptability of spaces to meet evolving societal needs.We encourage you to share your thoughts and perspectives on Bell Works’ unique transformation in the comments below!