ICRAVE’s goal for the new Stripes Group headquartered in New York City’s Meatpacking District was to create a transparent and collaborative space that stepped away from their former, stodgy Midtown office. Lighting was used to connect this multi-level workplace with floor-specific lighting solutions and LED technology to address energy consumption and maintenance concerns.
The executive offices on the 5th floor feature warm 28K dimmable T6 lamps in various lengths, a product never previously used in commercial projects in North America. The sculptural installation groups the striplights with other fixtures in alternating directions, playing with forms and lines. The intersecting lines of light reinforce the geometry of the surrounding architecture.
On the 4th floor, a unique plant-like wall feature with small pinhole LED accent lights creates a dramatic play of light and shadow. Hidden halogen IR MR16 track lights graze the wall, enhancing the richness of the wood volume. Recessed LED adjustable lights, focused on the oversized table, create a clean and minimal look with wall washers gently highlighting the art work beyond. In keeping with the honest design approach, linear bare lamps were used on the wood ceiling to express the connectivity of the offices.
The bullpen area for junior staff sits on the 3rd floor, so thoughtful lighting design translated into a grid-like pattern of dropped acoustical ceiling tiles with LED cylinder downlights and exposed T5 fluorescent lamps in order to provide a more youthful and energetic tone for the space.
Controls tailor the lighting for the individual user by using either indirect or direct lighting techniques in each office. Chrome finishes help reflect and float the lights down the center corridor. The reflection of linear light in the clear glass partitions reflects the non-tiered work philosophy and plays into the collaborative energy of this non-conventional client.