Built-in 1958, the building was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson. We’ve been fascinated by his approach to lighting and how it can enhance the aesthetics of a building while also improving its functionality.

Kelly’s design for the Seagram Building was revolutionary for its time, as he sought to break away from traditional lighting methods in favor of a more cohesive and integrated light system. He intended to create an “all-encompassing environment” by highlighting the building’s architectural features and creating a mood that complemented its design.

Kelly’s lighting design was both innovative and striking, as it employed both artificial and natural light to create a striking visual effect. As a result of reflecting light off nearby surfaces, he was able to enhance the texture and color of the building’s surfaces using a technique called “ambient luminescence.”

A significant aspect of the Seagram Building’s lighting design is the use of an innovative sunshade system. It consists of a series of bronze fins that are attached to the glass façade of the building, providing shade as well as reflecting light into the building.

To further enhance the building’s aesthetic, Kelly used a combination of artificial and natural light to highlight the building’s structural elements, such as the distinctive I-beams that run the length of the building. He also used recessed lighting to create a soft and diffuse glow highlighting the building’s interior spaces.

One of the most impressive lighting design elements in the Seagram Building is the lobby’s iconic bronze-and-glass lighting installation. The installation consists of a series of bronze discs suspended from the ceiling, lit from above to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.