FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN & PLANNING

ASSIGNMENT COVER SHEET

UNDERGRADUATE
Rangel Maciel Pimenta
FAMILY NAME _______________________

Paulo Ricardo
GIVEN NAME _____________________________

314000380
SID __________________________________

0401682799
TELEPHONE NO ___________________________

UNIT COORDINATOR

Wendy Davis
______________________________________________________________

Jo Elliott
TUTOR ____________________________________________________________________________
DESA 1004: Designing with Surface and Light
UNIT OF STUDY (Code and name) _____________________________________________________

FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN AND PLANNING

COURSE ___________________________________________________________________________
TITLE OF ASSIGNMENT

Lighting design strategies for Wells Fargo Bank Headquarters

________________________________________________________

17th October
DATE DUE ____________________________

17th October
DATE SUBMITTED _______________________

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Paulo Ricardo Rangel Maciel Pimenta

NAME(S) ____________________________________________________________________________________

17 / 10 / 2014 ................................

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Introduction
The way light integrates with the space is directly connected with the perception of
architecture. In this way, our interpretation of the diverse elements around us is affected
by how light interact with the environment. With regard to architecture, its different
dimensions and aspects, such as material and colour, are primarily dependent on the
lighting situation (Myerson, 1996). Furthermore, the illumination characteristics vary
according to the purposes of the space, what makes the lighting a challenge to the
designer. Throughout this essay, the themes approach will be made under a specific
architectural interior space, Well Fargo Headquarters, over the investigation of its
several illumination strategies.

Body
Wells Fargo & Company is an American multinational banking company and the oldest
bank in the West. Its Southern California headquarters is located in a tall building in Los
Angeles, which combines branch bank, history museum, administrative and executive
offices in the same space. Approximately 300 Western pieces of art are exhibited
throughout the headquarters. These art works are from artists past and present that
represents the history of the corporation and its commitment and development.
Firstly, a very important aspect about the lighting design is how the artworks are
displayed, since it is a corporate space and not a museum. In the majority of museums,
the artworks are revealed by intense focal points of light, drawing viewers attention to
what is exhibited. In this way, one of the main purposes of those who go to a museum is
achieved, which is the detailed examination and appreciation of the works details
(Jankowski, 1987). Unlike this characteristic of the museums, the artworks showed in
the Wells Fargo bank spaces are included in another context, with a different intention.
In the offices, artworks are working as a space component in order to decorate the
environment for both staff and visitor without dispersing the work enforcement of tasks.
In an effort to not attract special attention, most artworks are illuminated in a softly and
subtly mode. Even so, the colours and details are clearly visible, but not strong enough
to set up the artworks as a dominant element of the space. The concern about not
highlight too much the artworks is so expressive that general illumination is sufficient for
reveal the artworks in some areas.

Another aspect meaningly contributed to final

successful result of lighting design in this project: the previous establishment of the
form, size and location of each piece of art. Therefore, there was a specific lighting plan
for each piece before installation.

With respect to the plants in the interior space, it was took a similar application of
lighting, with most planters illuminated by general illumination. In some cases, artificial
illumination works so much natural so it does not seems like it is something planned.
Visitors have the perception of the plants being kindly bathed by sunlight.
In the executive office floors, rectangular architectural coffers characterize the high
ceiling. In addition, suspended fluorescent troffers provide general illumination. The
used fixtures present a clean design that contributes for a lightweight illusion. In the
teller area of the branch bank, the general illumination is similarly generated by
suspended fixture in the ceiling coffers. Complementarily, the work area is directly
illuminated by recessed fluorescent luminaires.
Conclusion
Through the inclusion of diversified artwork, Wells Fargo headquarters added colour and
interest to the office spaces. These pieces of art selected for display at the bank are
illuminated in way that they can be seen and appreciated. Nevertheless, the bright is not
intense enough to distract employees from their work tasks. It is also interesting see
how the illumination can be part of the create process of designing. With this in mind,
the effects of light and how it transforms the objects are evaluated together with the
planning of the spaces (Lechner, 2009).

Moreover, appropriate illumination is so

essential for the correct interior design that it can creates a pleasant work atmosphere
for the staff. In this way, the clean illumination in the offices on the administrative area of
the bank contributes for productivity and comfort. Finally, all the elements that
constitute a successful lighting design can reflect a positive image for the company and
add identity for the space.

Bibliography
Jankowski, W. (1987). The best of Lighting design. PBC International.
Myerson, J. (1996). International lighting design. Books Nippan.
Lechner, N. (2009). Heating, cooling, lighting: sustainable design methods for
architects. Hoboken, NJ, USA: John Wiley & Sons.