Severance: Inside The Real-Life Haven Behind Lumon's Corporate Hell

Key Concepts:

• Adaptive reuse of Bell Labs
• Mid-century modern architecture
• Creating community in suburban environments
• The "Metrob" concept (Metropolitan in Suburbia)
• The contrast between corporate excess and employee well-being
• The design of intelligent spaces to foster intelligent work
• The filming location for the "Severance" TV show
• Preservation of architectural heritage
• The importance of art and design in everyday life

1. The Vision for Bell Works and its Connection to "Severance"

• The initial vision for Bell Works was to create a "canvas" for people's daily lives, a place where they could thrive.
• The Apple TV+ show "Severance" used Bell Works as a filming location, highlighting the contrast between corporate excess and the potential for a positive work environment.
• The design of Bell Works aims to create an "intelligent space" that fosters "intelligent work."
• The exterior design of the fictional "Lumen" building in "Severance" was inspired by the John Deere building in Illinois and Bell Labs itself, reflecting a large pharmaceutical company aesthetic.

2. The History and Significance of Bell Labs

• Bell Labs was originally built in Holmdel in the late 1950s and early 1960s and expanded in the 1980s.
• It was a hub of innovation, with numerous Nobel Prizes awarded for work done there (as many as eight).
• Bell Labs was responsible for developing groundbreaking technologies such as satellites, microchips, and cell phones.
• The work done at Bell Labs contributed to liberating people from traditional office environments.
• The building eventually became too large, costly, and archaic for Bell Labs' needs, leading to its decline.

3. The Redevelopment of Bell Labs into Bell Works

• The building was in a state of disrepair and faced potential demolition before being redeveloped.
• The redevelopment aimed to bring an "urban vibe" to a suburban location, addressing the segregation of work and play in suburbia.
• The design celebrated the mid-century modern architecture of the original building, including the skywalks.
• The redevelopment focused on creating human connectivity and a flow of movement throughout the building.
• Bell Works aims to create a space for happiness, similar to the original intent of Bell Labs.

4. The "Metrob" Concept and Community Building

• Bell Works is described as a "Metrob," a metropolitan hub in a suburban setting.
• The redevelopment involved rezoning the property from a single-tenant office to a mixed-use space with residential, hospitality, health, wellness, fitness, retail, restaurants, and bars.
• The goal was to create a community where people can live, work, and play.
• Bell Works is open to the public seven days a week, from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., and serves as a downtown, main street, and public square for the community.

5. Bell Works as a Filming Location for "Severance"

• The interior of Bell Works was renovated to create the look of the "Lumen" office in "Severance."
• Changes included adding carpet, turnstiles, and visual effects to the walls.
• The show's creators aimed to highlight the discrepancy between corporate excess and the potential for a positive work environment.
• The show has generated significant attention and has inspired people to think differently about art, architecture, and the world around them.

6. The Philosophy Behind Bell Works and "Severance"

• Both Bell Works and "Severance" emphasize the importance of art, design, and creating a positive environment.
• There's a focus on doing things the best way possible, rather than the cheapest way.
• The goal is to enlighten, engage, and encourage people to think and converse.
• The show's creators pushed hard to include art in a world that often prioritizes cost-effectiveness.

7. Bell Works as a Brand and a Methodology

• Bell Works has become a brand and a methodology for creating thriving communities in suburbia.
• People from all over the world visit Bell Works to learn about the "Metrob" concept.
• The methodology includes how the property is managed, how tenants and retailers are interacted with, and how the public realm and the arts and film industry are integrated.
• The Bell Works model is now repeatable, and there are plans to replicate it in other locations.

8. Notable Quotes:

• "We like to say that we created a canvas for people to paint the picture of their daily lives."
• "I think if you design a really intelligent space, you will create intelligent work."
• "Bell Works is no longer just a building or two buildings or even three buildings. Bell Works is a brand. It's a methodology. It's a way to work. It's a way to thrive in suburbia."

9. Technical Terms and Concepts:

• Adaptive Reuse: Repurposing an existing building for a new use.
• Mid-Century Modernism: An architectural style from the mid-20th century characterized by clean lines, simple forms, and functional design.
• Metrob: A term coined to describe Bell Works as a metropolitan hub in a suburban setting.
• Zoning: The process of dividing land into areas for specific uses, such as residential, commercial, or industrial.

10. Synthesis/Conclusion:

Bell Works represents a successful adaptive reuse project that transformed a defunct Bell Labs facility into a thriving mixed-use community. The project's success lies in its commitment to preserving architectural heritage, fostering human connection, and creating a space where people can live, work, and play. The use of Bell Works as a filming location for "Severance" further highlights the project's themes of corporate responsibility and the importance of creating positive work environments. The "Metrob" concept and the Bell Works methodology are now being studied and replicated around the world as a model for creating vibrant suburban communities.