expressing a design philosophy
SEATTLE WA
999 Third Avenue Lobby
award
IES Illumination Award of Merit
architect
Mithun
​
The public spaces in this Downtown Seattle tower were in need of some love. The daylit main entry had dark finishes and inadequate lighting which contributed to a feeling that the interior of the building was gloomy and unwelcoming.
Using lighting layers to create depth, express the architecture, and highlight materials, Dark Light balanced the daylight from the high-volume entry to keep the atmosphere light and bright throughout the day.
The original stepped ceiling was previously uplit with amber-colored, high-pressure sodium floodlights, which didn't distinguish the different levels of the ceiling and left it feeling flat. After more than 30 years, the ceiling's planes are now enhanced with lighting, creating an iconic entry and an inviting lobby presence from the street.