For its headquarters, Creative Artists Agency wanted a space that speaks to the sophistication and power of its enterprise. Lighting designer Teal Brogden, principal of the Los Angeles office of Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design, explains that as this project evolved, some of its focal points became a play on the iconic gestures of Hollywood—fitting for a talent and literary agency in the entertainment industry.

The project features glossy and matte finishes, and its white palette works well in regard to the lighting because with California's strict energy codes, the use of white light allowed for more effects using less power. A marble entry wall offers depth and is illuminated by pairs of MR16 uplights as “a bit of an allegory to the old Hollywood spotlights,” Brogden explains. “We wanted to create a sense of drama when you entered the space, to not have it feel simply corporate and bland.” Near the reception area is an eight-story-high atrium that features a grand staircase, which is illuminated by 37W MR16 uplights and downlights. The elevators and the staircase are accented by color-changing backlit glass walls, which are operable via a control system. The walls offer a variety of lighting schemes, but the day-to-day setting is 3500K, to give the atrium a sense of daylight. The office spaces boast a minimalist, crisp lighting scheme with a combination of cabinet-mounted indirect and 2-inch-wide linear slot T8 fluorescent fixtures, while adjustable 37W MR16 downlights provide accent lighting for the agency's art collection.

It's clear that much attention was paid to the details of this project. Brogden notes that the need to realize the strong vision and identity of the client while also adhering to California's Title 24 is what ultimately inspired the lighting design of the building.

Jury Comments
Kathy Abernathy: Everything was thought of from the angle of light to just enough integration of color to enhance the drama.

Randy Burkett: Careful use of a lean energy budget demonstrates the power of good lighting design.

Jean Sundin: A well-executed project with creative solutions to save energy and meet Title 24.

David Ziolkowski: Clean, crisp, simple architectural lighting at its best.

Details
Location: Century City, Calif.
Client: Creative Artists Agency, Century City, Calif.
Architect: Gensler, Santa Monica, Calif.
Lighting Designer: Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design, Culver City, Calif.
Photographer: Benny Chan/ Fotoworks, Los Angeles
Project Size: 240,000 square feet
Watts per Square Foot: 1.06
Manufacturers: a•light, B-K Lighting, California Accent Lighting, DelRay, ETC, Forms+Surfaces, Glass Illuminations, LED Power, Lucifer Lighting, Lumascape, Lutron, Martin, Modular International, Prudential Lighting, Selux, Specialty Lighting, Winona Lighting, Zumtobel