Ghafari’s highly acclaimed Northpointe Bank Operations Center project in Grand Rapids, Michigan has received an Award of Merit from the Illuminating Engineering Society, which recognizes ingenuity and originality in lighting design. All awards were presented on August 18th during the organization’s annual conference in New Orleans.
Northpointe Bank’s continued growth drove the demand for the new space, and they engaged Ghafari to transform the former Cascade Commons, an aging, nearly vacant 91,000 SF building. The finished space now serves as an innovative national operations hub for their residential lending and servicing groups.
Key to the design’s success is the introduction of ample daylight. The massive skylight spanning the length of the building was fitted with frosted glass to reduce glare, diffuse direct sunlight, and help in creating a functional, effective work environment during the day and transform the building into a beacon at night.
Small, intimate environments were created throughout the building. Collaboration areas contain decorative pendants and sconces, providing an inviting atmosphere. In contrast to the rectilinear lighting over workstations, soft, glowing luminaires are used in meeting spaces. The result is a lighting environment that offers areas to support intense focus with spaces for collaboration and play.
