The former Bell Laboratories research center in Holmdel, New Jersey, has become a popular destination for fans of the Apple TV+ series Severance. The building, designed by Eero Saarinen, is now a hub for architecture buffs and Severance enthusiasts who flock to post about their experiences online.
Bell Works was originally built as a state-of-the-art research facility in 1962, but its design has been criticized for being too perfect and sterile for scientists’ needs. The building’s clean formality was seen as deadening by some of the scientists who worked there, while others appreciated its modernist aesthetic.
The show’s portrayal of the headquarters as an empty, lifeless space is at odds with the reality of the building’s vibrant history. When the atrium was set up for filming, it reminded construction workers of the original Bell Labs facility they had acquired years earlier.
Today, the building serves as a symbol of the blurred lines between utopia and dystopia in corporate America. The company behind Bell Works wants to attract employees by creating an inspired workspace that combines work and play, while also embracing the challenges of modernizing a historic facility.
Bell Works’ history reflects a broader shift in American corporations from basic research to targeted product development. As AT&T broke up in 1984, the need for long-term investment in scientific projects dwindled, and companies like Google have struggled to replicate this model.
Despite its new role as a corporate dystopia destination, Bell Works remains a testament to the ingenuity of Eero Saarinen’s design and the scientists who worked there. The building’s dual nature – both a symbol of utopian ideals and a manifestation of corporate soul-sucking – continues to fascinate visitors from around the world.
Source: https://www.curbed.com/article/severance-fans-tour-bell-labs-lumon-hq-set.html