By Emma Reynolds 
“Breathe in, breathe out. Welcome to Lumon Industries!” If this line sends shivers down your spine, you’re probably a fan of the Apple TV+ series, ‘Severance.’ But did you know that the austere and eerie office building you see on your screens has a fascinating history, intertwined with the real-world tech industry? Buckle up as we embark on an intriguing journey from Bell Labs to Lumon Industries.
In the heart of New Jersey lies the historic Bell Labs, the home to numerous technological breakthroughs. From the invention of the transistor to the birth of cellular technology, Bell Labs was the nerve center of innovation. Its modernist structure, with long corridors and vast open spaces, served as the perfect canvas for the creators of ‘Severance.’
Transforming the scientific landmark into the enigmatic Lumon Industries was no less than a cinematic marvel. The show’s team meticulously combined the building’s inherent austerity with a futuristic touch, creating an uncanny setting for the psychological thriller. A place where the line between work and life is not just blurred, it’s surgically severed!
But why Bell Labs? What is it about this historical edifice that resonates with the essence of ‘Severance’? The answer lies in the building’s architecture and ethos. Designed by Eero Saarinen, the building was envisioned as a “think tank” environment that would inspire innovation. Just as Lumon Industries seeks to control the minds of its employees for maximum productivity, Bell Labs was designed to stimulate the minds of its scientists for groundbreaking inventions.
Moreover, the transformation from Bell Labs to Lumon Industries is a subtle commentary on the tech industry’s evolution. While Bell Labs represents a golden era of technological discoveries, Lumon Industries portrays a dystopian future where tech invades personal lives. It’s a stark reminder of the delicate balance between technological progress and ethical boundaries.
This exploration of the iconic Bell Labs to Lumon Industries journey is a testament to the power of storytelling through architecture. It reflects how a physical space can embody complex themes of innovation, control, and dystopia. So, the next time you watch ‘Severance,’ spare a thought for the silent character in the background – the building itself.
In the world of ‘Severance,’ the Bell Labs building is more than just a filming location; it is a narrative device, a symbol, and a character in itself. From the long empty hallways to the cold, clinical offices, every architectural detail enhances the unsettling atmosphere of the series. Just like the employees of Lumon Industries, the viewers, too, find themselves entrapped within the confines of this iconic building, blurring the lines between reality and fiction, past and future, progress and dystopia.