Cheers

Unique Lighting at Beverage Distributing Headquarters in Wilsonville, Oregon

by Jason Broadhurst, director, architectural specialty marketing, Acuity Brands

Columbia Distributing is one of the United States’ largest distributors of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, servicing over 22,000 retail customers throughout Oregon, Washington, and California.  When its headquarters outgrew its Portland, Oregon, location, it moved to a former manufacturing plant in nearby Wilsonville, Oregon. 

         The company worked with LRS Architects, Portland, to transform the 60,000-sq.ft. space into an environment that reflects the company culture and increases employee collaboration and connectivity.  With a nod to the Pacific Northwest, designers worked with various textures, contrasting the elements of wood and terracotta with metal and stone.  Beer bottle glass also plays a role, in recognition of Columbia’s core business.

         Spread over two floors, the office features a variety of open and enclosed collaboration areas, employee-centered neighborhoods, auxiliary workspaces, and open office workstations.  Employee break areas are a hallmark of the experience and include two pubs for after-hour activities and events.

         Luminis®’ Prisma PR1282 luminaire was selected to illuminate the hallways, corridors, stairwells, and pub areas.  Over 200 pendants in jet black are suspended from high, open industrial ceilings.  The distinct fixtures, in a 12” diameter, provide wayfinding for employees as they transition through the office.  Side struts on the fixtures serve to define the luminaires further and complement the industrial-look decor. 

         To offset the black ceilings and dramatic dark accent wall colors, all luminaires feature a diffused acrylic prismatic refractor.  The refractor ensures comfortable, general illumination in the corridors and down to the counters and tables in the pubs.  Prisma PR1282 luminaires offer a life beyond 125,000 hours, providing efficient, reliable lighting over the long term.

         Through a combination of distinctive spaces, graphics, and lighting, Columbia Distributing has created a headquarters that is uniquely its own and a work environment of which its employees can be proud.