177 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA / 2014

We were tasked with revitalizing 177 Huntington Avenue, a landmark I.M. Pei-designed tower within Boston’s Christian Science Plaza. Working alongside architecture firm NBBJ, the goal was to elevate the building’s profile for a new generation of technology- and media-savvy tenants while honoring its modernist heritage. The resulting design enlivens the original architecture, bridging the gap between its historic Brutalist roots and a vibrant, digitally connected future.

The transformation centers on the lobby, where the once-cavernous space has been reimagined as a warm and inviting environment. Custom LED lighting, integrated into brushed steel strips, casts a soft glow across the original polished cement walls, creating a sophisticated atmosphere that is visible from the street. Central to this experience is an ambient media installation that visually interprets the local environment—reflecting the shift of the seasons, changing weather, and the gentle ripples of the plaza’s iconic reflecting pool. This sense of connectivity continues into the elevator bays, where 22-foot-high LED displays stream real-time information, from neighborhood events to global market data.

Beyond the interior, the project extends the building’s presence into the Boston skyline through a thoughtful exterior lighting strategy. While soft washes respectfully illuminate the plaza-facing side to sit harmoniously within the historic site, a bold vertical band of light spans the height of the building facing the Massachusetts Turnpike, ensuring visibility to passing traffic. Today, 177 Huntington stands as a refreshed landmark that offers tenants a true "place" to work, firmly positioned in the present while celebrating its architectural legacy.

CN Core Responsibilities /

/ Physical Designer
/ 3d design, detailing and rendering
/ Technology integration and detailing
/ Custom lighting and Fixture design
/ Interior Design and Furniture
/ Architectural Lighting