Severance's Lumon Industries: A Look At Its Apple-like Corporate Design

Omar Yusuf

5 min read

Post on May 17, 2025

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Minimalism and Modernism: Lumon's Architectural Style

Lumon Industries' architectural style is a masterclass in minimalist modernism. The stark, white, and geometrically precise offices are instantly recognizable and unsettling. The clean lines and expansive spaces, while seemingly modern and efficient, contribute to the sterile and emotionally detached atmosphere of the workplace. This stark aesthetic is reminiscent of Apple's own architectural style, exemplified by the circular design of Apple Park. Both spaces prioritize clean lines, open layouts, and a focus on functionality over ornamentation. However, unlike the generally welcoming feel of Apple's spaces, Lumon's architecture induces a feeling of cold, clinical isolation.

• Stark White Spaces: The pervasive use of white, while visually appealing, creates a sterile and somewhat oppressive environment. The lack of color and personal touches reinforces the feeling of anonymity and dehumanization.
• Geometric Precision: The precise, geometric shapes and angles of the building and interior design reinforce a sense of order and control, hinting at the rigid structure of Lumon's operations.
• Natural Light (or Lack Thereof): The strategic use (or lack thereof) of natural light further contributes to the unsettling atmosphere. In some areas, the abundance of natural light feels sterile and clinical, while in others, the scarcity of light creates a sense of confinement and mystery.
• Color as Control: Color is sparingly used, emphasizing the starkness and clinical nature of the workspace. The intentional placement of color becomes a visual tool to highlight specific areas or emotions.

Technological Integration and Seamless User Experience (or Lack Thereof): The Lumon Technology

Lumon Industries' technological integration is seamless, almost eerily so. The technology appears intuitive and user-friendly, much like Apple products strive to be. However, this ease of use stands in stark contrast to the technology's profoundly oppressive purpose. The "severance" procedure itself, a technological marvel, is used to exert complete control over employees' minds and lives.

• Seamless Integration: The technology is deeply embedded in the fabric of Lumon's operations, seemingly invisible yet omnipresent, mirroring Apple's aim for intuitive and integrated technology.
• The Irony of User-Friendliness: The technology's ease of use is a crucial element in its unsettling nature. It highlights the ease with which such powerful, controlling technologies can be implemented.
• Oppressive Purpose: The technology's true purpose is to control and manipulate employees, creating a chilling contrast to its apparent user-friendliness. This is a far cry from Apple's focus on empowering users.
• Workplace Surveillance: The technology's use in monitoring and controlling employees raises concerns about data privacy and workplace surveillance, echoing real-world anxieties about technological control.

Branding and Corporate Identity: The Lumon Image

Lumon Industries' branding is as minimalist as its architecture, but with a subtly unsettling edge. The logo, though simple, is somehow unnerving, reflecting the company's cold, impersonal nature. This contrasts with Apple's iconic and widely-recognized minimalist branding, which is generally associated with positivity and innovation. Lumon’s branding evokes a sense of corporate detachment and control.

• Subtly Unsettling Logo: The simplicity of the Lumon logo belies a deeper unsettling quality, reflecting the company's manipulative practices.
• Corporate Jargon: The use of corporate jargon creates a sense of detachment and obfuscation, masking the true nature of Lumon's operations.
• Branding as Control: Lumon's branding contributes to the overall unsettling atmosphere by reinforcing the sense of corporate control and dehumanization.
• Comparison to Apple: While both employ minimalist aesthetics, Apple's branding projects a sense of openness and user empowerment, whereas Lumon's projects a sense of control and secrecy.

The Use of Color and Light in Lumon's Design

Lumon Industries’ design strategically employs a limited color palette, primarily whites, grays, and muted tones. This minimalist approach contributes significantly to the show’s overall atmosphere. The use of lighting is equally crucial; bright, clinical lighting in some areas contrasts sharply with the dim, shadowy corners of others. This contrast serves to highlight the sense of isolation and control within Lumon.

• Limited Color Palette: The restricted color palette emphasizes the sterility and emotional detachment of the workplace.
• Lighting for Mood: Lighting is carefully used to create specific moods and atmospheres, enhancing the feeling of control and isolation.
• Visual Storytelling: The color palette and lighting work together to tell a visual story, emphasizing the oppressive and manipulative nature of Lumon.

Conclusion

This article explored the striking similarities between Lumon Industries' corporate design in Severance and Apple's minimalist aesthetic. By analyzing the architecture, technology, branding, and color palette, we've seen how the show uses design to create a chilling and effective portrayal of a dystopian workplace. The unsettling nature of Lumon's seemingly perfect design highlights the potential dangers of unchecked technological advancement and corporate control. The show masterfully uses design elements to create an atmosphere of subtle unease, forcing viewers to question the seemingly benign nature of minimalist aesthetics in the context of corporate power.

Want to delve deeper into the unsettling world of Severance and analyze Lumon Industries' Apple-like corporate design further? Explore the show and share your thoughts on how the show uses design to create its chilling atmosphere using the hashtag #LumonIndustriesDesign.