200 Park residencies in San Jose, California redefine the relationship between community and light design, envisioned as a cornerstone of contemporary architecture, 200 Park aims to enhance the well-being of its occupants. The light design that complements the architecture plays an important role in this vision, transforming the outdoors into a city’s landmark. Lighting at street level invigorates the experience of passers-by with a vibrant ambient lighting, preparing the groundwork for floors above. Luminaries on the ground level helped install the light fixtures on the floors above. The concealed luminaires are mounted out of view to make this monumental structure appear weightless. The façade and the lighting fixtures at the site create a sense of hospitality while accentuating the architectural qualities of the design.
Indoor and Outdoor Lighting
The hospitality approach by HLB Lighting Design company uplifts both the interior and exterior appeal of the building. The lighting unites wellness, identity, and innovation. On the outside, the sculptural façade boasts a “magic light” effect achieved by applying beam control from hidden lighting fixtures. Paired with vertical illuminated canyons, the architectural lighting matches the energy of the city and the surrounding cityscape without losing its uniqueness. The elegant night-time ambience is created through uplighting and hidden LED lights secluded under balconies, benches, and guardrails, which mix urban warmth with commercial sophistication.
Sustainability standards
LED lights, optical shielding, and louvres on the building’s facade prevent light trespass, mitigating visual pollution, thus achieving LEED Sustainable Sites Light Pollution Reduction Credit. Aesthetic lighting automatically turns off between midnight and 6:00 a.m. to reduce the impact on the environment while maintaining security. Dimming, protocols, and daylight harvesting are complemented by energy-efficient LEDs and occupancy sensors to reach the California Title 24 energy code standards. By employing focused light and integrated controls, the company showed how environmentally sound lighting can still achieve maximum effects.
Fitness, Lounge and Gamer Areas
HLB Lighting Design also designed illumination for the building’s fitness and amenities. Upscale lounge, the fitness centre, and game area represent additional benefits that would attract the best possible candidates. The designers used layered lighting to amplify community zones on the inside. These social zones were lit with dimmable programmable lighting combined with architectural details.
With its cosy atmosphere, the lounge areas nurture social interaction, while lighting in the offices increases focus and productivity. Flexible lighting can be adjusted to different activities. Fitness areas are illuminated with indirect lighting that brings energy without distraction, paired with locker and vanity spaces equipped with ornamental scones. Backlit mirrors in the area additionally contribute to the residential feel in these spaces.
HLB Lighting Design
HLB Lighting Design has come a long way from its early Manhattan days in 1968. A company founded by Jules Horton, Stephen Lees, Barbara Horton, and Teal Brogden has spread to multiple studio locations worldwide. Meticulously selected to improve comfort, elevate user experience, and strengthen the architectural aesthetics designed by Gensler, Field Operations the lighting turns the 200 Park into a monumental landmark of the San Jose center. The light design of the building was crowned the 2025 LIT Lighting Design Award Winner in the Workplace Lighting Design category.
Photo Credits: Jason O’Rear
