Apple TV’s Severance has captivated audiences with its haunting portrayal of corporate dystopia, set in the enigmatic corporation Lumon Industries.
While much of the show’s intrigue lies in its narrative and psychological depth, the physical setting of the fictional company plays a major role in the story.
Lumon is not just a workplace—it’s a labyrinth of secrets, rituals, and unsettling practices that make Severance more interesting.
What many fans may not know is that this unsettling office is based in a real-world location: the historic Bell Labs building in Holmdel, New Jersey.
So, get inside the real-life Lumon Industries and know more about the mysterious workplace in Severance.
The Sprawling Bell Labs Complex
It may seem unreal, but the sprawling, glass-encased Bell Labs complex is real. Designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen in 1962, it used to be the center of innovation.
The former Bell Laboratories research center in Holmdel, New Jersey, was the birthplace of cellular telephone communications and a hub for the development of laser and fiber-optic technology, among other groundbreaking advancements.
After years of abandonment, the building was repurposed into Bell Works, a mixed-use "metroburb" that houses offices, retail spaces, and cultural facilities.
What Made Bell Labs the Perfect Setting for Lumon Industries?
Bell Labs features a futuristic yet timeless design, with Saarinen combining modernist minimalism with futuristic ambition, making it the perfect office location for Severance.
From its vast atriums to geometric layouts to reflective glass walls, everything comes together seamlessly, forming sterile perfection that mirrors Lumon’s oppressive corporate environment.
“When I saw the overhead of it, I was like, this can’t be true,” the show’s director of photography Jessica Lee Gagné said. “Is this a real place? There was a part of me that couldn’t believe how perfect it was.”
Retaining the original design, the labyrinthine hallways and windowless interiors seen in the show were filmed within sections of Bell Labs. These spaces amplify the themes of isolation and control that are major parts of Severance.
Bell Labs Transforms Into Lumon Industries
While much of Bell Labs’ mid-century modern design was left untouched, subtle changes were made to heighten its dystopian appeal in Severance.
Vintage office furniture, muted color palettes, and outdated technology are added to lean on retro-futurism, creating a temporal dissonance that makes it difficult to place Lumon Industries in any specific era.
Lumon is also known for lacking windows and natural light. Thus, this is achieved by filming in areas with enclosed corridors and by using set design to block out external views.
Clean lines and symmetrical layouts are also featured to reflect Lumon’s obsession with order and control.
The production team ensures everything is well-detailed, from the placement of the desks to the arrangement of objects that evoke an unsettling sense of conformity.
With the success of Severance, Bell Works has now become a famous tourist spot for fans who want to experience the world of Lumon Industries firsthand.
In fact, there are already guided tours to show the filming locations within the complex. Who knows, they may unravel secrets hidden behind the glass walls.
Severance is now on its second season and new episodes are released every Friday until March 21 on Apple TV+.