The first iteration of Halo resulted from the client’s ardent goal of attracting an affluent fashion and style conscious crowd in search of the unique and spectacular. To this end Jesse Sherburne drew inspiration from his passion for installation art and the use of light explored by artists such as James Turrell and Dan Flavin. The space was designed to have all seating areas be essentially separated by colored light but still serve as vantage points to watch the action in the room. The seating existed on the periphery of austere white walls in order to highlight the clientele and employ the patrons as an integral part of the design. The minimal space featured a gathering of temperaments highlighted by vivid primary colors and formal geometric shapes. The surreal experience of the space was heightened by the meeting of the primary colors that form optical illusions at the intersections of various lines and barriers. The overall lighting was increased by the 24-foot long illuminated Plexiglas bar. The lighting served to illuminate the fashion-conscious crowd and allows them to see and be seen. As the club evolved the need to cater to the increasingly diverse clientele that frequented the club became a primary focus. In addition, the increasing business of the club meant that the austere environment began to require constant attention and the visual durability of the environment had reached the end of its tenure.

It was time for a re-design...