Denny Substation

Hailed by Fast Company as the most beautiful substation in the world, Seattle City Light's new Denny Substation is much more than just a source of power. As South Lake Union grew, particularly as a home to global technology companies, a new substation was needed. Rather than a chain-link-fenced area with transformers and a box of a garage, NBBJ saw an opportunity to highlight what Seattle City Light does for the community, offering information and amenities that turn a functional lot into a welcoming space.

Client: Seattle City Light

Firm: NBBJ

My Role: Design Development, Artwork Production

Project Goals: Tell the story of Seattle City Light so that visitors to the site can understand what the building is about and how it serves them.

Transforest, a sculpture by Lead Pencil Studios, sits on one corner of the lot, adjacent to a walkway that surrounds the substation and an off-leash dog park. Wayfinding and area identity signage uses cut-through letters.

The oversize garage door for SCL service trucks features messaging about Seattle City Light in seven languages, highlighting the nearby Neighborhood of Nations (98118), which Seattle City Light serves. The shading of the letters shifts slightly in areas, so that when the sun shines through from the back of the door, the word 'LIGHT' seems to glow in the distance read.

Windows into the public amenity space and the substation grid yard display graphics that speak to Seattle City Light's position as one of the greenest energy providers in the nation, telling the story of how energy is generated and distributed to customers. Key energy saving information and tips are displayed inside the amenity spaces in simple vinyl lettering.

Mara Stokke

Denny Substation