Bloomberg Virtual Set Extensions

In 2017, Bloomberg returned to Lightwell to evolve the LED virtual set extensions first developed for their Lexington Avenue headquarters. The objective was not reinvention, but refinement. The new studios needed to retain the established visual language and colour themes aligned with Bloomberg’s global branding, while responding to changing editorial rhythms and a desire for a more intimate on screen presence.

Where the 2014 design celebrated scale and architectural grandeur, the 2017 iteration focused on precision and proximity. We reimagined the expansive virtual atrium as a more compact environment, carefully adjusting proportions to create a tighter, more conversational frame for anchors and guests. The result was a studio that felt immersive without overwhelming the subject, supporting clarity and connection in an increasingly fast paced news cycle.

Colour remained a central storytelling tool. The established palette was preserved to ensure brand continuity across programming, yet transitions were refined to feel more nuanced and controlled. Subtle tonal shifts allowed the set to adapt fluidly between market updates, feature interviews, and breaking news, maintaining visual cohesion across segments.

A key innovation was the introduction of integrated lightboxes within the virtual architecture. These illuminated frames acted as flexible graphic portals, capable of displaying bespoke content tailored to specific editorial needs. From data visualisations to thematic backdrops, producers could quickly customise the environment without disrupting the overall design language.

The 2017 redesign delivered a studio that was leaner, sharper, and more responsive. By tightening the spatial composition and embedding adaptable graphic elements, we created a broadcast environment that balanced technological sophistication with human scale, ensuring Bloomberg’s on screen presence remained both authoritative and approachable.

Client

Bloomberg

Design

Jim Mann (Lightwell)

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