Severance Filming Locations: Discover the Show’s Unique Settings

Apple TV+’s hit workplace thriller *Severance* has captivated audiences with its unique blend of breathtaking cinematography, innovative set design, and iconic filming locations.

This blog post delves into the architectural and engineering marvels behind the show’s most memorable settings. It explores how these locations contribute to the series’ compelling storylines.

From the enigmatic Lumon Industries building to various picturesque spots across New York and beyond, discover the real-world places that bring *Severance* to life.

The Lumon Industries Building: A Modernist Masterpiece

The Lumon Industries building, a central location in *Severance*, is none other than the historic Bell Labs in Holmdel, New Jersey. This architectural gem, designed by the renowned Eero Saarinen, was constructed between 1959 and 1962.

Spanning two million square feet, the building is a testament to mid-20th-century modernist design. Its *egg-shaped parking lot* and expansive layout make it a perfect stand-in for the mysterious corporate headquarters in the series.

Architectural Significance

The Bell Labs building is not just a filming location; it is a piece of architectural history. The structure’s design emphasizes open, flexible spaces, which align with the show’s themes of corporate control and personal freedom.

The building’s use of glass and steel creates a stark, almost clinical environment that enhances the show’s eerie atmosphere.

Filming Logistics

Director Ben Stiller and cinematographer Jessica Lee Gangne discovered the Bell Labs building through extensive online research. The location’s untouched, pristine condition made it an ideal choice for filming.

It offered a blank canvas that could be transformed to fit the show’s aesthetic needs. The building’s historical significance and design elements significantly influenced the visual storytelling of *Severance*.

Key Filming Locations in New York

While the Lumon Industries building sets the stage for much of the series, various other locations across New York contribute to the show’s rich visual tapestry.

These spots range from quaint diners to luxurious townhouses, each adding a unique flavor to the narrative.

Pip’s Bar & Grille

The Phoenicia Diner in Phoenicia, New York, serves as Pip’s Bar & Grille, a popular hangout spot for the characters. This location offers a cozy, rustic ambiance that contrasts sharply with the sterile environment of Lumon Industries.

The diner’s vintage decor and warm lighting make it a memorable setting for several key scenes.

Mark and Mrs. Selvig’s Houses

Mark and Mrs. Selvig’s houses are located in the Village Gate Townhouses in Nyack, New York. These modern, well-appointed homes provide a glimpse into the personal lives of the characters, offering a stark contrast to their professional personas.

The townhouses’ sleek design and suburban setting add depth to the show’s exploration of work-life balance.

Devon and Ricken’s House

The Bier House in Usonia, New York, stands in for Devon and Ricken’s house. This mid-century modern home, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, embodies the principles of organic architecture, seamlessly blending with its natural surroundings.

The house’s open floor plan and extensive use of natural materials create a serene, inviting atmosphere.

Damona Birthing Retreat

The Mohonk Preserve Testimonial Gateway in New Paltz, New York, is the setting for the Damona Birthing Retreat. This historic site, situated on the dramatic Shawangunk Mountain Ridge, offers breathtaking views and a tranquil environment.

The location’s natural beauty and rugged terrain make it a fitting backdrop for the show’s more introspective moments.

Irving’s Apartment

Irving’s apartment is located at the Waterfront at the Strand in Kingston, New York. This waterfront property provides stunning views of the Hudson River, adding a touch of elegance to the character’s living space.

The apartment’s modern design and scenic location offer a stark contrast to the oppressive atmosphere of Lumon Industries.

Season 2: Expanding the Horizons

In its second season, *Severance* expands its filming locations to include various new spots across greater New York and even ventures into Canada. These new settings enrich the show’s visual landscape, adding new layers of complexity to the narrative.

Utica’s Union Station

Utica’s Union Station serves as a significant location in Season 2. The station’s grand architecture and historical significance make it an ideal setting for the show’s dramatic moments.

The production brought in over 150 people, including actor and director Ben Stiller, to film at this iconic location.

Eng’s Restaurant

Eng’s Restaurant in Kingston, New York, transforms into Zufu, a restaurant featured in the Season 2 trailer. This iconic Chinese restaurant offers a unique, nostalgic setting that adds depth to the show’s exploration of cultural identity and community.

Great Doors (Dylan’s Job Interview)

The exterior shots of the Great Doors, where Dylan’s job interview takes place, were filmed at the Red Owl Collective in Kingston, New York. The factory-like setting adds a gritty, industrial edge to the scene, enhancing the show’s themes of corporate control and individual agency.

Mammalian’s Nurturable

The Marine Park Golf Course in Brooklyn, New York, serves as Mammalian’s Nurturable. This location’s expansive green spaces and serene environment provide a stark contrast to the show’s more claustrophobic settings, offering a moment of respite for the characters and viewers alike.

Woe’s Hollow

One of the most memorable location shoots of Season 2 takes place during Episode 4, *Woe’s Hollow*. The MDR team embarks on a snowy Outdoor Retreat Team Building Occurrence (ORTBO) at Minnewaska State Park Preserve in Ulster County, New York.

The park’s rugged terrain and stunning waterfalls create a visually striking backdrop for this pivotal episode.

Sam’s Point

Irving’s dream sequence in Season 2 was filmed in an area called Sam’s Point, located within Minnewaska State Park Preserve. This remote, otherworldly location adds a surreal quality to the scene, enhancing the show’s exploration of memory and identity.

Conclusion

The filming locations of *Severance* are more than just backdrops; they are integral to the show’s storytelling.

From the modernist masterpiece of the Lumon Industries building to the picturesque landscapes of New York and beyond, these locations add depth and texture to the narrative.

By exploring these real-world settings, we gain a deeper appreciation for the architectural and engineering feats that make *Severance* a visual and emotional tour de force.

For more detailed information about the filming locations, visit Decider’s comprehensive guide.