Attention restoration theory asserts that exposure to nature can reduce stress, improve concentration and restore work productivity. This theory is being thoroughly embraced in a setting where it is perhaps needed the most—the New York City trading floor. Located at the intersection of 33rd Street and 10th Avenue on the West Side area of Manhattan, 30 Hudson Yards is a newly-developed skyscraper and the second-tallest office building in New York City. Among the new tenants is Wells Fargo Securities, who purchased more than 500,000 square feet of office space on nine floors of the building for the new location of its New York headquarters. This includes the firm's new trading floors, located on the 14th and 15th levels. To address the day-to-day strain associated with financial trading and the toll it can exact on traders, Wells Fargo engaged interior architecture firm the Switzer Group to collaborate on a workspace design that would support the well-being of its traders.
"Trading operations can be really high-pressure, and so our goal in designing the new trading space was to bring in amenities that would help traders feel calmer," said Linda Foggie, Wells Fargo vice president of project management.
To create a healthier and more productive trading environment, the Switzer Group incorporated a circadian lighting system to simulate daylight throughout the interior and designed the ceiling to reduce glare on work surfaces. They also executed on a vision to enhance the openness of the space by removing a large portion of the floor slab between the two decks and adding an interconnecting staircase.
"The 14th and 15th floors were originally designed as podium floors with greater ceiling heights to accommodate the technology requirements of a trading floor," said Kent Hikida, principal of the Switzer Group. "By redesigning the area with a slab opening and staircase, a physical intercommunication is established between the two floors and the sense of vertical height within the connected space is amplified."
The design team targeted a tall wall surface directly in front of the staircase extending top-to-bottom between the two levels to mount a fixed piece of visual art as an element to promote mental restoration. "And then we thought, instead of a static image we could have a digital display and show actual video footage of nature which would have much more of an impact," Foggie said.
With the idea for a video wall solidified, Foggie began investigating display technologies and visited different installations and manufacturer showrooms across New York City. Robert Derector Telecommunications (RDT) was brought on to join the design team and help select and integrate a solution. After evaluating options, the team chose the Planar DirectLight® X LED Video Wall System from Planar.
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A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
