The 21c Oklahoma City is a distinctive destination that harmoniously merges a world-class contemporary art collection with a 135-room hotel. This unique space combines a contemporary art museum with 14,000 square feet of gallery space, alongside a restaurant, event venues, bar and a gym.

Originally constructed in 1916 as a Ford Motor Company plant, the building's design was shaped by the needs of an assembly line, featuring long, open floor plans and large windows that maximized light and ventilation. These architectural elements have not only been preserved through the building's renovation but also inspired the design of the new space. The structure is supported by octagonal concrete columns, creating a uniform structural grid across all four floors.

To enhance the building’s historic features, custom LED light rings have been designed to illuminate the tops and upper sections of the columns on the ground floor, providing an elegant and cohesive lighting solution. Additionally, four large glass block light wells were installed to introduce natural light into central areas. Within each of these light wells, custom LED squares are suspended by cables behind the glass blocks, forming a striking, sculptural display that gives the impression the lights are "floating."

In the museum galleries, the lighting design features exposed concrete ceilings and industrial track lighting, offering flexible and precise illumination that perfectly complements the art installations. This thoughtful lighting design is instrumental in transforming the former Ford Model-T assembly plant into a unique blend of hospitality and cultural experience. The innovative lighting strategy addresses the distinct needs of a boutique hotel, a destination restaurant, and a contemporary arts centre, while seamlessly integrating the building's historic character into a unified and modern space.

- Panos Ferentinos for Illuminationworks