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How Daylighting and Views Contribute to Good Design and Impact User Experience

By Cally Williamson RID, NCIDQ

December 29, 2025
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Numerous studies show the positive impact of daylighting and views on human health and wellbeing. Benefits include improved mood, decreased anxiety and better sleep patterns.

As a result, in the workplace, well-daylit spaces contribute to employee satisfaction and reduced turnover rates. For DC client, Bippus State Bank, providing this for their team members working in their new operations center was one of their top project goals.
Bippus State Bank - Community Hub
Bippus State Bank - Community Hub

Goals That Shaped the Design Direction

Eric Fawcett, President and CEO at Bippus, explains the four primary goals the bank identified for the ops center at the beginning:

  • Create visibility as a progressive leader, rooted in the community.
  • Develop an inspiring workplace that attracts and retains top talent and enables everyone to do their best work.
  • Provide access to natural light, views to the outdoors, and a visual connection to the community.
  • Prepare for steady future growth.

“The focus on these goals was evident in all the various design phases as well as the construction process. Design Collaborative did a great job reminding us of these goals each time we met to keep our focus on the ‘why’ behind the project at hand and the decisions that needed to be made.”

Designing for Light, Views, and Connection

Building orientation and space planning play a large role in successful design of daylighting and views. Design teams work through multiple iterations of building placement and orientation on a site to achieve desired exposure and user experience. For the Bippus State Bank operations center project, the site provided a lush tree line and open field to work with. Both interior and exterior building design were based heavily on sizing and placement of windows and storefront systems. Private offices were provided with large, single openings while open workspaces were located along larger storefront systems. Interior rooms have glass wall fronts to let light in from other open spaces when no window can be provided.

“Beyond the primary spaces, even the often-overlooked areas, like the fire stair, were intentionally opened up to the view and abundance of natural light on site, turning a utilitarian passage into a healthy and energetic circulation for the employees between the two floors in their day-to-day operations.” – Tanzim Rachana, Architectural Graduate at Design Collaborative
Bippus State Bank operations center massing diagram Bippus State Bank - Training Room
Bippus State Bank operations center massing diagram Bippus State Bank - Training Room

Bippus State Bank - Workstations Rendering

Bippus State Bank - Community Hub Stairwell

What the Team is Saying

The true measure of any workplace is how it functions for the people who use it. And after moving into the new operations center, the Bippus State Bank team quickly began to experience the impact of natural light and thoughtful design firsthand. As Eric reports:

1. Can you describe the feeling of walking through the community hub space for the first time? Do others seem to share that experience?

“Walking through the space for the first time was energizing. It immediately felt open and collaborative, which aligns well with our vision. I’ve noticed similar reactions from others—there’s a sense of pride and connection.”

2. Do you have a favorite space in the operations center? What spaces do employees value most?

“Personally, I enjoy the community hub and the natural light throughout the building. It creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages interaction.”

3. What impact has the addition of natural light had on your overall workday experience? Have you noticed any changes in mood, productivity, or focus?

“The team values the open work areas and the abundance of daylight. Many have mentioned improved focus and a more positive mood since moving in.”

4. What has the response from the building occupants been like? How do you feel that impacts your company and relates to its mission and vision?

“Our team members are more engaged than ever, with a renewed focus on who we are as an organization and where we’re going. Our mission includes a commitment to employee development, which is apparent in the spaces that we have designed specifically for this purpose. Our vision, to remain a high-performing, independent community bank focused on growing into new markets while maintaining our culture, would not have been obtainable without the expansion of our back-office support areas that are housed in this new facility.”

5. How do you see the new operations center affecting future employees and growth of the company?

“I believe this space will be a strong asset for attracting talent and supporting growth. It reflects who we are and where we’re headed.”

6. Have there been any surprising benefits that emerged after you settled into the new space?

“One pleasant surprise has been how the informal gathering spots have sparked spontaneous conversations and idea sharing.”

The Impact of Thoughtful Design

The new operations center for Bippus State Bank illustrates how daylighting, views, and purposeful design decisions can meaningfully enhance the workplace experience. From early goal-setting through final construction, the project remained focused on creating an environment that supports employees and reflects the bank’s long-term vision. The result is a space where natural light, thoughtful planning, and intentional details contribute to a more positive, engaging day-to-day experience for the entire team.
Bank operations center conference room with large glass lookout
Bank operations center conference room with large glass lookout

Curious how daylight, views, and thoughtful planning can elevate your workplace? Contact us to discuss your options for creating a space that supports your team’s wellbeing and productivity.

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