For centuries, ceilings have served as a focal point and source of inspiration. Whether it’s the vaulted ceiling of New York’s Grand Central Terminal or the sheer artistry of the Sistine Chapel, the “fifth wall” has played a central role in enhancing buildings and inspiring their occupants.
With the standardization of office space, however, ceilings have largely been relegated to the functional purpose of improving acoustics or hiding a mechanical system. There’s even a running joke that the only two people who look up inside today’s buildings are the architect and the contractor.