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Princeton Firestone Library

February 7, 2018 / no comments

Princeton Firestone Library

Academic | Daylighting
LOCATION: Princeton, NJ
COMPLETED: 2017
SIZE: 3000 sq. ft.
OWNERS: Princeton University
ARCHITECT: Shepley Bulfinch
PHOTOGRAPHER: © Robert Benson Photography

DESIGN TEAM:Robert Osten
 Dan Weissman

This library renovation included the relocation of Princeton University’s books reading room to a 21-foot-wide by 140-foot-long, glazed atrium space, nestled between the original library building and a 1980s-era addition. The original glass and brise soleil assembly provided reasonable solar control, but simply could not accommodate the strict 500 lux maximum required by conservators, so we were brought in to develop a solution.

See more about this unique daylighting project here

After studying various design iterations and calculations to produce static daylighting solutions  (including implementing baffles and altering the transparency of the panes), it became clear that a dynamic solution would be necessary to meet these complex requirements. Mechanical shades would be problematic, due to the sloped glass, noise, and maintenance concerns.  Electrochromic glazing can change tint to decrease light transmission, typically in four steps from clear to 1% transmission, and proved to be the perfect alternative. After visiting other installations, the team gave the green light to develop the project with Sage Glass.

Up to this point, Sage’s typical installations included relatively simple control strategies, such as the creation of a series of horizontal bands or blocks defined by program. However, it quickly became apparent that grouping the glazing into large zones of control would not meet our criteria. To address this, we created a dynamic shading mask that could follow the sun as it moves across the sky, blocking direct sunlight from hitting tables of rare books, while also maintaining at least 10% clear glass for quality color rendering. This scheme would maximize the amount of clear or minimally tinted glass at all times.

To convince stakeholders of the concept, the lead author constructed an algorithm in Grasshopper for Rhino to visualize the concept geometrically, diagramming how the skylight could change throughout the day and year. The data was also used to create photorealistic animations in a dynamically changing digital heliodon, producing visualizations that simply could not be performed with its analog counterpart. However, these visualizations were both useful and deceiving; the representations made it clear that the shapes created were not pure geometries, and as such, the client requested some simplification. The transitions in the video were also abrupt, not portraying the 2-15 minute transition times actually found with electrochromic technology, which viewers found distracting. More importantly, this first iteration did not account for quantitative analysis; up to this point, the Grasshopper definition was only able to change states based on solar angle and obstructions. It’s one thing to create a simulation that ‘looks’ like it’s dynamically shading the space, it’s quite another to actually calculate it.

Ultimately, a nested, looping algorithm provided a workable solution that allowed the Grasshopper definition to test and iterate until it met our criteria. The algorithm would then write the results to a spreadsheet and move on. Once completed, the spreadsheet was handed off to Sage Glass, which used the data to program the installation. The project was completed in the spring of 2017. This was just in time for the summer research period and a first round of user feedback, as the staff began to notice a particular area that was not shaded in the afternoons. Based on this feedback, we modified the scenes, and will be waiting patiently until the summer of 2018 to see if the changes were helpful.

This project perfectly merged quantitative and qualitative design to develop a daylighting solution that could meet the client’s visual and metric needs in this space.

The TOWER at PNC Plaza

February 16, 2018 / no comments

The TOWER at PNC Plaza

Corporate | Daylighting
LOCATION: Pittsburgh, PA
COMPLETED: 2016
SIZE: 800,000 sq. ft.
OWNERS: PNC Financial Services
ARCHITECT: Gensler
PHOTOGRAPHER: © Connie Zhou

DESIGN TEAM:Steve Iski
 Chris Hoyman

The goal was to deliver a signature headquarters building that redefined the sustainable high-rise: The Tower at PNC Plaza, billed as the “Greenest Skyrise in the World”. Clad in a double-glazed, breathable skin, the building utilizes automated blinds, programmed to prevent direct solar-penetration into the workplace. Extensive modeling and mock-ups were used to optimize daylight harvesting, while minimizing the impacts of glare and solar gain. Simultaneously, electric lighting was designed exclusively around LED technology, complete with tailored outputs, 2-step tolerances, programmable drivers, bespoke fixtures, whole-building lighting controls, and solar positioning software, which illuminates the interior with minimal energy.

Baylor University Paul L. Foster Campus for Business and Innovation

September 19, 2017 / no comments

Baylor University Paul L. Foster Campus for Business and Innovation

Academic | Daylighting
LOCATION: Waco, Texas
COMPLETED: 2015
SIZE: 285,000 sq. ft.
OWNERS: Baylor University
ARCHITECT: Overland Partners | Architects
AWARDS: A|L Light and Architecture Awards - Best Use of Daylighting
CERTIFICATIONS: LEED Gold
PHOTOGRAPHER: © Paul Bardagjy

DESIGN TEAM:Paul Zaferiou
 Justin Brown
 Kera Lagios

The Paul L. Foster Campus for Business and Innovation building provides the thriving Hankamer School of Business at Baylor University with a leading edge facility, which reflects the school’s dedication to creating the next generation of world-class business leaders.

In a collaborative design process with both the architects and owners, aspects of Baylor’s neo-Georgian aesthetic were maintained with new materials and innovative building technologies, in order to demonstrate how rich tradition and contemporary design can come together to create an inspiring learning environment.

A major design challenge was developing a solution to provide as much access to natural light throughout the year as possible, without creating glare or thermal discomfort for the occupants. In particular, the 4-story central atrium was the first task, and initially envisioned by the architect to be capped with a standard north-facing saw-tooth, monitor-style roof. While this was effective, our design team lamented a missed opportunity to create a more dynamic environment within the bustling heart of the building. Employing sophisticated daylight analysis tools, our team quickly explored multiple options that controlled and redirected sunlight year round, before settling on a formula that offered the most promising results and ability to match the architectural vision.

Simultaneously, an interior aesthetic emerged, partly from the architect’s inspiration of the strong geometric works of Josef Albers, and from the University’s desire for a large, round auditorium space. The resultant round and linear language then began to inform lighting concepts throughout the project; the former for gathering spaces, and the latter for circulation.

Considering that the project was designed in mid-2013, the cost and efficacy of the now ubiquitous LED lighting were still at the point where fluorescent fixtures were deemed the better choice for the lensed linear recessed fixtures in the circulation spaces. With that said, the University was still very keen to explore LED technology in other areas of the project, which made sense in terms of access, maintenance, physical size, and aesthetics. This lead to the selection of a linear LED direct/indirect pendant family for all offices and classrooms, with form factor and design as a near-perfect compliment to the design of the building. The optical performance was also superior, compared to linear fluorescent technology — meaning that fixtures could be spaced farther apart and save a significant amount of energy. The resultant low LPD of .59W/sf, combined with a networked lighting control system and aggressive daylight harvesting thresholds, contributed to the LEED Gold rating.

The lighting of the exterior environment was as much about safety and navigation as it was about incorporating the contemporary interpretation of Baylor’s classical architecture into the campus masterplan. In addition to traditional framed windows, heavier masonry planes of the building’s facade appear to split and shift, thereby creating viewports that reveal the inner workings of the school.

With the exception of walkways, exterior stairs, entries, and signage, the façade was deliberately not lighted, in order to strengthen this contrast in the evening and emphasize the student activity within. Two matching cupolas, designed as a series of stacking horizontal plates, are illuminated to not only act as campus beacons, but also to display an architectural detail not easily observed during the day.

The new facility has been very well received by both students and faculty alike, both groups having commented on how the lighting contributes to spaces feeling bright and inviting, while also supporting the architect’s concepts for navigation and hierarchy of volume.

Harvard University Offices at 1414 Massachusetts Avenue

March 25, 2015 / no comments

Harvard University Offices at 1414 Massachusetts Avenue

Academic | Daylighting
LOCATION: Cambridge, Massachusetts
COMPLETED: 2004
SIZE: 25,000 sq. ft.
OWNERS: Harvard University
ARCHITECT: Gensler
PHOTOGRAPHER: © Lam Partners

DESIGN TEAM:Paul Zaferiou
 Will Lewis

This four-story interior office renovation in historic Harvard Square challenged the design team to bring the presence of daylight throughout a virtually windowless space with limited access to the sky.

Studies of various roof-mounted reflectors and lightwell configurations using scale models and a heliodon led to the use of three south-facing polished stainless steel reflectors and a tapered lightwell to redirect available sunlight down through the interior floor openings below.

Each reflector is fixed in place to reduce cost, and is aimed to optimize available sun throughout summer, winter, or equinox. Structural beams were enlarged to baffle low-angle direct sun from the east and west.

From the interior, the mirror-like reflectors present views of blue sky as direct sun shines down the shaft all the way to the ground floor, 42 feet below. Sunlight sweeps across the light well as it catches each reflector in turn during the sun’s rise and descent.

As many as five sunlight passes per day can occur in the summer months, and the dynamic nature of the sun penetrates the full height of the narrow, windowless space, providing a valuable connection to the outdoors throughout the building core.

Putney Mountain House

March 6, 2015 / no comments

Putney Mountain House

Retail & Hospitality | Daylighting
LOCATION: Putney, Vermont
COMPLETED: 2008
SIZE: unavailable
OWNERS: private residence
ARCHITECT: Kyu Sung Woo Architects Inc.
PHOTOGRAPHER: © Timothy Hursley

DESIGN TEAM:Paul Zaferiou
 James Perry

A residential retreat for multiple family generations is located on a rolling hillside in Putney, Vermont. The owner and architect wanted a weekend getaway where he and his wife, along with their children and grandchildren, could relax in each other’s company while enjoying the beautiful vistas from any room in the house. Simple forms and materials create a subtle elegance that rests quietly on the mountainside. Each room receives ample daylight from oversized windows or floor to ceiling glass walls that slide open, blurring the line between interior and exterior space.

Lighting concepts and hardware were integrated into the forms and details of the house to create uniform ambient light, without calling attention to the fixtures themselves. Ceilings and walls are washed with light to enhance the lantern-like appearance from the exterior, without spilling any light up into the sky or the dark natural surroundings of the property. Minimalism and simplicity give rise to tranquility, creating an ideal setting from which to enjoy nature’s paintings.

Genzyme Allston Landing Facility Expansion

February 12, 2015 / no comments

Genzyme Allston Landing Facility Expansion
Genzyme Allston Landing Facility Expansion
Genzyme Allston Landing Facility Expansion
Genzyme Allston Landing Facility Expansion
Genzyme Allston Landing Facility Expansion
Genzyme Allston Landing Facility Expansion

Genzyme Allston Landing Facility Expansion

Health & Science | Daylighting
LOCATION: Boston, Massachusetts
COMPLETED: 2010
SIZE: 127,000 sq. ft.
OWNERS: Genzyme
ARCHITECT: ARC, Inc.
CERTIFICATIONS: LEED Gold
PHOTOGRAPHER: © Lam Partners

DESIGN TEAM:Glenn Heinmiller
 Matt Latchford

Perched along the Charles River, the original Genzyme Allston Landing building is a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, with a red brick façade. The glass curtain wall of this LEED Silver addition is a strong contrast to the older facility, yet it still maintains subtle hints of the older design.

Floor to ceiling glass with exterior sun shades and interior automated sun control louvers brings the staff closer to the outdoors, while also helping to mitigate heat gain and glare. With the introduction of daylight into the building, the lighting design offers a bright, pleasant work environment. The lighting energy usage is far below code, due to an advanced lighting control system and progressive design strategies.

Predominantly T8 fluorescent systems provide ambient illumination, while task lighting was used throughout the building to boost local light levels in workstations, and to allow users to adjust their own work environment.

The internal lighting systems also provide the lighting effect for the building at night. No façade lighting was used, but instead a few key lighting elements remain lighted for a few extra hours at night, giving passers-by a glimpse into the inner workings of the space.

Orlando Federal Courthouse

February 11, 2015 / no comments

Orlando Federal Courthouse
Orlando Federal Courthouse
Orlando Federal Courthouse

Orlando Federal Courthouse

Civic | Daylighting
LOCATION: Orlando, Florida
COMPLETED: 2006
SIZE: 308,000 sq. ft.
OWNERS: General Services Administration
ARCHITECT: Leers Weinzapfel Associates Architects, Inc.
AWARDS: 2007 IES New England Section Illumination Award
CERTIFICATIONS: LEED Certified
PHOTOGRAPHER: © Peter Aaron / Esto

DESIGN TEAM:Robert Osten
 Justin Brown

The majority of the southern façade of Orlando’s massive new Federal Courthouse is dominated by a glass atrium shielded with an elaborate sunshelf system. Carefully placed linear bars of anodized aluminum provide precise solar glare control during the hot summer months without obstructing the expansive views to the outside. The result, created through extensive scale modeling with photometric and video analysis, is that at all times of the year the atrium feels bathed in comfortable daylight.

Exquisite stained glass art panels in several locations flood the area with rich colors. The atrium is transformed at night into a glowing lantern through the use of integrated metal halide floods that wash the ceiling, and concealed accent fixtures directly lighting the decorative glass panels. Further reinforcing the beacon effect is the illuminated top of the monolithic entry tower which rises above the upper floors containing the courtrooms.

Concealed indirect cove lighting is used in each courtroom to uplight the central coffers and to carry through the feeling of spaciousness from the atrium. A perimeter light slot washes the walls and emphasizes the strong geometric lines of the spaces, while recessed adjustable downlights focus higher light levels at the clerks’ and judges’ benches.

Minimal compact fluorescent downlights fill in where required for proper emergency lighting. A low-voltage lighting control system allows simple lighting scenes to be accessed by keypads located throughout the space.

Brown University Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World

November 26, 2014 / no comments

Brown University Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World
Brown University Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World
Brown University Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World
Brown University Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World
Brown University Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World
Brown University Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World
Brown University Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World
Brown University Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World
Brown University Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World

Brown University Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World

Academic | Daylighting

LOCATION: Providence, Rhode Island
COMPLETED: 2010
SIZE: 15,000 sq. ft.
OWNERS: Brown University
ARCHITECT: Anmahian Winton Architects
AWARDS: 2012 AIA Institute Honor Award for Interior Architecture
  2011 IES Illumination Award of Merit
  2011 BSA Honor Award for Design Excellence
PHOTOGRAPHER: © Peter Vanderwarker

DESIGN TEAM:Paul Zaferiou
 Justin Brown

This complete interior renovation revitalizes graduate studio space, faculty offices, and library. The two-story core is bathed in daylight from large windows and a cleverly baffled skylight, with an intricate wood slat element controlling glare.

The upper mezzanine receives diffuse daylight from large, carefully sculpted light wells, illuminated at night from easily-accessed hidden linear T5HO cove uplights.

Tall custom-built shelving lines the two-story main space’s perimeter. Books and artifacts are lighted from above with cantilevered linear T5HO fixtures.

Recessed multi-head CMH accents in two small gallery spaces light ancient artifacts from the Institute’s collection.

Faculty offices within the core are clad in obfuscating multi-wall polycarbonate panels that glow from ambient light while maintaining privacy. A recessed T8 lensed downlight at the interior wall and an LED task light provide all necessary supplemental lighting, under occupancy sensor control.

Multi-zoned fluorescent pendants and compact fluorescent downlights are used to light the expandable lecture space. Daylight-responsive and preset scene controls provide versatility for various functions.

UMASS Medical School Albert Sherman Center

September 9, 2014 / no comments

Umass Medical School Albert Sherman Center

Academic | Daylighting

LOCATION: Worcester, Massachusetts
COMPLETED: 2013
SIZE: 500,000 sq. ft.
OWNERS: University of Massachusetts
ARCHITECT: Architectural Resources Cambridge
CERTIFICATIONS: LEED Gold
PHOTOGRAPHER: © Peter Vanderwarker

DESIGN TEAM:Glenn Heinmiller
 Matt Latchford
 Amber Hepner

This cutting-edge lab, classroom and office facility features extensive use of daylighting and lighting controls, combined with task-ambient lighting throughout the laboratory spaces, to deliver significant energy savings.

David L. Lawrence Convention Center

August 14, 2014 / no comments

David L. Lawrence Convention Center

Civic | Daylighting

LOCATION: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
COMPLETED: 2003
SIZE: 1,486,000 sq. ft.
OWNERS: Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County
ARCHITECT: Rafael Viñoly Architects PC
AWARDS: 2006 IALD Award of Excellence
  2005 IES Illumination Award of Excellence
  2005 A|L Virtuous Achievement Awards Best Incorporation of Daylight
  2004 28th Annual Cooper Lighting SOURCE Award
CERTIFICATIONS: LEED Gold
PHOTOGRAPHER: © Brad Feinknopf, © Stephen M. Lee, © Lam Partners Inc

DESIGN TEAM:Paul Zaferiou
 Keith Yancey

As the first certified “green” convention center, and the first of its kind to achieve LEED Platinum certification, this building defines a new environmental chapter in Pittsburgh’s rich industrial history. In a major departure from typical convention center designs, daylight is the primary source of illumination throughout the grand exhibit hall and perimeter prefunction areas. When required, daylight is seamlessly augmented by photocell-controlled fluorescent lighting integrated into the structure that visually reinforces the building’s bridge-like structural concept.

CAD studies and full-scale mock-ups were used to refine a concept that arranged paired fabric ducts and direct/indirect fluorescent fixtures along the lower structural cables, creating a completely integrated large-scale luminaire. The fabric ducts diffuse and reflect lateral light, while one-way baffles shield longitudinal views to the lamps. The continuous lines of fluorescent fixtures not only downlight the exhibits, but also uplight the impressive roof structure.

Based on scale-model studies, a shading system of sails and panels was devised to create a “solar dimming” system. The system adjusts to provide full exposure to daylight and sunlight, sunlight diffusion, or complete blackout of the entire hall. A fabric membrane diffuses direct sun at the curving southern roof section. Overlapping, motorized shades control daylight at the strip skylights, and the vertical glazing can be blacked out with large sails coiled onto vertical masts. The public rooftop pedestrian bridge borrows light from the exhibit hall. The absence of visible luminaires allows this expressive structural form to be boldly emphasized, with discreet integration making the light more important than the light fixtures.

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