I began this project by analyzing the program of the building and determining the goals for the project based around the tasks taking place in each space. I created tables to further my understanding of those goals and express them in a tangible way.
Next I conceptualized a design and drew light maps to illustrate my vision for the Silverlight Headquarters.
Design Brief:
Upon entry into the Silverlight Headquarters visitors are welcomed by an excess of natural light supplemented by subtle electrical lighting. Task lights focused on the reception desk and accent lighting illuminate a water wall behind that. The lounge area to the left of the entrance utilizes a non-uniform perimeter lighting strategy with a warm color temperature to provoke a sense of relaxation and comfort. The displays on the right are lit using accent lighting to highlight the cases.
After passing through the entry and continuing further into the building the visitor comes to the main corridor. Three large skylights create sufficient ambient light throughout the day that can be coupled with the large central electric lights as the space dims. Accent lights lighting each of the six large columns from the bottom adds visual interest and encourages the guest to proceed further into the building.
Turning to the right while remaining on the first floor of Silverlight, the guest enters into the teaming area. This is a large space where the creative process occurs. Clusters of lamps provide task lighting above the tables illuminating the work plane and allowing for ease of visual tasks. The difference in ceiling heights in this space adds to the visual interest of the teaming area. Recessed ceiling lights are dispersed along the ten foot section and the twenty four foot section has dispersed hanging lamps of different heights that provide ambient light while embracing a dynamic character. The spiral staircase in the East of the room is lit in a way to draw attention while still providing functionality.
The conference room in the South of the building provides a space that is both comforting as well as professional. The lighting strategy utilizes uniform perimeter lighting to make the space feel more open and concentrated task lighting illuminating the work plane leading to the ease of visual tasks. Natural light can also filter in through the south windows but shades will be implemented in a way to allow for more control in the case of a presentation or something else that requires less lighting.
After conceptualizing a design I honed into the more technical details for the project such as specifying luminaires and recording the data associated with each. I made sure to highlight the important information on the cut sheet for each luminaire.
I also created a lighting plan portraying the locations of said luminaires. I created section drawings as well to further display my design.
In the final stage of the project I created a computer model, analysis, and renderings in AGi32.
Shown below is a table displaying my results compared to the recommended target illuminances from the initial phase of the project. As you can see, I was close to many of the goal illuminances but ultimately fell short in a majority of the categories. Due to the time constraints of the project, I was unable to create multiple iterations and make adjustments.
The following table shows the lighting power density of my lighting strategy and compares them to the ASHRAE power allowances using both the building area method and the space by space method.
Lighting controls are an aspect of lighting design that often get overlooked and pushed off until the end of the process when really controls can make a major difference in energy savings and efficiency.
Controls Overview:
Entrance/Lobby:
The entrance and lobby area provide great opportunity for energy saving control appliances. Given the large number of windows along the front wall, photosensors will allow the lighting strategy to utilize the incoming daylight and integrate electric light as needed. Integrating dimmable lights in the lobby area allows occupants to adjust the light levels which will increase comfort as well as deter overlighting. A distributed control system will allow for adjustment and control of lights from multiple locations in the room. Since there are essentially three programs contained within the entrance area, having multiple switches and controls for one set of lights makes sense. The receptionist can have control near their desk and as people vacate and occupy the spaces the lights may be adjusted accordingly while still allowing occupants to adjust the lights from other locations in the room.
Main Corridor:
The main corridor is the area with the least task-driven program. This area is mainly used as a transition space. Because of this excessive lighting is not required and photosensors will help to regulate the artificial lighting and ensure that the electric source is only being used as a supplemental system to the daylight from the skylights.
Teaming Area:
The teaming area in contrast to the main corridor has the most task-driven program. This is where employees will be designing and collaborating to complete their marketing projects. This space will be heavily frequented and should be adjustable to the wide variance of tasks that may occur here. A distributed control system with several assigned control zones will be helpful for this customization of light. Since it is a large, open, space, it will be helpful and convenient for employees to have access to lighting controls in multiple locations. Dimmable lights will be helpful as more light may be required for drawing and designing by hand while less light is utilized for computer based tasks or projected presentations. Vacancy sensors will also be helpful in energy saving because if lights are left on and employees all leave the area and go to their offices or go home for the day, the lights will be automatically switched off.
Conference Room:
The conference room is a less frequented space than the teaming room and is more confined than the rest of the building which has an open floor plan. Vacancy sensors will be helpful in this space especially since the space is less frequented and lights may be accidentally left on and forgotten about. There are also windows in this room and so in order to conserve as much energy as possible the electric lighting will be used as a supplement to the natural light monitored by photosensors.
The following images are some of my completed renderings and analysis diagrams created in AGi32.
