i was asked to read a few articles for research for the Chatham County Courthouse design. the four articles were based around lighting and space plans. after completing the reading i responded to a set of questions asked by my studio professor.
here's what i found ...
how would you feel in the San Francisco City Hall after its renovations and why?
the San Francisco City Hall was constructed in 1915 after a massive earthquake and inferno that shook the grounds of California in 1906. Bakewell and Brown constructed the building in the Beaux-Arts style for a more traditional feel. In 1989, mother nature struck again and the Loma Prieta earthquake severely damaged the building. nine years and $300 million later, the building was REdesigned remaining true to its original form.
i would love to experience this space. first, i absolutely DIE for San Francisco - it’s so fabulous! second, it would be amazing to visit this grand historic building. it’s the length of two city blocks with a fast lawn and monumental dome. after the earthquake the building’s 600 columns were retrofitted with a base isolator and walls were stabilized. the reconstruction called for 900 antique light fixtures and 1600 historically based modern light fixtures for office and public areas. this building is wonderful, i would love to walk down its gorgeous staircase and look up at the extraordinarily detailed ceiling.
what types of lighting were discussed in the readings? how could they affect the Chatham County City Hall?
“pendant fixtures with 42 – watt, triple – tube compact fluorescent lamps, as well as the occasional tungsten – halogen PAR down light & surface mounted ceiling fixtures with 32 – watt, triple – tube fluorescent lamps” (currimbhoy) were mainly used in the San Francisco City Hall. --- the tungsten – halogen lamps accentuate the glass within the space and makes them “sparkle.” PAR56s are used to highlight the columns and dome.
LEDs are introduced in the reading, specifically 8000-degree Kelvin LEDs with 5 to 30 lumens per watt.
Peerless Lighting of Berkeley suggested a system of “Bouncing Light,” casting light upwards to the rooms ceiling and reflecting off of other surfaces. this allows for an even illumination of the room rather than “dumping” light into a space.
(LRV) Light Reflective Value – good for healthcare environments. this lighting system requires high light reflective values on the floors (medium color value range 30-40%), ceilings (80%), and walls (light colored finishes 65-85%).
(CRI) Color Rendering Index – the ability of a light source to render colors accurately. “a CRI of 80 or more should be used for best color rendition” (brawley).
what were the largest dissatisfactions with office types? how could this affect the Chatham County City Hall?
high dissatisfaction with privacy in open–plan–offices (OPO).
acoustic quality interfered with performance most in OPO.
concentration difficulties in OPO.
it seems that the researches highly dislike open-plan-offices. as far as Chatham County is concerned, the office spaces that will be designed will only be holding two or three workers max. open-plans will work for the City Hall.
is the courthouse appropriate for a dominant day – lighting system and why?
no, of course natural day lighting is essential and allows for a warmer, more inviting atmosphere. however, it is inappropriate for a courthouse to only have a day lighting system. task lighting must be placed in the office spaces, while focal lighting must be utilized in the gallery and performing arts space.
what are some of the benefits of natural day – lighting?
it is proven that workers are in better moods and work more efficiently when lighting is at just the right level. if it is too dark or too bright the working mood declines. natural day lighting and mood is based on seasonal affective disorder (SAD). “thus, depending on the latitude, season, weather conditions and distance to windows, the occupants might respond differently to indoor lighting” (taylor & francis).
what are some codes for lighting?
505.1 General – lighting system controls, maximum and minimum lighting power for interior applications.
505.2 Lighting Controls – lights provided with controls.
505.2.2 Additional Controls
505.2.2.1 Light Reduction Controls
505.2.2.2 Automatic Lighting Shut Off
505.2.2.2.1 Occupant Override.
505.2.2.2.2 Holiday Scheduling
505.3 Tandem Wiring.
505.4 Exit Signs.
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is lighting subjective or objective?
light is BOTH subjective and objective. light has a different affect on every person depending on vision, skin type, mental health, and much more. everyone experiences light differently, however, light is also objective. artificial lighting can be manipulated countless different ways to achieve different moods and feelings.
how does the information in the articles apply to the Chatham County Courthouse programming document and design?
these readings were extremely informative for the Chatham County Courthouse design. they gave insight on historic preservation and how to match light fixtures to that style. different types of lighting were explained as well as the effects they have on a space. office types were mentioned and its effects on workers and their performance levels. also color schemes were brought up and how they can make individuals feel within a space.
does Cooper Lighting make indirect light sources?
yes.
Cooper Lighting has a large selection of indirect lighting including many cove lighting fixtures, all mounted fixtures, under cabinet fixtures, and many many more different options.