How do you balance your creative ambitions against energy efficiency and other limitations like budget and adherence to energy codes ?
EM : Sometimes , these limitations actually force us to be more creative and think outside the box . We use different strategies to stick with the original concept while keeping users in mind to overcome limitations . One of the most important strategies is to use our energy and budget allowances where they matter most for the user experience . We do this by investigating different possibilities and working closely with the architect and client to find the most appropriate solution for each project . Working around limitations sometimes compels us to do things in ways we wouldn ’ t normally .
Why is it important to get even the smallest details of a lighting scheme right ?
GJ : The smallest details can include things like color temperature , installation details for proper architectural integration and finishes and material . Specular countertops are a good example . You never want to put an under-counter fixture to illuminate a specular countertop because it will reflect the light . Small details become very important once the fixtures are installed . If information about the finishes isn ’ t shared with us , for example , if the architect ’ s design includes dark walls and ceilings , we go into our calculations assuming certain finishes . Only to find out that the walls are darker than expected ; the result is a very dark space because we weren ’ t given the correct reflectance values .
Understanding the use of the space is also critical . For example , in a hospital setting , you wouldn ’ t want to specify a direct type fixture above a patient ’ s bed , knowing the light would be directed into a patient ’ s eyes . Likewise , in hallways , we would want to minimize the glare from the fixtures in the ceiling as patients are wheeled through are looking up .
EM : This is one of the reasons we always do mock-ups . We ask for fixture samples , and we ask the architect and interior designer for samples of the materials they ’ ll use and do a small mock-up to see how the lighting will work . This helps us get minor details right for every project and application . We can identify what height is right for certain fixtures , what the setback should be , or if we should use a different lens / optic . Sometimes the calculations we do on the computer don ’ t give us all of these details , so it ’ s very beneficial to use mock-ups .
How are emerging technologies impacting the way spaces are illuminated ?
GJ : One of the leading emerging technologies we ’ re working with is power over ethernet ( POE ). POE allows fixtures to receive power from ethernet cabling . It ’ s a technology that bridges the gap in building-wide system integration where the fixtures play a major role in providing illumination and collecting data . This allows fixtures to perform functions like asset tracking . Pieces of equipment can be tagged with a device , and through the lighting , users can track those pieces of equipment throughout a facility . In this way , POE expands the use of light fixtures beyond just illumination .
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Q1 / 2022