Some of the challenges with this technology include fixture options , emergency egress lighting and maintenance , which can become a twofold effort between electrical and IT staff .
EM : When LED technology came into the lighting industry , the first focus was sustainability and energy savings . But these days , researchers and manufacturers are looking for ways to shift the spectrum of LED light sources to have a better effect on people . BIOS is a technology that shifts the spectrum of light in a way that has been proved to improve the circadian rhythm and sleep patterns of users . This is an excellent solution for spaces that don ’ t receive much natural daylight or for spaces like nursing stations where people work very long shifts and are occupied 24 hours a day .
GJ : A nursing station is a perfect example to understand more about BIOS . You have two different dynamics when you compare the nursing station and the adjacent patient areas . You need the doctors and nurses to remain alert and awake during nighttime hours in the nursing station . But in the patient room , you want that to be a calm , soothing and relaxing space so patients can rest and sleep . These two competing dynamics can both be served using BIOS , which allows you to tune the spectrum of light independently for different spaces .
What types of projects does the Lighting Studio relish / enjoy working on the most ?
EM : Any project that our design can have positive impacts on the space and the people is super exciting for me . The type of project isn ’ t as important as the ways I can enhance a space and user experience . I like projects where I can be more creative and have a good concept that I can improve .
GJ : We work on many different projects with different applications . I enjoy projects where we have the opportunity to specify unique fixture types . Projects that allow me to deliver balanced illumination and require careful collaboration with clients and architects to ensure that we meet their vision . We enjoy these types of exciting projects when the client brings us a challenge that catapults us to think outside the box and come up with unique solutions that are not your typical approach to a design .
The Cal State Long Beach Brotman Hall project was one of the projects that allowed us to be creative . The design included a lot of different colors and finishes , as well as unique furniture . We worked with the interior designers to define those colors so we could , in turn , provide lighting that enhanced the space . This project allowed us to be engaged in all the ways that challenge and excite us as lighting designers .
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