Saturday, December 12, 2009

Light series 2-Art Gallery















This observation was done at the Greenbean, which showcases art from local artist.  The primary light source is track lighting flood lights.  The luminaries are excellent for wallwashing and spot lighting the art, but for general lighting they cast to many shadows.  There are a few pendants at the bar area, but overall the space lacks proper general lighting.  General lighitng needs to be addressed because not only is the space a gallery, but it is also a coffee shop.

Light series 2-restaurant
















This observation was done at Mo's restaurant 9:30pm.  The restaurant uses multiple types of luminaries.  There are pendant, recessed cans, and track lighting.  The track lighting was used to wall wash and spot posters on the walls.  The pendants are suspended above each table, while the recessed cans are primarily in the area of food preparation.  The number of activities and number or users in this space required diverse lighting. Dining will require less light than food prep.  The lighting of the space is very appropriate for a restaurant setting.

Light series 2-Retail store 9pm















The brightness of the space is adequate for a retail environment.  There are several different types of luminaries used.  There are tubular fluorescents in the integrated ceiling lighting.  There are also compact fluorescent bulbs used in the rectangular baffled wall washers. These wall washers are used in the display of the vintage bikes on the walls.  They are mixed with track lighting  spot luminaries.  There is to much glare and brightness at the well display.  Using a lower wattage would create less of a glare on the chrome glossy wheel surface.  The general lighting of the recessed fluorescent lamps provides for excellent general lighting for a retail environment.

Monday, December 7, 2009

"In Praise of Shadows"




An Exhibit from the V&A Museum

This was a September 2009 exhibit exploring the capabilities of low voltage lighting and alternative energy sources.  It focuses on new ways light can be utilized.  The exhibit was created as a response to the phasing out of low efficiency bulbs.

Light Sketch Series 1 Photos & Sketches - Day Three 10/6/09 5:30pm





































































This day had the most uniform lighting.  There was daylighting and the electric metal halide lamps were on.  There are still reflections in the terrazzo floor of the trees across the street.
So far, this has been the best lighting in the lobby for reading and studying.  The light cast on the floor is much more perpendicular to the wall of windows than in the first set of pictures.  

Light Sketch Series 1 Photos & Sketches - Day Two 9/15/09 4:30 pm



















































This day the lobby lighting was more consistent.  All the light was daylight, no electric light because the metal halide lamps were not on yet.  The contrast isn't as high as it was with the last photos.  There are not as many dark shadows.  Reflections of the trees across the street can be seen in the terrazzo floor. The lighting is much more uniform than the previous light series photos.  As a result, the light is sufficient for reading and studying.