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.

"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.  

Light Sketch Series 1 Photos & Sketches - Day One 9/8/09

  Instead of choosing a room in my home, I decided to study the entry @ UNCG's Gatewood Studio Art Center.  I felt that this room would receive a lot of natural light and as a result, create interesting light patterns. Also, the reflective materials would reflect light in various ways.

First, here are some pics from the first day, 9/8/09 @ 4:30 pm

                                                                                                                                                                                 

The light coming in to the lobby was extremely bright on this summer day, so bright that the contrast of light & dark was high.  The interior metal halide lamps had not come on yet, so all the light was from daylight which entered into the lobby from the wall of windows at the entrance.  Large diagonal shadows were cast on the terrazzo floor. The lighting is not fit for study because there is either to much glare or to much shadow.