sight unseen; however, finding the sweet spot where familiarity intersects with emotion and logic is key to a more widespread adoption of LEDs as a go-to light source. [ Page 16]
SSL BUZZ Cree launches new testing to measure potential issues that impact ongoing fixture performance as a supplement to IES LM-79.
SSL IN retail At Chadstone West Mall, in Melbourne, Australia, LEDs add a touch of glamour to create a unique backdrop for a luxury retail experience.
NUMBER 20 • november 2011 www.architecturalssl.com
(familiarity / emotion / logic)
WINNING
HEARTS
& MINDS SSL Buzz: Ruud Lighting’s Founder on its Acquisition by Cree Project Profile: Palazzo Dell’Arengario, Milan, Italy
Architectural SSL • 519 Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook, IL 60440
ARCHITECTURAL SSL • Chronicling the Advancement of LEDs in the Built Environment
Underlying improvements in SSL have been adopted literally,
LEDs in action Art in architectural lighting: In Europe and abroad, artful LED applications complement unique public art, hospitality and even historical settings.
White Pages: Fighting Glare Issues With LED
Circle 01
HPR-LED by Finelite
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Circle 02
YEARS
TM
∑Ov. 11
37
12 Industry Brief: DOE issues SSL road lighting specification 33 Project Profile: The Cube-OMS Stage, Winnipeg, MB Canada 37 Project Profile: Palazzo dell 'Arengario, Milan, Italy
02 • 11.11 • Architectural SSL
40
28
BUZZ
PERSPECTIVES
07 CALiPER Update
05 LED Insights
Round 12 reveals more products have warmer CCTs, but not as great efficacies.
10 Major Merger
Like the silvery Sci-Fi clothing, as a kid, I thought I'd be wearing in 2011, SSL isn't quite there, but it's coming. By Jim Crockett
Al Ruud speaks on the acquistion of Ruud and Beta Lightng by Cree.
48 SSL Observed
13 Help On Line Look to SSL Interactive for a new series on understanding the electronics of LEDs.
SSL presents a unique opportunity to impact the future of lighting. It can have the same impact with U.S. manufacturing. By Kevin Willmorth
“Precious little that lands in the residential sector comes from here now, where investment in design and innovation has been replaced with mass marketing to clear inventories produced to forecast. Before this goes much further, should we not ask ourselves if this is the right path to take?"
www.architecturalssl.com
37
FEATURES
DESIGN & PRODUCTS
16 analysis: Winning Hearts and Minds
39 White Pages
Solid-state lighting must win within the construct of comfort, logic and emotion. Or, in other words, it must win against comfortable convention and appeal to those willing to abandon familiarity for innovation. by Kevin Willmorth
Glaring Issues with LED
22 ARCHITECT'S VIEW: International Update Projects incorporating SSL are proliferating across Europe. Some are pure art, others purely architectural. In common to both is the innovative use of SSL to capture the eye and imagination. by Ellen Lampert-Greaux
40 Advances Task Lighting, Area Lighting, Decorative Track, Downlighting and Sconces.
Architectural SSL, Vol. 5, No. 5 (ISSN# 19418388) is published five times per year by Construction Business Media. Publication Office: Construction Business Media, 579 First Bank Drive, Suite 220, Palatine, IL 60067; 847 359 6493; www.architecturalssl.com. (Copyright © 2011 by Construction Business Media) POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Architectural SSL Magazine, 519 East Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook, IL 60440.
28 FEATURED PROJECT: Chadstone West Mall, Melbourne, Au. Part of an energy-efficiency effort in greening a Down Under shopping center, LEDs rise to the top in creating a dramatic nighttime counterpart to the mall's signature skylight. by Vilma Barr
www.architecturalssl.com
Architectural SSL • 11.11 • 03
SHINE
Rely on UL to keep you on the leading edge of lighting innovation. As technology evolves, so does UL, advancing safety, lighting performance and energy e≤ciency in new and necessary ways. UL’s century of experience provides thought leadership, R&D expertise and the confidence and peace of mind you deserve. Specify UL to make lighting shine.
VISIT WWW.UL.COM/SHINE
Circle 03
LEDInsights
Coµµ§∑T±R∞
NUMBER 20 • november 2011 www.architecturalssl.com
Gary Redmond
Managing Partner Director Publishing Operations gary@architecturalssl.com
Tim Shea
Managing Partner Director Business Development tim@architecturalssl.com
Dave Pape
Vice President Director, Art & Production dave@architecturalssl.com
EDITORIAL Jim Crockett 847 359 6493
Editorial Director jimc@architecturalssl.com
Kevin Willmorth
Editor kevin@architecturalssl.com
Megan Mazzocco 847 359 6493
Associate Editor megan@architecturalssl.com
What Does it all Mean, Basil? have been trying to get out the past couple of
So asks Mike Myers’ unfocused Austin Powers character to his boss Basil Exposition in one of the comedian’s spy movie spoofs. Like the confused international man of mystery, I too, have been looking for answers as to what SSL is all about— or should be about.
weeks, including one major revelation: Patience.
After covering this subject for five years, I’ve
been hopeful that it would be on a greater stage than it is. It reminds me of expectations I had as a kid. I remember a much younger Michael York, the actor who played Basil, in a lame sci-fi movie called Logan’s Run. At that time, the 11-year-old me thought 2011 would be very Sci Fi and that we’d all be walking around in silvery space-ageclothes. Nope. Still blue jeans… But that’s OK, just as long as we don’t think 8-tracks are the state of
Contributing Editors Craig DiLouie cd@architecturalssl.com Vilma Barr vilma@architecturalssl.com Barbara Horwitz-Bennett barbara@architecturalssl.com Ellen Lampert-Greaux ellen@architecturalssl.com Chuck Ross chuck@architecturalssl.com
In the remote case that you’ve never seen any of
the art where technology is concerned.
Mike Myers’ shagadelic Austin Powers movies,
the SNL vet portrays a silly, and somewhat thick,
This is our annual international edition and the
James Bond clone who’s brought back from the
Architect’s View feature highlights some very cool
‘60s to the ‘90s to battle his nemesis. His inser-
and inspiring work being done in Europe. Here in
Mavis Linnemann
tion into the then-present creates a state of
the states, the emphasis, for the most part, seems
confusion in the character: “Wait a tick Basil. If I
to be on reducing energy consumption. In Europe,
DESIGN & PRODUCTION Dave Pape Art Director dave@architecturalssl.com
travel back to 1969 and I was frozen in 1967, pre-
however, perhaps because it’s produced so many
sumably, I could go back and visit my frozen self.
great artists over the centuries, it seems to look
But, if I’m still frozen in 1967, how could I have
to LED as a tool for artistry and producing some
Lauren Lenkowski
been unthawed in the ’90s and traveled back to...
pretty spectacular works. Our own Kevin Will-
[Myers goes cross-eyed].” His boss offers some
morth explores this whole right brain, left brain
sound advice: “I suggest you don’t worry about
phenomenon in the Market Setting Feature and
those things and just enjoy yourself.”
offers some thoughts about the ongoing implementation of SSL by winning hearts and minds.
Copy Editor
Associate Art Director lauren@architecturalssl.com
Advertising Sales Gary Redmond 847 359 6493 gary@architecturalssl.com
Tim Shea 847 359 6493 tim@architecturalssl.com
Trey Higgens 847 577 8980 trey@architecturalssl.com
Jim Oestmann 847 838 0500 jim@architecturalssl.com
David Haggett Ted Rzempoluch 847 934 9123 609 361 1733 davidh@architecturalssl.com ted@architecturalssl.com Jim Führer 503 679 5409 jimf@architecturalssl.com
Bob Fox 203 356 9694 bob@architecturalssl.com
subscription Inquiries There is no charge for subscriptions to qualified requestors in the U.S. All other annual subscriptions will be charged $39 for standard delivery or $55 for air mail delivery. For subscriptions, inquiries or address changes, call 630 739 0900. A Publication of Construction Business Media
Member:
I’m trying to follow the latter, rather than
the former course, but it’s not so easy. Working
frenetically to finalize the details for our annual
hand, as while you’re reading this, I’m jetting to
ArchLED conference and close November issues,
London for a visit with Speirs + Major to hear
including something to say in this column, I was
about—and see—an interesting collaboration
stressing to bring to bear topics I hoped mattered
between the award-winning lighting design
or would make a difference. At the same time, I’ve
firm and the new SSL powerhouse of Beta/Cree.
been frustrated, because I wonder if I’m just blow-
I’ve been a big fan of the former’s work, having
ing a lot of hot air and the whole SSL movement is
featured a number of their projects over the
stuck in neutral. For example, I recently returned
years in the pages of SSL. The fine folks at Beta
from Greenbuild in Toronto, and it still seems that
and Cree have always had interesting and novel
most folks in the A/E/C world just don’t get the
products to introduce, so I’m curious to learn
role lighting has to play in sustainable design—it’s
more of this collaboration.
just about knocking down watts with CFLs and
T8s. Well “whoop dee doo” as Myers proclaims in
patience, and maybe, take a nap.
Type and globe=PMS 485
Circular blend under globe = PMS 3025
Continents, shadow, base = Black
I’m hoping to find some answers first
Stay tuned. In the meantime, exercise
the same scene noted above.
In fact, my head hurt so much the morning
I started writing this column, that I crawled back into bed and decided to take a nap. I didn’t succeed in actually sleeping, but by simply laying there, my brain was able to process some thoughts that
Some of the answers may lay overseas.
www.architecturalssl.com
Jim Crockett, editorial director
Architectural SSL • 11.11 • 05
Transforming Light LUXEON LEDs are changing the way we light the spaces we live, shop and play in. With unparalleled efficiency, quality, and reliability, LUXEON LEDs are a simple way to transform lighting and improve the well being of our environment. Whether you’re lighting a restaurant, roadway or architectural masterpiece, you can count on LUXEON to deliver long life, high-quality white light while reducing energy consumption. To learn how LUXEON can help you transform lighting, call our partner, Future Lighting Solutions, at +1-888-589-3662, or visit www.philipslumileds.com/assl
Circle 04
SSL BUZZ & i∑DUSTR∞ BRi§FS
DOE CALiPER Testing, Round 12 CALiPER Round 12 finds Efficacies not great, but Color better
Energy Use and Light Output
Average Round 12 Results for SSL Luminaires & Replacement Lamps 100
Max
Average Efficacy (lm/W)
80
Max
70
62
60
2000 48
50 40
1041
34
30 20
530
46 980
720
19
526
1000
Min
10
Min
0 SSL A-lamps Average 8W
Track Lights Average 14W
Recessed Downlights Average 22W
Cove 51W
Average Light Output (lm)
3000
90
0
All Round 12 SSL Average 17W
Source: DOE SSL CALiPER results, 2011
ABOVE: The products tested in Round 12 exhibit a wide range of light output and efficacy performance. The overall average efficacy was 46 lumens per watt, which is lower than the average in 2010, in part because the majority of the products tested have a CCT of 3500K or below.
CALiPER Round 12 Summary — Linear Fluorescent & Cove SSL Testing Following IESNA LM-79-08 — 25ºC Ambient Temperature DO§ C±LiP§r t§St iD
Tot±L Po∆§R [∆±ttS]
[i∑iti±L Luµ§∑S]
OutPUT
§FFiC±C∞
bare lamp
Round 11
15
1368
93
In Troffer (2 lamps in
parabolic louvered troffer)
Round 11
29
2173
74
In Troffer (2 lamps in
Round 12 10-16
29
2217
77
bare lamp
Round 11
17
1533
91
In Troffer (1 lamps in
Round 12 10-18A
17
1303
79
bare lamp (fluorescent)*
Round 9
32
3246
101
In Troffer (2 lamps in
parabolic louvered troffer)
Round 9
69
4767
69
In Troffer (2 lamps in
Round 11
55
4045
74
32
3353
105
38
2708
71
[Lµ/∆]
CCT [K]
CRI
5389 [-0.004]
77
5602 [0.009]
75
3248 [0.002]
83
3387 [0.004]
82
SSL LUµi∑±iR§S
high perf. troffer BK 09-67)
high perf. troffer BK 10-34) FLuoR§SC§∑t B§∑Chµ±RKs [BK]
high perf. troffer BK 09-67)
bare lamp (fluorescent)* In Troffer (1 lamps in
high perf. troffer BK 10-34)
BK 09-67
Round 11 BK 10-34
ABOVE: The table shows Round 12 summary testing for energy performance and color metrics. Two SSL linear replacement lamps that were initially tested in Rd. 11 were retested to obtain performance in troffers. Values for the same troffers with benchmark fluorescents for reference. Results for asymmetric SSL cove light and a CFL cove light are also presented.
For 10-18, one of two lamps underperformed by a wide margin, the higher-performing lamp was used for in troffer testing in the single lamp troffer (BK10-34). Lamps 10-16 were already tested in a parabolic troffer in Round 11 and have been retested in a highperformance troffer in this round.
Results from Round 12 of DOE’s CALiPER testing focused primarily on downlights, including recessed and track fixtures, researchers also considered the latest A-lamps, linear-fluorescent replacements and cove lights. Overall efficacy for this round’s products ranged from 16 lumens per watt to a maximum of 97 lumens per watt with an average of 46 lumens per watt. This figure is slightly lower than 2010’s overall average, a result researchers attribute to the fact that almost all of this round’s products have color-correlated temperatures below 3500K and two outliers showed efficacies below 20 lumens per watt. In the downlight category, 10 recessed fixtures with apertures between 3 in. and 6 in. were tested. Some of the units are sold with housing included, while others are sold as retrofit or replacement inserts. Efficacies ranged broadly, with the highest performer at 75 lumens per watt, more than double that of the least efficacious product (36 lumens per watt). Output levels ranged from 262 lumens, up to 2580 lumens. All of the 4-in. to 6-in. tested SSL products met or exceeded average light output levels for similar, higher-wattage CFL, incandescent or halogenbased fixtures; all had higher efficacy ratings than the incandescent and halogen benchmark products. Researchers also tested nine orientable LED track lights. All of these units exceeded the efficacy of the halogen heads used for comparison, but none of the products met the efficacy levels achieved by the three best recessed downlights tested in this round. Of the 20 recessed and track products tested, four carried Lighting Facts labels, and testing showed they all met or exceeded stated values for output, efficacy and CCT—except one product claiming a CRI of 96 only reached a tested value of 82. Study leaders noted Energy Star status is much more difficult to evaluate—the Energy Star label might be present on packaging, but there isn’t a clear connection between the packaged product Z
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Continued on page 08
Architectural SSL • 11.11 • 07
SSLBuzz: Continued FROM page 07 Y
and Energy Star participant listings. Overall, however, 75% to 80% of tested units carrying either the Lighting Facts or Energy Star labels meet expectations, and the remainder only miss the target by a small margin. CALiPER researchers also tested eight SSL A-lamps, from 6 to 13 watts, and all were found to have efficacies of at least 50 lumens per watt. In fact, for equivalent light output, some of these SSL replacement lamps surpassed CFL efficacies. Light distribution remains an issue in direct replacement, however, with most of the lamps being better options for directional applications than where omnidirectional illumination is required. Only one of the tested lamps was a direct match for both incandescent output and distribution. The need for omnidirectional light from ceiling-mounted troffers also has been a challenge for SSL lamps designed to replace standard linear fluorescents. During Round 11 testing, researchers wondered how well SSL lamps might perform in high-performance, lensed non-planar architectural troffers, and that question was explored in this round’s efforts. Investigators selected SSL lamps with much higher CCTs than benchmark fluorescent lamps to give them a leg up in the competition. The findings show that SSL-equipped troffers require 50% less power, but total luminaire light output is reduced by about half—however, luminaire efficacy does slightly exceed that of fluorescents. Light distribution patterns were similar to those of T8 fluorescents in high-performance troffers, but with significantly lower output. Similarly, cove-light testing showed CFL lamps out-performing tested SSL offerings. The best-performing SSL lamp, an asymmetric product, only provided half the output of the equivalent fluorescent cove and only one-quarter that of the benchmark symmetric CFL lamp. Round 13 testing will include 2-ft.-x2-ft. SSL panels designed to replace similarly sized fluorescent troffers. •
08 • 11.11 • Architectural SSL
Photo: Osram Sylvania
outdoor lighting systems:
A Lesson in LED Opportunities In 2009, with a campus full of metal halide outdoor-lighting systems, Washington University in St. Louis was looking for ways to cut its energy bill and reduce outdoor light pollution. Additionally, facility managers wanted to maintain their existing poles, bases, refractors and globes to aid both their budget and the university’s sustainability goals. The solution they turned to was Osram Sylvania’s new LED Retrofit Kit for Outdoor Area Lighting. Lighting can account for more than 20% of a campus’ total electricity use, so the fact that this new system draws only 56 watts was very attractive. Plus, the kit’s Golden Dragon LEDs deliver light only where it’s needed, minimizing light trespass. In all, the campus-wide effort has reduced electricity demand by 196,800 kWh/year, and the retrofitted fixtures have become a visible reminder of the school’s larger effort to cut its carbon footprint.•
Washington University in St. Louis was looking for ways to cut its energy bill and reduce outdoor light pollution.
ABOVE: Facility managers at Washington University looked to Osram Sylvania’s new LED Retrofit kit as part of their strategy to reduce the energy bill while maintaining their existing infrastructure of poles, bases, refractors and globes.
www.architecturalssl.com
CREE® LRP38-10L Saves Energy: 1000 lumens at 3000K, or 950 lumens at 2700K, replaces 90W PAR38 with 13.5W No Compromise: High efficiency at 74 LPW with 92 CRI Long Life: Designed to last 50,000 hours with consistent color Versatile: Dimmable to 20% with 12°, 25°, or 40° beam angles
“THEY SAID IT COULDN’T BE DONE. WE DIDN’T LISTEN.” LED REVOLUTIONARY Tony van de Ven Co-Inventor of Cree TrueWhite® Technology
We did not accept the status quo. We dared to dream. We innovated. We pioneered. We invented a barrier-breaking technology —Cree TrueWhite® Technology. A revolutionary way to generate white light with LEDs; Cree TrueWhite Technology delivers high efficiency with beautiful light characteristics and color accuracy, while maintaining color consistency. No Compromise.
Visit CreeLEDLighting.com to find out more about these revolutionary products.
Circle 05
SSLBuzz: lenfest plaza, Philadelphia perspective: AL RUUD
Plaza + “Paint Brush”
Ruud Lighting’s Founder on Cree’s Acquisition of BetaLED:
Lenfest Plaza at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Is anchored by Claes Oldenburg’s 51-ft-tall angled sculpture, “Paint Brush.”
By closing a previously dim stretch of Cherry Street from Broad to Fifteenth Streets in downtown Philadelphia to vehicular traffic, an elegantly lit new pedestrian amenity for the public at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) has taken its place on the cityscape. Founded in 1805, PAFA is the oldest art museum and art school in the U.S. The current c.1876 main building, the work of noted nineteenth century Philadelphia architect Frank Furness with fellow designer George W. Hewitt, exhibits signature intricate ornamentation and dramatic spaces. PAFA’s extensive collection is comprised of premier examples of over two-and-one-half centuries of American art, from 1760 to the present. Lenfest Plaza, named in honor of the Philadelphia philanthropic couple who contributed to the design and construction fund, is 210 ft. long and 40 ft. wide. The Lighting Practice designed the Plaza’s lighting and the sculptural accent lighting for the 51-ft.-tall representational “Paint Brush” by artist Claes Oldenburg that is angled nearly 12 ft. over the sidewalk. “Paint Brush” combines steel, fiberglass, and urethane in addition to the LED lighting. It traveled nearly 3,000 miles from its fabrication location to be illuminated for the first time at a twilight-to-evening event on Oct. 1 attended by several thousands guests, city officials, PAFA students, and artist Oldenburg. Lenfest Plaza’s design was a collaboration between The Lighting Practice; landscape architects OLIN; SaylorGregg Architects; Becker & Frondorf, project managers; and Marvin Waxman Consulting Engineers. “The inspiration was to create an inviting and safe place that is unique to Philadelphia,” says Helen K. Diemer of The Lighting Practice. The south boundary of the plaza is a wall of highly detailed brick and carved stone arches covering the length of façade, a technique Furness 10 • 11.11 • Architectural SSL
Photos: Marco Melander
employed to impart architectural texture to otherwise planar surfaces. On the other side of the Plaza is the school’s Samuel M. V. Hamilton Building with three levels of additional gallery space. Oldenburg’s “Paint Brush” combines steel, fiberglass, and urethane in addition to the LED lighting. Globe sconces on the Hamilton Building and the soft wash light on the upper portion of the Furness building were existing. When viewed from the Plaza looking east, “Paint Brush” has a backdrop of the new Broad Street addition to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, opened last year. With the increased floor space came a new glass and steel façade and entrance, with lighting designed by The Lighting Practice. Color-changing RGB LEDs—from Acclaim Lighting XL-Bar Light Tubes—give lively dimension to the building at night. An ETC Mosaic Lighting Controller controls all programming. Grazers are Philips/Color Kinetics 4000ºK eWGraze mounted end-to-end to the main vertical structural members of the translucent canopy. Each structural member, with the exception of the ends, has grazers mounted back-to-back as well to light in both directions across the translucent panels.• —Vilma Barr
Above: Artist Claes Oldenburg’s, LED lit “Paint Brush” sculpture makes Philadelphia’s Lenfest Plaza an inviting and safe place unique to the city.
In Al Ruud’s mind, lines had to be drawn: You’re for LED, or you’re against. To prove his commitment to the cause—the LED revolution—in a blockbuster industry move earlier this fall, he sold his company, including BetaLED, for a cool $525 million to chip and component manufacturer Cree. “The move was really about moving the industry to LED as fast as we can,” says Ruud. In a press release issued the day of the acquisition, Cree’s chief executive officer Chuck Swoboda, certainly concurred: “Cree is taking another bold step in leading the LED lighting revolution, creating a company that has an unrivaled focus and commitment to driving LED lighting adoption.” The sale was certainly profitable, particularly in comparison to some of the recent acquisitions of larger lighting companies by some of today’s major lighting conglomerates. Ruud, however, says this situation is different. Granted, if this was merely the acquisition of a pure lighting company, he says, that might have been the case, but in this situation, he says, Cree acquired an LED company, which he says has significant value in that equation alone, particularly considering the growth the company has experienced over the past few years in the development of the technology. “In many ways, I feel they got a good deal,” quips Ruud. In fact, he adds, in his new role on the Cree board as vice chairman of lighting, he now holds a significant share of Cree’s stock, and if anything, he wants to see it rise. “It’s all about moving faster,” says Ruud. “We want to bring each company’s capabilities to the [LED adoption] party.” For example, Cree, clearly, has made great strides in the development of quality LED chips and components, but Ruud points out they’re still pretty new to the lighting business, where his company’s
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experience, expertise and distribution capabilities comes to bear. Al’s son, Christopher, will also maintain his role as president of Ruud Lighting, of which Beta is a subsidiary. “We’re not going anywhere,” says Ruud who’s really stoked about the move. Cree is made up of a great group of
at first, ruud says he wasn’t interested in selling the company, but the more time he and swoboda spent talking, they found they shared a lot of similar values. in fact, both companies seemed to offer very complementary strengths. people. We’ve been working with them for years [as a chip supplier], and now to be on the same team is truly exciting.” From the other side of the coin, he says, the acquisition by Cree will also help Ruud and Beta fulfill a shared vision to facilitate the LED revolution. “Cree is moving beyond making chips and components, which has not been at a fast enough transition as far as we’re concerned. Now they’ll be able to really push the initiatives they started at Lightfair with the introduction of their LED troffer and other products.” It was at Lightfair that acquisition talks started heating up, says Ruud, when Cree started further investigating what they wanted to do with their recessed downlight lines. “They started thinking more about the big picture.” At first, Ruud says he wasn’t interested in selling the company, but the more time he and Swoboda spent talking, the more they found they shared a lot of similar values. In fact, both companies seemed to offer very complementary strengths to make both companies stronger.
www.architecturalssl.com
Besides a shared vision to grow LED technology and similar company values, one of the reasons Ruud feels good about the move is that there’s “very little overlap” between the two operations and he doesn’t anticipate drastic changes or major job losses. There will be some streamlining of operations, but at the same time, Ruud anticipates expansion to both companies, particularly regarding manufacturing operations. “We already were planning to expand, just to meet demand right now, but this creates a lot of opportunity.” For example, that’s one of the things he’s most excited about the acquisition, is that Beta will be able to develop even more products and that much quicker. “Our R+D efforts will be stepped up significantly,” says Ruud. As a private company, he says that was sometimes a frustration, in that there’s only so much one can bring to the market, “even if there was a lot more we wanted to do.” Ruud also feels the combined companies will be able to push the envelope on product adoption by particularly creating more products geared toward specific market types. “It’s all about bringing the technology to the market in the best deliverable format that makes sense for those market segments from the perspective of lighting, financing and implementation.” Customer reaction, although surprising, has been positive. Ruud says most of their customers see the immediate benefit of an entity such as Cree being able to really push Beta’s offerings to a new level. At the same time, Ruud acknowledges some grumbling from competitors, but is quick to point out that more products, and greater acceptance of LED products, will ultimately be good for all manufacturers of LED lighting. “It really gives us the capability to offer tremendous packages in the market place to facilitate the LED revolution,” he says. “I know I’ll be working as hard as ever.” —Jim Crockett
exteriors:
Superdome Gets a New Look Officials at the Mercedes Benz Superdome ‘flipped the switch’ on to illuminate the Louisiana landmark with a state-of-the art Martin Professional lighting show designed by Solomon Group, a multimedia production firm based out of New Orleans. The lights wash the building’s exterior in a spectrum of animated colors, patterns and images. The inaugural lighting event on October 20 gathered more than 4,000 spectators and featured a special program that showcased the broad array of the system’s dynamic illumination capabilities set to a soundtrack scripted especially for the event. The design required the installation of 288 Martin Professional Exterior 410 lighting fixtures that are capable of reproducing every color of the rainbow on all 96 concave aluminum panels that ring the building’s exterior. The project is the largest installation of an Exterior 400 Range fixture in the world. The Exterior 410 is a bright yet compact luminaire that uses pre-mixed LEDs and RGBW color mixing, part of an award-winning Exterior 400 Range of outdoor LED wash lights that includes color calibration for more uniform color projection.•
Above: The Superdome not only got a new skin this year, it also benefited from a lighting retrofit that gives it a dynamic nighttime presence.
Architectural SSL • 11.11 • 11
i∑DUSTR∞ BRi§FS:
SSLBuzz: cree to put its products to the test
Next Gen Changes
The 2012 Next Generation Luminaires SolidState Lighting Indoor Design Competition has officially launched! Written Intents to Submit are due by Dec. 16, 2011, and must be submitted online at www.ngldc.org. Final submission forms are due by Jan. 13, 2012, and physical product samples are due by January 18. Judging takes place in February, and results will be announced at Lightfair in May.
As a leading manufacturer of LED-lighting components, Cree has seen the broad range of things that can go wrong when the companies using their components to build luminaires or other lighting systems don’t get it quite right. To help lighting makers ensure their products live up to their customers’ expectations, the Durham, N.C.-based Cree has launched new testing services.
New DOE SSL Spec Guide The U.S. Dept. of Energy’s Municipal Solid-State Street Lighting Consortium has published guidelines for converting to LED roadway lighting. The Model Specification for LED Roadway Luminaires is for cities, utilities, and other local agencies interested in saving money and energy by switching from traditional lighting technologies to solid-state lighting. It’s available online at www.ssl. energy.gov/specification.html The flexible format allows guideline users to modify default values to fit their local design criteria – which can vary from city to city, and even from application to application within a given city.
Award Winner eldoLED’s LINEARdrive 720D has been recognized by the Illuminating Engineering Society as a unique and significant advancement to the art and science of lighting in the 2011 IES Progress Report. It is a continuation of the trend started in 2010 that saw SOLOdrive, DUALdrive and POWERdrive AC listed in the 2010 IES Progress Report.
Michigan Scores with LED This year, the University of Michigan Wolverines have “gone LED” with a new look to Michigan Stadium, now complete with newly upgraded scoreboards from Lighthouse Technologies. The state-of-the-art video displays and scoring systems feature more than three million Screen Master high-brightness LEDs by Cree, delivering crystal-clear, high definition images to fans throughout “The Big House.”
12 • 11.11 • Architectural SSL
libraries & Musuems:
Saving Artifacts from the Uv Blues Libraries and museums are famously difficult to illuminate – lighting must be bright enough to allow visitors to see books and objects on display, but luminaire heat and UV radiation can damage those very items bringing visitors through the door in the first place. As designers of the new Ray Charles Memorial Library have found, LEDs can provide a great solution to this conundrum. The library is housed in the Los Angeles building that once was home to Charles’ business enterprises, but now is the center of the charitable and educational efforts the musician endowed. Designers with Gallagher & Assocs. had a number of requirements for any illumination system, including minimal glare, protection from light-related fading and discoloration, limited heat emittance and minimal maintenance requirements. Flexible, non-yellowing DL-Flex strips from JESCO Lighting Group was the choice for a number of display cases and open display panels. The units can be concealed along interior seams and edges and are available in bendable lengths up to 30 ft.•
ABOVE: LEDs solve the difficult challenge of illuminating a museum. They are bright enough to illuminate books and artifacts, and stave off heat and UV radiation in order to preserve objects on display.
the IES LM-79 standard covers only half of the potential issues that can impact ongoing LED fixture performance. According to Mark McClear, the company’s director of applications engineering, testing under the Illumination Engineering Society’s IES LM-79 standard covers only half of the potential issues that can impact ongoing LED fixture performance. It misses, for example, possible incompatibility between the chemical composition of assembly materials and LED operating conditions. Binning issues present another set of overlooked problems, McClear says. While some may see a conflict with this company—which recently purchased Ruud Lighting, a leading luminaire maker—offering third-party testing services, McClear says it’s Cree’s unique experience across the entire manufacturing spectrum that gives the company the perspective needed to seek out potential problems. “We really see our job as removing barriers to the market” he says. Called TEMPO (it stands for thermal, electrical, mechanical, photometric and optical), the testing service now features two tiers. Spot testing offers quick turnaround evaluations in four to five business days to help accelerate product development. The two-week TEMPO 21 test results in a comprehensive, readable report and is designed to provide a comprehensive analysis before a product is submitted for LM-79 certification.• www.architecturalssl.com
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help in understanding electronics To help with the continuing education of specifiers to the sometimes complicated world of solid state lighting, Architectural SSL’s Kevin Willmorth has begun a series on Architectural SSL Interactive about the basics of LED electronics. His first installment is a primer on the circuiting used in SSL. But have no fear, it won’t put you in coma. “We will not be going into explanations of theory, laws or deeper technical detail in an effort to simply present the practical information necessary to interpret information provided in manufacturer technical and marketing information,” says Willmorth. In the next installment, Kevin will explore how circuits affect how drivers are connected and why one approach might be selected over another. Be sure to check out Kevin’s column on the back page for more of his thoughts on why lighting practitioners need to understand more about manufacturing. Elsewhere on SSL, check out the “Hot Projects” section for more regular case studies and applications including Martin Architectural’s very cool new headquarters, Target Field, and more on white LED in PricewaterhouseCooper’s new green offices in London, as teased in this issue’s Market Setting Feature. Visit SSL Interactive at www.architecturalssl.com/sslinteractive. And please don’t hesitate to join in the conversation or start a new Presented by: one by hitting any of the “feedback” buttons connected to any of the stories, or simply fire me an email: jimc@architecturalssl.com.
SSL interactive
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Circle 06
7/
SSLBuzz:
illuminating las vegas’ public transportation
Designers of the new public transit system in Las Vegas were determined to emphasize movement. Although it uses buses, it also incorporates aspects of lightrail, including stations (instead of streetcorner shelters) and level-platform boarding. Plus, the buses use dedicated lanes, allowing them to change routes to meet shifting traffic patterns, so riders get from station to station more quickly than they might with a fixed-route bus service.
Photo: Xicato
restaurants + institutions:
In Vegas, designers long have used lighting to communicate movement and excitement, but transit-system planners turned to LEDs, not neon, to establish the stations’ presence in the city of high-rolling casinos. This is an especially appropriate response for the first route in the system’s development, which runs from downtown Las Vegas through the Vegas Strip, home to some of the most distinctive—and well-lit—structures in the United States. While the curved roof edge and tight space constraints seemed a challenge, initially, to designers at Tate Snyder Kimsey and WSP Flack + Kurtz, blue Plexineon from iLight Technologies proved to be the solution. It provides a neon-like visual punch, but with advantages that make it a better match for a transit installation. The product, which is available in seven colors, is resistant to vandalism and requires little maintenance. Plus, it has a successful track record in other hot-climate installations. The product was initially specified for a single station, but it since has been replicated throughout the Vegas transit system.
14 • 11.11 • Architectural SSL
Not Your Father’s McDonald’s McDonald’s new take on the classic European café, called—what else—McCafe includes more sophisticated design guidelines than those for its traditional Big Mac-and-fries outlets. As one of the first franchisees to roll out one of these stores in the United States, Dundalk, Md.-based owner Chris Mann wanted to ensure the lighting was both invitingly warm and highly energy efficient. While compact fluorescent fixtures were considered first, an evaluation of LED options provided an even more efficient choice. Lighting-system installer Energy One Corp. replaced 54W CFL interior luminaires with 36-wattWila 621 downlights, incorporating Xicato 2000 lumen LED modules. The units produce 2000 lumens at a color-correlated temperature of 3000K. The LED fixtures in the dining and food-delivery areas will reduce electricity demand by more than
McDonald’s mccafe locations take on a sophisticated led lighting scheme on par with its coffee 61,000 kWh/year, compared to the CFL alternatives, according to Energy One’s analysis. The restaurant’s owner also appreciates that the LEDs are mercury-free.Plus, the LEDs have a 50,000hour rated lifespan, compared to 10,000 hours for the CFL products. Xicato modules also were used in the exterior wall packs supplied by Duraguard. The 3000K color temperature creates a warmer atmosphere than typical 3500K options. Both designers and the owner feel this factor helps bring out the wood finishes and other earth tones featured in the new McCafe design.•
ABOVE: One of the first U.S.-based McDonald’s to try on an elegant European accent incorporates LED modules at a color temperature of 3000K, which brings out the wood finishes and earth tones in the design creating a warmer atmosphere.
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Circle 07
Winning Through Comfortably Capturing Hearts and Minds
(AND OTHER ARCHAIC TERMINOLOGY)
By Kevin Willmorth, contributing writer
OLD in technology terms founded on prior evolutionary steps will fail to adequately describe the next. The first hurdle to understanding is dissemination of meaningful information to a population unfamiliar with the technology. Similar to describing color to a blind person, defining a new technology using conventional terms often produces limited effectiveness and erroneous assumptive connections. The greater the change, the more difficult the issue becomes.
xx • 11.11 • Architectural SSL
www.architecturalssl.com
WINNING
HEARTS
&→ MINDS → By Kevin Willmorth, Contributing Editor
New technologies, regardless of how compelling they are to those who invent them, do not always succeed. History reflects numerous great ideas that failed, while other less noble concepts have transformed entire markets.
Understanding why this might be the case is critical to
no perception of crisis, and the pain of adoption is high,
anyone hoping to reap the rewards of participating in a suc-
nothing will happen, regardless of how much is invested
cessful market transformation and avoiding the potential
to force it. The key term here is “perception”, meaning the
failure that lurks within any attempt to capitalize on change.
process of becoming aware, of gaining an understand-
In his book ‘The Change Function’ (Portfolio, 2006, New York)
ing, as well as retaining a mental impression.
Pip Coburn proposed that market transformations occur
While there are those who believe that pure
most rapidly when the perception of a crisis is met with low
logic and argument founded on objective
pain in adopting a new course. Conversely, when there is
data presented in spreadsheets and reams
Tem inim dipit, volorerat loreros at nis autat.
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→ →
Architectural SSL • 11.11 • xx
marketanalysis
of brochure paper—reality proves this not the case. In this regard, Albert Einstein summed this up nicely when he noted that; “Innovation is not the product of logical thought, although the result is tied to logical structure.” Putting objective engineering work in front of a market’s perception of need leads to another well known issue—engineering solutions looking for problems to solve, which rarely succeeds. Yet, asking customers—cozily ensconced in their comfort zone—what form they would like to see change take, produces useless information. As Henry Ford commented; “If I had asked my customers what they wanted, they’d have said faster horses.” There is no market-study path to innovation, as innovation means “something new.”
Solid-state lighting is obviously a very
promising innovation in lighting—from the perspective of energy efficiency, sustainability (if properly configured), and general lighting performance overall. Yet, its market adoption has been somewhat slower than many anticipated. This is as much an error in pre-conception of how fast the market absorbs technology as much as it is a failure in the product to garner ener-
innovation as important as solid-state light-
getic adoption. While LEDs have captured the
ing promises to be. The first is depth of the
elegant and efficient
minds of many who consider themselves innova-
comfort everyone feels in familiarity with their
tors, and enthralls marketers into pressing for-
surroundings. This is manifest in a combined
ward, the issue may be one of perception of need.
resistance to change without a compelling
To the chagrin of engineers and technocrats
reason (crisis) and a slowness in making any
everywhere, this does not necessarily require
change before it is necessary—resulting in an
a connection with an identified environmental
inherent laggardly behavior overall. The second
At the London offices of PricewaterhouseCoopers, in the More London Complex designed by Foster + Partners, white Xicato LED downlights seamlessly helped the professional services firm meet its carbon neutrality goals as well as earn an "outstanding" BREEAM rating, the British equivalent of top LEED honors.
or practical reality. The smart phone serves up
is the rate of information absorption in markets
a perfect example of a revolution founded on a
already flooded by communication. The explo-
combination of practical need (communication
sion of the Internet, electronic marketing and
device), wrapped in perceived desire (everything
public relations, exposure to information from
else they do.) The building market is rich with
email, smart phones, tablet PCs, social networks,
demonstrating examples of perceived emotional
and entertainment, has created an overwhelm-
behavior above practical need. From large
ing mass of information that is sorted by imme-
impressive corporate headquarter buildings
diate relevance. Information is also very easy to
using large expanses of energy wasting glass to
discard. Simply select “delete” and it disappears.
location of homes far from work environments,
Add the source to the black list and it won’t
emotion remains a significant part of definition
reappear through the selected channel. The
of need as any rational thought. Lighting, and
result is that little is absorbed beyond superficial
lighting systems design are part of this market
first impressions. Regardless of how important
space, and cannot be separated from it to satisfy
the information is, unless it is prioritized as
technology innovators' desires for rapid returns.
important by the receiver, it will be discarded as
irrelevant. This slows market reaction to innova-
There are three characteristics of the
building market at play in the absorption of an
18 • 11.11 • Architectural SSL
Quality design and value
Nearly 1,000 downlights from Designed Architectural Lighting's Cool Ambiance line—roughly 30% of the lighting in PricewaterhouseCoopers project—used Xicato's 1,000 lumen, 3,000K spot modules.
tion, as it requires a significantly long period
www.architecturalssl.com
marketanalysis
of repetitive messaging, from many sources, to
Site/Roadway SSL Systems
produce results. Meanwhile, negative countermessaging is absorbed at a greater rate than positive, creating noise in an otherwise deafen-
The promotion and adoption of LEDs for site and
ing storm. The third and most critical character-
roadway lighting has been addressed on every
istic of the building market is that it is a design
level. The products and lighting produced are
based industry, filled with creative people at
familiar, often applied as direct replacement to
every level. From the top of the design chain
existing products. In most case studies, there
envisioning a finished project, to the installers,
is a factor of subjective evaluation included,
who are charged with building structures that
particularly on color and uniformity, to support
are custom assemblies of products from thou-
the empirical results with observer response.
sands of sources, into an acceptable facsimile of
Logically, the savings in energy and maintenance
the owners' own desires. This is an emotionally
costs are well represented. Overall, the momen-
charged industry, illogically adapting and inno-
tum gathering around this application of SSL is
vating within a logical structure.
throttled only by the costs involved, and sluggish
economic conditions, and the lack of emotional
Solid-state lighting must win within this
construct of comfort, logic, and emotion. Or, put
attraction of this type of product.
another way, it must win against comfortable conventions, through the hearts and minds of those
LED Retrofit Lamps
who chose to abandon their familiarity in favor of innovation. A look at this balance is revealing of the effort to understand where deployment and
While the marketers of the products are con-
market absorption has been to date.
vinced this is a large opportunity, and the lamps offered are generally similar to conventional sources they replace, there are several issues
Solid-state lighting is obviously a very promising innovation in lighting—from the perspective of energy efficiency, sustainability, and general performance overall. Yet, its market adoption has been somewhat slower than many anticipated
= Comfort/Familiarity Level (1-5 rating, 1 being low, 5 being high) = Heart/Emotional Attraction Level (1-5 rating, 1 being low, 5 being high) = Mind/Logical Rationalization Success Level (1-5 rating, 1 being low, 5 being high)
yet to be resolved. The optics of LED retrofits detract from their perception of familiarity. Delivering what customers already attain with far cheaper products does little to attain strong emotional attraction, while poor performing products have created strong emotional kickback. High costs fight the realization of logical investment return, while consumer markets remain resilient to concern for energy efficiency unless forced. The result is a lackluster absorp-
Color LED Uses and Effects
tion rate. The only way to overcome this slowness is to increase familiarity of the appearance of the products and significantly decrease costs
While somewhat familiar, the expansive adapta-
to produce results that overcome a lack of emo-
tion of color using LED technology is neither
tional interest that haunts one-for-one retrofit
familiar nor logical. The addition of LED color
products.
effects often consumes energy at a time when reduction in energy use is the cause du jour. The
LED Downlighting
limiting factor to expanding color LED use is the Seeing the light
Christian Dior, certainly is trying to win the hearts and minds of busy Manhattan shoppers with the art-like facade of its 57th St. store designed by Barteluce Architects and made manifest by Rosco Architectural and its LED LitePads.
www.architecturalssl.com
lack of true rational need, and a lack of comfort with its use by a large enough population
Recent product introductions have proven to be
to cause it to become a new paradigm. Yet, in
high performing while remaining very familiar.
balance, color LED lighting is applied primarily
However, unlike the replacement of undesir-
because it is emotionally appealing.
able HID sources experienced with site/roadway
Architectural SSL • 11.11 • 19
marketanalysis
lighting, there is little emotionally engaging
visually. The CFL lamp was born of necessity, not
about downlights made to look like conventional
of emotional attraction. SSL efficiency, coupled
counterparts, and a great deal to be disliked
with LED directionality and compact size, has
when the LED product produces unwanted glare
created opportunities that are just beginning
and brightness, or is too high in price. Regard-
to be exploited. Unfortunately, CFL technol-
less, there is a strong practical case to be made
ogy has attained a level of economic advantage
for this products use, even if the lack of emo-
that will take some time to overcome, unless
tional reaction will demand they deliver greater
the target products deliver more than a simple
logical rationalization.
replacement. SSL has the potential of creating an emotional ground swell against the CFL lamp,
Linear Fluorescent Replacements
if subjective factors are fully addressed over purely objective efforts.
The dilemma of innovation is that mar-
In an odd twist of logic, familiarity with exist-
kets rarely jump directly from one paradigm to
ing fluorescent lighting systems may prove to
another of significant departure from familiar
be a liability, not an asset. Fluorescent lighting
conventions. In the aforementioned smart
has long been considered a necessary evil, and
phone instance, without the stepping stones of
is rarely considered a form that is chosen on
the land-line phone, to cell phone, to PDA and
emotional merit. Add to this the challenge of the
cell phone first separate then in combination,
T8 fluorescent lamp, delivering highly efficient
growth of interest in digital photography, and
light and potential for long life with minimal
the recent explosion of social networking, the
lumen depreciation. Compound this with the T5
current success of smart phones would not have
fluorescent lamp and its compact size and high
had a foundation upon which to build. Lighting
progression, there is little market success to be
luminous intensity, and linear fluorescent prod-
has been mired in a fixed wire, hard switched,
realized in the attempt to convince customers to
ucts represent a significant challenge. The cost
gas and glass paradigm for over a century, with
move when they lack familiarity, cannot connect
of SSL replacements in familiar forms to conven-
a slow pace of innovation. Meanwhile, solid-state
emotionally, and force rationalization they are
tional products, and reduced output lamps with
technology in general has advanced at a rate
unwilling to accept. This means that some truly
multiple visible LEDs, generates little emotional
well beyond anything lighting has experienced
great potential applications for SSL, from con-
or logical attraction. New LED based products,
visibly, since most solid-state advances have
trols that enhance human health to color blends
offering attractive forms and new lighting value
occurred inside products, in controls and bal-
that optimize visual performance, may be years
in the form of reduced maintenance cost, and
lasts, hidden from view. Because of this, the level
down the road. However, one can be comforted
improved visual performance, coupled with
of comfort in the SSL community differs a great
in the knowledge that with every step forward
breaking from undesirable conventionality will
deal from that of the lighting and building mar-
today, the opportunity to reach even higher levels
eventually create greater market response.
kets. Overcoming this disconnect requires the
of performance is improved. With this growing
However, until there is an effort to capitalize on
progression of adoption that is playing out now.
foundation of familiarity with SSL, the emotional
an emotional qualitative approach, the linear
The first step will continue to be placement of as
connection that has emerged to see them in use,
fluorescent is long from being dead.
many LEDs into the mind of the public, through
and the advancements in performance being
retrofitting of familiar products, and new prod-
delivered at ever-improved costing, there appears
ucts that are easily recognizable and attractive.
to be no reason to believe this will be anything
Riding a balance between comfort, emotion, and
but a continued success story. It just won’t be the
rationality is a difficult stage to work through,
short story many hoped it would be.•
CFL Product Substitutions
As it is with linear fluorescent, familiarity with
but is necessary to lay the foundation for future
existing CFL lighting and light sources is a
iterative steps.
liability best avoided. LED products that replace
those now using the much maligned CFL are
ers requires a level of comfort that cannot be
highly desirable. For example, CFL downlights
attained by force or over-reaching. Uncomfort-
are inefficient and poor performing visually,
able decision makers become defensive, caus-
while many decorative products incorporating
ing push back or delays in adoption. While far
CFL lamps are overly bright or unattractive
sighted visionaries will find frustration in the
20 • 11.11 • Architectural SSL
Winning the hearts and minds of customInspiration
Spanish ceramic tile manufacturer Roca, took the deep dive as far as weaving SSL into its Madrid showroom and gallery, sublimely using the medium to make the gallery visit a memorable one. Image: Roca
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surprise*
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Request a free sample on RABLED.com. Circle 08
ARCHITECT’S VIEW
ART & ARCHITECTURE ABROAD Leds Make a Strong Visual Statement Internationally Art and architecture projects incorporating solid-state lighting are proliferating and redefining the international landscape. Some are pure art, others purely architectural, but the one thing they have in common is the use of solid-state lighting to illuminate innovative designs that capture the eye as well as the imagination.
By Ellen Lampert-Gréaux, contributing writer
HatChing A High-Tech Egg
and transparent, allowing visitors
Istanbul, one is going to be installed
OVO’s outline and allows colored
One extremely eye-catching
to walk inside and see through the
in France, and one goes on tour to
light to mix with the vapor. A black
project that can be seen in vari-
structure. OVO measures 22.5-ft.
various light festivals and special
rubber surface in the basin reflects
ous locales is OVO, an egg-shaped
high and 13-ft. in diameter at its
events. It comes apart, taking up
the egg-like sculpture, the color-
structure created by Belgian-based
widest point.
only a 3.5 cubic meter space for
changing light patterns and the
ACT Lighting Design in conjunc-
transporting, a size that fits easily
silhouettes of visitors.
tion with Ode Au Bois, another
with 336 Traxon IP67-rated indi-
in a SUV or van. Once OVO arrives at
Belgian company that specializes
vidually addressable Dot XL RGB
its specific location, it is constructed
for the small size of the structure,
in wooden structures. OVO made
LED fixtures with an optical dome
on a platform that sits in a basin of
also in terms of the dynamic range
its debut at la “Fête des Lumières”
lens. These are fully integrated into
water that measures 100 square
of color and efficiency,” notes
in Lyon, France, December 8-11,
the wooden architecture of the egg
meters, with stepping stones placed
Vermeulen, who points out that
2010, and has been traveling ever
with snoots to control any glare.
just under the surface so it looks
the project consumes only 700
since, as it is both a permanent and
The LEDs, mounted on a flexible
as if people are literally walking on
watts of continuous light—which
portable installation with color-
cable with customizable pitch, proj-
water to get in or out of the egg.
would be double that at 110V in
changing light and an original
ect upward to light each diamond
the United States. “That is only
sound track.
in the structure, like a high-tech
Jerusalem,” says Vermeulen. “OVO
achievable with LEDs,” he adds. “All
Faberge egg.
was placed near the temple and the
of my recent projects include LED
spirals, based on the Golden Pro-
Wailing Wall, and everyone could
elements. Three years ago about
portion found in the universe (such
OVOs,” explains Koert Vermeulen,
walk on water.” In addition to the
40% of our projects had LEDs, two
as DNA helixes), OVO is built of
principal designer at ACT Lighting
basin, there is a water vaporization
years ago, many of them had LEDs
special high-tech wood that is both
Design, who worked on the project
system fitting inside of each egg
together with other sources like
waterproof and UVA resistant, then
with ACT’s artistic director/scenog-
with 100 nozzles that adds a water
CDM, fluorescent. One year ago, we
computer-cut into the precise ele-
rapher Marcos Vinals Bassols. “One
mist, creating a dense reflection
had the first projects completed
ments required. The egg is hollow
OVO is permanently installed in
element for the lighting, as it blurs
with 100% LED systems. I still think
A series of 24 intertwined
22 • 11.11 • Architectural SSL
Once assembled, OVO is lit
“There are actually three
“It was really amazing in
“The LED solution was perfect
www.architecturalssl.com
An English Translation of CRI and SSL in Retail
OVO at “Fête des Lumières”, Lyon, France
OVO
The 24 intertwined wooden spirals of OVO sparkle with 336 Traxon IP67-rated individually addressable Dot XL RGB LED fixtures with an optical dome lens, and mounted on a flexible cable as uplights. Photo: Traxon
that metal halide and CDM for sure
really doesn’t matter to us how we
are still in our toolbox for at least
achieve the result. That is part of
another three to four years.
the design development where we
look at the balance between, bud-
But where LED was first a
part of the toolbox, it now is also
get, quality, integration, and detail.”
the dominant solution. In exterior
But LEDs have definitely taken the
lighting it’s even more so. Except
lead, for example at Eclaireur, a
for the really powerful projectors
high-end fashion boutique in Paris
like 400W or 1000W spotlights, we
that Vermeulen lit with Citizen LED
can really use a full range of LED
modules in custom fixtures by Lux
instruments that gives us about
Lumen, Osram and Zumtobel.
80% of the instruments we need.”
In designing a project, such as
MEADOW LIGHTS
the Schaerbeek City Hall in Brus-
Solid-state lighting also sets the
sels, with a mix of Philips metal
mood for “Mute Meadow,” a public-
halide and Philips LED luminaires
art installation in Londonderry,
of different types grazing the walls,
Northern Ireland. Here, a series of
Vermeulen explains: First we do
80 contemporary shapes sit along
the concept itself. At that moment
the banks of the River Foyle, scat-
we don’t even think about the
tered in twos with 40 ILUMINARC
“bulbs.” It is only after the approval
Ilumipod Inground 36 IP fixtures
of the concept design that we
between each pair of sculptures
start to think how to achieve the
as designed by London-based art-
image we want to present. So it
ists Vong Phaophanit and Claire
In retail lighting, there is a strong link between the quality of accent light sources, in terms of color rendering ability and in particular the rendering of deep reds, and the attention-grabbing potential of retail displays. There is also a fear that despite the energy-saving attributes LEDs bring to the table, poor CRI associated with the technology will hamper sales. To put this to the test LED module manufacturer Xicato contracted independent researcher Colette Knight to study the reaction of shoppers and lighting designers at London’s House of Fraser. Specifically, participants were asked to evaluate a ladies shoe display where three identical alcoves were illuminated with halogen lamps and two sets of LED sources, one at Ra 80 (R9=16), the other at Ra 95+ (R9>95). The latter were based on Xicato’s standard modules for Ra 80 and the Artist Series modules for Ra95. Over the course of several weeks quantitative research was conducted with 19 targeted shoppers as well as interviews with 31 lighting designers to gain a deeper understanding of how professionals perceived the differences in lighting quality between the three solutions. The results with both groups showed no statistical difference between the rated lighting quality of halogen sources and the Ra 95 LED sources. A statistically significant lower rating, however, was given to the Ra 80 LED sources compared to the other two. The research was peer reviewed by the University College London.
www.architecturalssl.com Architectural SSL • 11.11 • 23
Stadhuis, Schaarbeek, Belgium
Schaerbeek city hall
The illumination of the historic Schaerbeek City Hall shows the growing opportunities for LED technology in major architectural lighting projects. This illumination here is based on very subtle uplighting enhancing the pilasters and numerous details of this 19th-century building. Using Philips LEDs, the fixtures are hidden, and used in various intensities to accent the architecture, yet softened by the use of low-power discharge luminaires mounted on surrounding facades as floodlighting. Photo: Philips
Oboussier, who at the end of a six-
incorporated into the landscape.
part, we guided them with what
year development process, have
was technically possible and helped
created the largest public artwork
sign firm in Saffron Walden, Essex,
guide the overall design based on
on the island of Ireland.
wrote software to collate the lights
our experience with large instal-
with the random sound bites that
lations. The choice of fixture was
are juxtaposed against the sky
make up the “breathing pattern” of
based on a number of suitability
and seem to shoot upward with
the piece. Neon Circus spent weeks
factors including: intensity; power
undulating light programmed
on the project staggering the
consumption; housing design;
in a wide color palette to give
dimming curves to accompany the
price.”
“Mute Meadow” the appearance of
right audio triggers, which mixed
something organic at night with a
the light from each color palette.
more prevalent in both art and
sound track that seems to breathe.
“We spent over three years work-
architecture,” notes Ellis. “They
To light the sculptures, each of
ing closely with Vong & Claire on
are becoming a viable alternative
the LED-fitted Ilumipod Inground
this project, from inception to in-
to more traditional lighting due to
36 IP wash lights was carefully
stallation,” says Dominic Ellis, lead
the quality of light output, both in
encased in a custom structure and
designer for Neon Circus. “For our
intensity and color temperatures
The 80 reed-like steel shapes
24 • 11.11 • Architectural SSL
Neon Circus, a UK-based de-
Stadhuis, Schaerbeek, Belgium
“LEDs are certainly becoming The Schaerbeek City Hall in Brussels is subtly lit with a mix of Philips metal halide and Philips LED luminaires of different types grazing the walls.
www.architecturalssl.com
ARCHITECT’S VIEW
Mute Meadow, Londonderry, Derry, UK
mute meadow
“Mute Meadow,” a public-art installation whose 80 steel sculptures sit along the River Foyle has transformed the landscape in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Lighting design firm Neon Circus collaborated with the artists, illuminating the concept with 40 ILUMINARC Ilumipod Inground 36 IP fixtures that shoot upward with undulating light programmed in a wide color palette to give “Mute Meadow” the appearance of something organic at night with a sound track that seems to breathe. Photo: Iluminarc
Mute Meadow Londonderry, Derry, UK
Designed by London-based artists Vong Phaophanit and Claire Obossuier, solid-state lighting sets the mood for “Mute Meadow,” the largest public art installation on the island of Ireland.
available.” The ‘Green’ aspect of
individual colors, with over 60 col-
sounds (verbal and musical) from
LEDs is certainly also driving de-
ors lighting the entire piece. “Along
the people of Londonderry (or
mand.” But he warns: “My personal
with the artists we color-matched
Derry as it is also known) with
opinion is that whilst LEDs can be a
their choice of palette with our LED
the core purpose to represent the
major part in a lighting installation,
fixtures,” Ellis explains. “Each day,
‘breath’ of the city, beyond narra-
it is all too easy to forget the funda-
a random palette is selected and
tives, translated into light.
mentals of lighting design and rely
will run for the rest of the day. At
on them in unsuitable applications
one stage of the lighting program
revival for Londonderry as it trans-
simply because they are in fashion.”
(approximately once every 10 min-
forms itself from a city of conflict to
The lighting for “Mute
utes), the colors in the palette are
a city of culture, as well as the first
Meadow” was designed to match
‘mixed’ through analysis of audio
U.K. City of Culture in 2013 when it
the stained glass windows of the
data provided by other local artists.”
will play host to a year-long celebra-
historic Guild Hall on the opposite
tion of culture in the city, opening
bank of the river Foyle. Each of
that was “unpredictable within
its doors to visitors from across the
these 12 windows was translated
reason.” The artists collaborated
world, who will share in the magical
into a color palette of four to six
with Verbal Arts Centre to capture
LED lighting of “Mute Meadow.”
The goal was to achieve a look
“Mute Meadow” heralds a
www.architecturalssl.com Architectural SSL • 11.11 • 25
ARCHITECT’S VIEW
BY THE GLOW OF THE LED New York–based Focus Lighting has updated the concept of dining by candlelight to dining by LED. A recent example of this is at Atmosphere, a restaurant on the top, or 122nd floor, of Dubai’s half-mile-high tower, Burj Khalifa, currently the tallest building in the world. Paul Gregory and Brett Andersen, principal designers at Focus Lighting, along with project designer Juan Pablo Lira, collaborated with interior designer Adam Tihany, who has designed visually compelling decor for restaurants and hotels worldwide. “Design-wise,” says Gregory, “the views are spectacular at 122
L’Eclaireur, Paris, France
stories. The space is like a “big warm hug” with sky all around you.” Andersen sees it: “Atmosphere is a
tower known as the Gherkin). The
use of LEDs we have ever used in a
very different style.
space spans three floors and looks
lighting source is a game changer,
restaurant,” notes Andersen, who
out over all of London. “Nearly
not only in terms of power and
spent a few weeks at the top of the
replace what five years ago would
everything will be LED,” says Greg-
longevity, but also more impor-
tower. “We wanted to make sure the
have been xenon low-voltage light
ory. “There is a Mondrian wall, a
tantly in terms of the visual intent
quality of light illuminates the archi-
strips (25 watts/ft.). Today, with
three-story staircase, and a three-
in art and architecture projects. As
tecture in a special way and makes
the LEDs, we are looking at three
story chandelier with LED lamps
Gregory so succinctly phrases it:
the people in the space feel comfort-
to six watts per foot. The color
that look like they have a filament,
“The long life of LEDs has allowed
able and warm that high up.”
temperature is 2700K—CRI of
and wall washers to light glass. The
the lighting designer to create
93—so your eye feels very comfort-
important thing is picking the right
more complex schemes without
tures at Atmosphere are from Boca
able with the light.”
light for the right job.”
the terror that the design will be
Flasher. “We worked with them to
reduced to chaos with the first
customize two fixtures,” Andersen
cern was the dimming. “LEDs don’t
says: “The storyline goes back to the
adds. “The first is a high CRI LED
change warmth when they dim,
pyramids, they are 4,000 years old
to graze the walls at the perim-
but we wanted them to dim to 2%
and they look great. Wouldn’t it be
eter of the space, and the other to
at night without any flicker,” says
great if your lighting design could
backlight acrylic panels.” Rectan-
Andersen, who points out that Boca
look that good for 4,000 years or
gular and square LED fixtures from
Flasher sent fixture samples to
even just 50 years? At this point, my
Specialty Lighting worked well
Philips Dynalite for testing on their
designs might now outlive me.” He
with the rectilinear wooden design
dimming system and determined
points out that LED projects done
of the ceiling for downlight in din-
that they were the proper solution.
12 years ago still look exactly the
ing room and lounge, while Lucifer
“Standing inside, looking out to the
same: “They don’t change,” he says.
Lighting fixtures were used for
darkness at night, any lit surfaces
“That is what is appealing to me.
downlights in lobby entry area, and
behind you would be reflected and
accents by Edge Lighting for the
obstruct your view. By keeping the
piece of art or architecture will
entry sculpture.
level low you can see more of the
stay put for 100 years. We want the
skyline below.”
lighting to do the same thing. With
are all white. There is no color
LEDs, there are no more light bulbs
at all (a big shift in design style
restaurant in New York, Miami, and
burning out, which means very,
for Gregory since his firm did the
Las Vegas, that will be opening a
very low maintenance is required.
groundbreaking color-changing
London branch in February 2012 in
We’ve had a power supply fail but
room dividers at Morimoto in
the Herron Tower (the skyscraper
not the LED, and there is no color
Above: At Eclaireur, a high-end fashion boutique in Paris, Citizen LED modules in custom fixtures by Lux Lumen, Osram, and Zumtobel create strong contrasts between a cold light enhancing the metallic decor and a warm light in the display alcoves.
Philadelphia back in 2002). But as
next to the famous Norman Foster
fade over many years.”
Photo: Zumtobel
“This represents the biggest
The primary solid-state fix-
Interestingly, the LEDs here
26 • 11.11 • Architectural SSL
We are using white LEDs to
The designers’ biggest con-
Coming up is Sushi Samba, a
In talking about LEDs, Gregory
Internationally, the solid-state
re-lamping.”•
L’Eclaireur, Paris, France
A Frank Gehry or Cesar Pelli
www.architecturalssl.com
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Chadstone West Mall Expansion Melbourne, Australia
Star Power for Down Under Mall A glass canopy glitters with faceted crystal LEDs at the newest addition to the Chadstone Shopping Centre, Australia’s premier retail destination.
Owners: Colonial First State Global Asset Management and The Gandel Group Architects: Executive Architect: The Buchan Group Project Architect: RTKL, L.A. Lighting Design: Electrolight Sustainability Consultant: Simpson Kotzman General Contractor: Probuild Construction Australia Text: Vilma Barr Photos: Timothy Burgess, Aaron Pocock, Courtesy of Electrolight The Challenge: Chadstone Shopping Centre, in 1960, represented Australia’s shift from individual retail storefront districts to the contemporary shopping center. Located a few miles outside of Melbourne, the mall has undergone a series of renovations in both design and retail planning by the collaboration of The Buchan Group, Melbourne and RTKL. A major expansion in 1983 enclosed the mall and a 20-year plan was created that added a column-free, two-level grand skylight dome comprised of three interconnected, glass-vaulted roofs. By the mid-1990s, the owners made the decision to expand the mall with a major addition to add a new two-level fashion district at its southern end. Designated as the West Mall, the owners were intent that the expansion follow their commitment to sustainability which had been implemented in their other properties across Australia.
The Solution: Green design has been recognized as difficult to achieve for shopping centers because of the heavy energy demands from multiple tenancies, including the loads generated by supermarkets and food courts, as well as the energy necessary for heating, cooling and illuminating public spaces.
28 • 11.11 • Architectural SSL
Lighting, however, has played a key role in that effort in that daylighting and ceramic metal halide lamps have helped reduce electricity use in the interior courts and walkways. High-performance reflective insulated double glazed panels were installed in the exterior shop-front windows and in the barrel vault ceiling. Customized,
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The architects created an “active edge” where retail tenants face the plaza and the pedestrian walkway. Sun-shading elements provide weather protection and visually bring the building down to pedestrian scale. Crescent shaped, the curved facade and the angled roof create a central entry that establishes a sense of arrival and a high level of expectation for the visitor.
low-power LEDs produce a glittering overhead effect in the atrium. In all, greenhouse gas emissions have been lowered by 61% compared to typical retail developments. In fact, the West Mall expansion received a Five-Star Green Star Certified rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, the 2011 Property Council of Australia/
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Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation, and the Laing O’Rourke Award from Excellent Awards for Best Shopping Centre Development. “We’ve been involved with this project for more than a decade,” says Norman Garden AIA, LEED AP, RTKL executive vice president. “It’s so rewarding to see it achieve this recognition and level of success.”
Architectural SSL • 11.11 • 29
Star Support System As far as daylighting, Chadstone’s West’s skylight system is supported by +/-200MM double-stacked painted steel tubes which are tied together with evenly spaced short metal plates to create a truss system that looks elegant, contemporary and completely structural. “This innovative system allowed us to provide a long-span, column-free environment. Completing the skylight is the use of doubleglazed lightly tinted low-e glazing that brings in a fabulous amount of natural light and very minimal heat gain,” says RTKL’s Ildefonso Fantonel.
“The use of LEDs integrated with the nodes in the overhead structural element creates a distinctive backdrop to the retail environment.” LED comes to bear in the nighttime illumination of the skylight. The project’s lighting designer, Electrolight, had a custom fixture created that is attached to each node of the atrium’s curved skylight (see below and opposite pages). “Tiny diamonds of light that are spun across the atrium structure, against a black sky, evoke a special ambience of luxury,” describes Elisha Howard, practice manager for Melbourne-based Electrolight. Howard explains the LED luminaires follow the undulation of the atrium architecture and when viewed in perspective by the visitors appear to form “a mass of illuminated stars,” she says. With a 4000K white color temperature, and a programmed lighting control system, the LED installation creates subtle scene settings and transitions. Power consumption for the LED crystals is 0.12 watts per sq. ft.• 30 • 11.11 • Architectural SSL
LED up Close Electrolight customized the Linealight i-LED Beriel lamp that is attached to each node of the atrium’s curved skylight. The ground, prismatic transparent crystal lamp end measures one inch in length. A flat, puck-style attachment functions as a modified heat sink. The cable tie is routed behind to the electrical cable. According to Electrolight’s Elisha Howard, practice manager for Melbourne-based lighting design firm. “The use of LEDs integrated with the nodes in the overhead structural element creates a giant lighting installation that is both a dynamic art piece and a media facade. At Chadstone, it is a distinctive backdrop to the retail environment, contributing to a positive visitor experience,” she concludes.
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lit in luxury Customized luminaires fitted with Beriel LED 2-watt crystal lamps create a sparkling canopy across the atrium ceiling of the mall. “Tiny diamonds of light that are spun across the atrium structure, against a black sky, evoke a special ambience of luxury,” says Electrolight’s Howard. “The LED luminaires follow the undulation of the atrium architecture and when viewed in perspective by the visitors appear to form a mass of illuminated stars,” she indicates. With a 4000K white color temperature, and a programmed lighting control system, the installation creates subtle scene settings and transitions. Power consumption is 0.12 watts per sq. ft. Photos courtesy of Electrolight
the right accent General lighting for the new 46,300-sq-ft. West Mall double-level expansion to the Chadstone Shopping Centre is provided by Erco’s Compar recessed 70watt wide flood spotlight in a white housing. It carries a rating of 3000K, with a 6,600-lumen output. “The distinctive night and daytime experience of light within the Centre is deliberately constructed to accentuate the architecture and provide contrasting experiences to the space,” Howard points out. More than 50 Australian and international boutiques are tenants at Chadestone. For the West Mall, the owner’s objective of attracting worldclass luxury brands was achieved. A dozen top makers comprise this collection of style signatures: Chanel, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Burberry, Coach, Ralph Lauren, Omega, Hugo Boss, and Mui Mui.
www.architecturalssl.com
Architectural SSL • 11.11 • 31
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SSLprofile: chain mail-clad stage and pavilion Glistens with the glow of RGB The cube—OLD MARKET SQUARE Winnipeg, Canada
By Vilma Barr, contributing writer
The Cube–OMS Stage is an open-air performance venue located in Winnipeg’s Old Market Square, a small green space surrounded by historic warehouses in the city’s Exchange District. During events, the Cube’s skin, a membrane composed of custom-cut metal extrusions linked together to create a flexible curtain, is drawn back into a draped and undulating panel, revealing the exposed concrete stage within.
When closed, the angled pieces refract light
and images to the outside, creating a unique pixel matrix. Its adaptability allows the OMS Stage to easily shift from a performance venue to a quiet, glowing pavilion and urban focal point.
Old Market Square’s Master Plan by land-
scape architects Scatliff+Miller+Murray Inc., included a new stage as the logical next step in the redevelopment of the space for the urban park. A competition for the stage’s design, sponsored by the city of Winnipeg, was won by a local firm, 5468796 Architecture Inc. Their design for the $1.2-million structure was a 28-ft. cube that would be in use as a performance venue during mild weather and as an illuminated, year-round, interactive dimensional icon at other times.
“During performance events, the front skin
of the cube is drawn back to reveal the cast-inplace concrete stage inside. It also serves as an acoustical backdrop,” explains Johanna Hurme, a co-founder of 5468796. “The cube is shaped to
above: Winnepeg’s Cube/OMS Stage brings life and drama to the city’s Old Market Square year round. When not being used for performance events, the structure serves a dramatic icon for the area. It’s also used for various multi-media events involving projection. The structure, itself, a unique construct that combines a flexible metal skin with RGB lighting at night, creates a dynamic presence for the city. Images: 5468796 Architecture Inc.
www.architecturalssl.com
boost sound projection for the audience, and also houses a secure projection room,” she says.
When not hosting live acts, the skin assumes
the role of a giant projection screen for video or film events beamed on its metal chain mail-like links. Comprised of sliced sections of extruded
Architectural SSL • 11.11 • 33
SSLprofile:
old market square, Winnipeg, Canada
The Challenge: The master plan for the new park at Old Market Square in Winnipeg called for the construction of a stage. It would be used for live performances and also provide an exterior surface on which films and other projected visual works could be viewed. 5468796 Architecture Inc., a local 12-person firm of innovative designers involved in a range of activities, won the city-sponsored competition. Their project proposal took into consideration Winnipeg’s annual weather patterns when a six-month-long winter season is not unusual. With a limited window for outdoor use, the architects envisioned the stage surrounded by a glowing, interactive envelope. It would be a structurally strong cube covered by a material flexible enough to act like a curtain in a legitimate theater that opens at showtime to reveal the presenters. All lighting solutions would be integrated inside the structure to light the concrete stage and frame, the performers, and the entire structure with its front panel pull-back capabilities. The solution: Working with a local manufacturer, the architects created a system of aluminum extrusions from which 18,000 individual pieces were cut. A polishing drum rolled each piece to grind down and finish the edge surfaces. Individual extrusions were strung together through pre-cut holes using aircraft cable to hold the cells in place. The orientation of each piece alternates up and down vertically along the line of the cable, with adjacent rows of cells being riveted together at every third piece. This allows the front-facing screen panel to drape and cascade, emulating a fabric. For the illumination scheme, a trio of light levels was created to achieve the functional and aesthetic objectives. Two types of in-ground fixtures—one utilizing CDM lamps, the other fitted with LEDs—is coordinated with CDM wallwash fixtures and surface-mounted color-changing LEDs. Multiple lighting programs evolve throughout the year. Total watts per sq. ft. is 0.6, calculated at full output of fixtures.
Metal minded
Working with a local manufacturer, the architects created a system of aluminum extrusions from which 18,000 individual pieces were cut.
go with the flow
The orientation of each piece alternates up and down vertically along the line of the cable, with adjacent rows of cells being riveted together at every third piece. This allows the front-facing screen panel to drape and cascade, emulating a fabric.
aluminum, each link—or module—acts as a
faceted light reflector so that images from the
very confined space and complex internal geo-
projection are projected out to the eyes of the
graphics,” Gagnon points out.
audience. “When it is fully enclosed, the flexible
metal skin takes on the role of a sculptural art
cept, a three-layer solution using multiple layers
object. Our design took into consideration its abil-
of kinetic lighting techniques was devised for
ity to change according to the season and lighting
the 6,190 sq ft of lit surfaces. “One layer illumi-
conditions,” Hurme describes.
nates the exterior with in-ground color changing
Senior lighting designer Martin Gagnon of
fixtures; the second layer lights up the interior
Ambiances Lighting & Visual Design, Longueuil,
surfaces. Finally, the third layer acts as a stage
Québec, approached this one-of-a-kind project
wash for the performers, or as another layer of
as a combination of stage lighting, architectural
light while The Cube is in its closed position.”
lighting, and art works lighting.
lenses were used in order to fill all necessary sur-
“Given the transparency of the external alu-
Using the structure’s multifunctional con-
Wide beam lenses and asymmetrical beam
minum curtain skin, the lighting concept was to
faces with a minimal amount of fixtures, Gagnon
create a luminous beacon that becomes a part of
indicates. All components of the installation are
Winnipeg’s urban environment,” Gagnon explains.
controlled by a central DMX system using an
astronomical clock with optional user interface
Gagnon and his team brought with them
to this project their experience in lighting other extraordinary outdoor scenarios. In 2010, Ambiances, in conjunction with Robert Lepage, designed the lighting for Quebec City’s Aurora Borealis kinetic lighting installation. The nightly attraction illuminates 2,000 feet of a grain terminal façade with a program of 574 colorchanging LED spotlights. It is scheduled to run through 2013.
34 • 11.11 • Architectural SSL
“For The Cube, we were presented with a
presets.• Project Credits:
Project: The Cube Location: Exchange District, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Owner: City of Winnipeg Architect: 5468796 Architecture Inc. Lighting Design: Ambiances Lighting & Visual Design Electrical Engineer: Williams Engineering Canada, Inc.
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SSLprofile: a subtle touch of SSL in milanese palace to museum makeoVER Palazzo dell´Arengario Milan, Italy
Despite its prominent position only a stone‘s throw away from Milan’s main cathedral, the somewhat forbidding Palazzo dell´Arengario was not really a civic icon high in public awareness. The construction of the Palazzo commenced at the end of the 1930s using the typical monumental design language of that period, but was never completed until the 1950s, due to WW II. The city of Milan, however, recognized the potential of the buildings as a home for its extensive collection of 20th century Italian art. A competition, won by a group of designers under the direction of Milanese architect and designer, Italo Rota, was held to convert the premises into office and exhibition space for the Museo del Novecento, including a long rear wing and the second floor of the Palazzo Reale. Rota’s design connects the existing buildings creating a stimulating museum where the architectural remains of former are supplemented with contemporary interventions, including the use of white LED lighting.
Although the facade was hardly changed,
the tower-like front now looks like a transparent shell at night, appearing back-lit and permitting glimpses of its new inner life. The dynamic, spiralling entrance ramp and café are also visible behind a large glazed area, with artist Lucio Fontana’s original lighting art piece‚ Struttura al neon, shining all the way out on to the Piazza del Duomo.
The building was extensively gutted to
achieve this new openness and reorganized into
above: Beyond creating a neutral and unobtrusive environment for the museum, lighting control was also critical. Zumtobel’s Luxmate Litenet ensures optimal and efficient utilization of the Cielos light squares above. “Our aim was to create a peaceful atmosphere with soft, neutral colors and homogenous lighting. After all, the works of art are the stars here,” says Alessandro Pedretti, the designer responsible for the interior lighting.
freely accessible areas. The ramp screws itself upwards around a central reinforced concrete core, leading visitors from the museum‘s own subway access to the exhibition areas via an aquamarine-colored walkway. The glass facade
Images: Zumtobel
www.architecturalssl.com
encasing the ramp permits a view into and out of
Architectural SSL • 11.11 • 37
SSLprofile:
PALAZZO DELL´ARENGARIO, Milan, Italy
Form square The Cielos fixtures are arranged in squares or linear light bands, depending on the room structure.
The Challenge: Subtly lluminate a transformed Palazzo into a museum of contemporary art so that the lighting does not take away from the art. The solution: Unobtrusive LED lighting closely mirrors the architecture accentuating spatial effect.
ramped up Panos Infinity Q 190 down light in both square (left) and round forms (below), also played a key role in illuminating the museum.
Project Credits:
Client: Comune di Milano, Milan Architect: Italo Rota, Fabio Fornasari, Milan Lighting Design: Alessandro Perdetti, Milan
In Tune Tunable Panos Infinity modules were key in lighting the glowing entrance portals.
products:
Products: Zumtobel PANOS INFINITY LED downlights and LED spots HEDERA LED luminaire CIELOS modular lighting system LINARIA light line SCUBA moisture-proof luminaire PERLUCE louvre luminaire LUXMATE LITENET lighting management system ARTSIGN and COMSIGN escape sign luminaires
diffused and Homogeneous The luminous ceilings, lit with Cielos fixtures, help walls and floors maintain uniform base colors.
the building, which—similar to a film sequence—
of the Arengario wing were completely redeco-
arch windows of the Palazzo Reale are disconcert-
changes with every step. This progression is
rated. “Our aim was to create a peaceful atmo-
ingly close through the completely glazed facade
emphasized by the illumination points used in
sphere with soft, neutral colors and homogeneous
in this area. The top-most floor of the Arengario
the lighting concept of the ramp, accentuating
lighting—the works of art are the stars here, after
tower accommodates a light-flooded room with
the spatial effect and lightness of this archi-
all,” explains Alessandro Pedretti, the architect at
works by Lucio Fontana and a fantastic panorama
tectural statement. The light points follow
Studio Italo Rota responsible for the interior and
of the Piazza del Duomo. Impressive views of the
the curves in two different ways: downlights
lighting design of this project. Walls and floors
surrounding area can also be obtained from the
integrated in the ceiling trace the route and
are tone in tone; new presentation areas and col-
lofty height of the new glass connection bridge
illuminate the ramp area, while small LED spots
umns designed by the architects are integrated
leading to the Palazzo Reale.
on the balustrade emanate blue-green light
in elegantly subdued white and grey tones. An
inwards. The spiral is turned into a luminous
even, diffuse basic illumination is achieved with a
carried into the introverted exhibition galleries. A
object—a representation of 20th century moder-
Cielos luminous ceiling. Depending on the layout
tour of the collection of 400 works of art ranging
nity almost suggestively attracting passers.
of the room, the modules are arranged as linear
from Futurism to Arte Povera is complemented
light bands or as squares. The homogeneous
by a walk through the history of the city. This
used at the interfaces of the museum. The
illumination of the rooms is controlled using the
parallel experience is achieved by the conscious
entrances to the exhibition rooms are portals
central lighting management system Luxmate
integration of still life images of the city—with
of light where light modules cover the frames
Litenet. The luminous ceilings in the galleries are
architecture from various centuries, from Gothic
of the doors and emphasize the passages to the
contrasted by the vertical light lines integrated
cathedral to contemporary bank building—
introverted gallery rooms. The main room of the
flush into the walls, which serve to illuminate the
throughout the museum. A stony witness of the
piano nobile surprises with monumental marble
access areas.
Duce years, the converted Palazzo dell´Arengario
columns and a richly decorated ceiling. It is dedi-
can now make a new contribution to the historic
cated to Futurists such as Umberto Boccioni and
by means of escalators located in a new building
fabric of the city, connecting old to new in the
his contemporaries. The smaller exhibition rooms
part at the end of the Arengario wing. The pointed
illuminated entity of the Museo del Novecento.•
Light is also an important design element
38 • 11.11 • Architectural SSL
The various exhibition levels are connected
The presence of these urban images is even
www.architecturalssl.com
the White pages
By Seth Warren Rose, Director Eneref Institute
Glaring Issues with LED Reflectors vs. Diffuse Lenses May Be The Way To Deal With Glare LEDs have come a long way since the days when they were used almost
exclusively in handheld calculators. In fact, today’s LEDs have become
average efficiency remains a disadvantage. Beyond reduced illumi-
so powerful a light source that they often require lenses to protect
nance, lenses can also add to thermal resistance, chromatic aberration
users from glare. But lenses are inherently inefficient as a solution for
and aging. Glass lenses avoid some of these downsides, but at higher
controlling glare. Therefore, several questions must be asked: 1) Will
development and production costs.
the growth of LEDs, a point source, pose a visual disruption in many
commercial spaces, which are often poorly designed to begin with?; 2)
of the light source with a reflector by pointing the LEDs directly into
Will an aging population, more sensitive to glare, find spaces lit with
a reflective material and bouncing the lumens off. Not only does this
poorly-designed LED luminaires, especially challenging?; 3) Is there a
solution hide the LEDs glare, but a material that is somewhat specular
better solution for controlling glare than increasingly diffuse lenses?
could also control the photometric distribution—spreading or focusing
the beam as needed for the task.
The solution to glare may come in the form of reflectors designed
While lenses can offer a cost-efficient solution to glare, their low
One solution we will begin to see more often is to shield the view
to shield us from the LED light source. Well-designed reflector systems
made from highly reflective materials have the potential to offer
be much greater than with a typical lens solution. However, this
greater light output ratios (LOR) than a typical lens system while
solution assumes the reflector is designed with a minimal number
reducing or eliminating glare. Lenses, on the other hand, by their very
of bounces—or reflections—and the reflector design takes advantage
nature reduce light output.
of the light controlled offered by the material. With diffuse white-
painted reflectors, distribution control is essentially lost; and placing
The reflector market has made significant advances in materi-
With a highly reflective material the light output ratio could
als and design. For example, aluminum’s optical material has found
light on surfaces where light is unwanted or not needed, can be a
its way into many advanced luminaire designs beyond simple linear
waste of energy.
fixtures explains George Dieckmann of OEM Lighting Sales, a leading
supplier of lighting controls and highly reflective optical materials.
component part opens the door to some innovative luminaire design
Controlling the LED light distribution with a second reflector
More and more luminaire designers are developing segmented
options. The first reflector would hide a direct view of the LEDs, and
reflectors to optimize efficiency. And for years, HID reflectors have taken
direct the light into a second reflector, which controls light distribu-
advantage of segmented optics and increased light output ratio (LOR) to
tion. With a second reflector the distribution can be increased. Or dif-
nearly 90%. Can the next generation of LEDs take advantage of what we
ferent surfaces can be mixed.
have learned about reflectors in fluorescent and HID systems?
offers opportunities to combine modules with a variety of reflectors;
In typical HID outdoor lighting system, light distribution, glare
And as LED modules systems become common, standardization
control and system efficiency are determined by reflector design and
where the same modules can be combined with different reflector sys-
reflector materials. The luminance of the HID lamp is hidden within the
tems to tailor light distribution to a specific application. In such a case,
luminaire and the light is distributed over a wider area. In this case,
only the light source would need to change.
light loss is dependent on the reflector.
prevalent. Electronic component parts can fail. Modularity may help
In many of today’s LED outdoor lighting systems, the quality of
Modularity will offer other advantages as LEDs become more
the lens determines light distribution and efficiency. Preventing glare
reduce maintenance costs. Interchangeable systems should reduce
while at the same time maximize lumens per watt is challenging. And
production costs for luminaire manufacturers while at the same time
since the light is beamed in one direction, it creates unwanted high
increase the number of light distribution variations. As raw materials
luminance spots.
grow in cost, replacing modules will not only become more cost effec-
tive, but will reduce material waste. And modular systems will offer
Certainly lenses can reduce glare, however they do so at a
cost–reducing light output anywhere from 10% to 30% depending on
easier or greater supplier options.
various factors. Lenses are therefore a balance between efficiency and
visual comfort: between high transmission rates and reduced glare.
ments, will the new luminaires introduce more glare along with new
As LEDs grow more common in workplaces and retail environ-
Lenses can also increase maintenance. For one thing, lenses are
opportunities? Not likely when lighting professionals are involved the
unlikely to hide the appearance of a single LED failure, necessitating
decision-making process. However, as Eneref Institute discovered in a
replacements. And as lenses age they tend to grow more opaque, losing
recent survey, most commercial retrofit projects are completed with-
transparency, and thereby reducing illuminance.
out the help of a lighting professional.•
www.architecturalssl.com Architectural SSL • 11.11 • 39
ADVANCES
Product Introductions
Optics Options With its high-efficiency secondary optics, the WashGrazeLV allows designers to select up to six beam angles and six color temperatures to illuminate or accent any architectural feature. The 850-lm fixture from DDP draws only 17 W and is available in CCTs ranging from 2700K to 6300K. Systems are available in lengths from 1 ft. to 4 ft., with flexible end-to-end connectors allowing continuous runs of up to 266 linear feet. Visit www.emerglighting.com or Circle 306.
Here in the States, the emphasis is on reducing energy consumption; Europe, however, seems to look to LEDs as tools for artistry and producing some pretty spectacular works.
1 Utility Rebate-Plan Approval The KiaroLED from EYE Lighting International qualifies for energy-efficiency program incentives offered by many utilities. The line of luminaires is available with IES Types II, III, IV and V light-distribution patterns. Advanced control features include current control, thermal control, late-night dimming and motion control. Visit www.kiaroled.com or Circle 305.
2 Triple Play The Tripod family of interior and exterior sconces, pendants and landscape bollards is CNC machined from solid stainless steel, brass or aluminum and features stainless steel hardware. The V2 Lighting Group products are focusable and dimmable and are available in a range of color temperatures. Visit www. v2lightinggroup.com or Circle 304.
3 UL-Recognized With up to 100W of constant voltage output power along with a slim design, the The E100W24V-D LED driver from ERG Lighting offers onboard dimming to less than 10% and is designed for linear lighting applications requiring a single driver for multiple LED strings. Visit www.erglighting.com or Circle 303.
40 • 11.11 • Architectural SSL
www.architecturalssl.com
Product Introductions
ADVANCES
Low-Profile Monorail Besa Lighting has introduced new 12 V LED monorail kits, which include 8 ft. of monorail, along with the company’s new low-profile power supply, which eliminates surface or remote transformers— instead, a small, no-load 60W electronic transformer fits into the connecting junction box. Kits also are available including spotlights or a mix of spots and pendants – like the Scope kit shown here. All kits support up to 9 dimmable luminaires. Visit www.besalighting.com or Circle 302.
Whilst LEDs can be a major part in an installation, it is all too easy to forget the fundamentals of lighting design and rely on them in unsuitable applications simply because they are in fashion.
4 Wall-Pack Alternative The LEDWP-250 wall-pack fixture provides light output comparable to a 250W halogen unit while drawing only 36W. From Larson Electronics’ Magnalight division, the luminaires are constructed from powder-coated aluminum and feature shatterproof polycarbonate lenses with water-tight seals. Visit www.magnalight.com or Circle 301.
5 Low-Profile Connectors To meet the needs of manufacturers of LED fixtures intended to replace fluorescent strip units, AVX Corp. has introduced the 9608 and 9609 Series of lighting and LED backlight connectors. Various styles and mounting options are available. Visit www.avx.com or Circle 300.
6 Retrofit Downlight The Vertical Retro System LED Downlight can be installed into an existing downlight mounting frame using the same J-box and mounting hardware. The system, from Delray Lighting, includes a precisely designed reflector, appropriate socket, flex cap and wire attached to the J-box. Visit www.delraylighting. com or Circle 299.
www.architecturalssl.com
Architectural SSL • 11.11 • 41
ADVANCES
Product Introductions
Big Light, Little Package At a size of 4 cubic in., the Brickblaster WNC LED fixture from The Black Tank can output 3110 lumens at any temperature between 2800K and 6500K at a variety of beam angles. The 50W fixture incorporates patent-pending heat-sink technology as well as precise output control, and it can be powder coated, custom painted or anodized in a range of finishes. Applications include museums and galleries, restaurants and retail stores. Visit www.theblacktank.com or Circle 298.
“The long life of LEDs has allowed
the lighting designer to create more complex schemes without the terror that the design will be reduced to chaos with the first re-lamping.�
Circle 12
Product Introductions
ADVANCES
Get It On Tape Tapelights, from Connexx, are LED lighting strips that can be installed under cabinets and in other tight locations to provide added task and ambient lighting. Up to 24 units can be linked together and attached to any surface, using either the included, pre-fixed adhesive strips or with mounting screws. A switched outlet isn’t required—the plug-in transformer just needs an available electrical outlet. Visit www.tapelight.com or Circle 297.
“The first step will continue to be placement of as many LEDs into the mind of the public through retrofitting of familiar products and new products that are easily recognizable and attractive.”
Circle 13
ADVANCES
Product Introductions
Make Me a Troffer The VTLED from Acuity Brands’ Lithonia Lighting subsidiary is designed for general-purpose illumination in a range of interior applications. The troffer-shaped fixture is available in a 2-ft.-x-2-ft. configuration with a 2200- or 3200-lumen package, and a 2-ft.-x-4.-ft. configuration with a 4600-lumen package. Full-range (zero-10-volt) dimming is standard, and products come enabled with the company’s proprietary nLight intelligent controls interface. Visit www.lithonia.com or Circle 296
“Fluorescents hate to be frequently switched or dimmed as it adversely affects lifetime and efficiency. LEDs, on the other hand, thrive in this same scenario. Dim an LED and you increase efficiency and lifetime.”
1 Grid-Connected The 1200 Series Grid Lay-in Fixture from Lunera Lighting features a backlit design with removable LED modules enabling easy field servicing and upgrading. The dimmable, 2-ft.-x-2-ft. fixture provides 30 ft.-candles of illumination at color temperatures of 3500K, 4000K and 5000K. Visit www.lunera.com or Circle 295.
2 Now That’s Dimming Phase-cut deep dimming drivers from Light-Based Technologies emulate the smooth zero to 100% light output curve of incandescent lamps and work with both leading- and trailing-edge dimmers. Flicker-free dimming is even possible below 0.1%. Visit www.lightbased.com or Circle 294.
3 Take It to Task The HeronLED task light from Little Footprint Lighting is manufactured from recycled ABS plastic along with recycled scrap steel. The replaceable 3W LED produces approximately 200 lumens, with a color temperature of 3000K and a CRI of 80. Visit www.littlefootprintlighting.com or Circle 293.
44 • 11.11 • Architectural SSL
www.architecturalssl.com
Product Introductions
ADVANCES
All In The Family Finelite has introduced the HPR-LED series, a complete family of LED recessed luminaires. The collection – which includes 2x4, 2x2, 1x4 , 1x2, 1x1 and wall-wash fixtures – was selected by the Illuminating Engineering Society for its annual 2011 Progress Report. All units feature glare-free illumination and 0-10v dimmability. Units are available with two door designs (which allow for service from below the ceiling) and three center optic choices, and all come with a five-year warranty. Visit www.finelite.com or Circle 292.
The need for omnidirectional light from ceiling-mounted troffers has been a challenge for SSL lamps designed to replace standard linear fluorescent products.
1 New Sconce Offerings The Betty wall sconce from Alva features a common, curved platform that can be paired with numerous fabric shade options (or customized) to create warm, diffuse lighting. The fixtures are available in both warm (2700K) and neutral (3500K) color configurations, with cooler color temperatures available by special order. Visit www.alvalight.com or Circle 291.
2 Expanded Module Offerings Xicato XSM Artist Series of LED modules with 700-lm and 1000-lm offerings to suit applications involving higher ceiling-mount heights or where stronger accents are needed. The 700-lm module is backward-compatible with existing installations. Visit www.xicato.com or Circle 290.
3 On The Road, Again Autobahn Roadway Luminaire from Acuity Brands’ American Electric Lighting subsidiary can be a direct replacement for high-pressure sodium cobrahead fixtures. Highly controlled optics minimize night-sky pollution and is compatible with Acuity’s ROAM wireless lighting monitoring and control system Visit www.acuitybrands.com or Circle 289.
www.architecturalssl.com
Architectural SSL • 11.11 • 45
Ad Index
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IBC
wac lighting
Higher light output with the Cree quality you expect. Saves Energy: 1000 lumens at 3000K, or 950 lumens at 2700K, replaces 90W PAR38 with 13.5W No Compromise: High efficiency at 74 LPW with 92 CRI Long Life: Designed to last 50,000 hours with consistent color Versatile: Dimmable to 20% with 12°, 25°, or 40° beam angles
CREE® LRP38-10L “THEY SAID IT COULDN’T BE DONE. WE DIDN’T LISTEN.”
editorial preview:
High-Performance, Vapor Proof LED Luminaire Introducing LVAPOR, RAB’s high-performance, LED, vaporproof luminaire. The powerful 13W LED LVAPOR lights the way through dark tunnels, stairways and college campuses, protecting all who pass. Yet its sleek, stylish look makes it equally at home in trendy downtown lofts and art galleries. The classic design comes with a die cast guard and frosted globe. And wherever it shines, this latest generation of the vaporproof light is now stronger, brighter, and more efficient than ever. Request a free sample of LVAPOR at RABLED.com. Circle 15
MARCH 2012:
SSL Product Awards & Analytics Annual
Beyond the second installment of our annual SSL Product Innovation Awards, we’ll also take a look at the state of LED manufacturing in our new “SSL at the Front” feature. Specifically, the story will examine where the technology is at as far as innovations, advancements, including cost, and steps being taken to help make SSL less expensive. Elsewhere, in our White Pages/Technology section, we’ll take a look at something very important: How to read an LM79 report so you can actually get some answers about the products you’re evaluating.
CreeLEDLighting.com questions? comments?
Email your thoughts to: jimc@architecturalssl.com
Circle 14
46 • 11.11 • Architectural SSL CR4073 ASSL 11/11 LRP38-10L Fractional AF.indd 1
www.architecturalssl.com 9/27/11 12:42 PM
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Search at the Speed of Light
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It works the way you think
SSL_4_2007_Ver1.indd 1
4/16/07 9:25:12 PM
SSLObserved:
By Kevin Willmorth
Are We Ready to Send More Manufacturing Packing? As SSL for the built environment comes to maturity, it’s at a crossroads: push forward with mass-produced, standardized and often imported products, or stay in suit with more customized products better suited to individually designed buildings.
ucts ranged from 1930s vintage to modern.
the importing of core products from Asia, sup-
I don’t buy a lot of late model product to dis-
posedly to save money, but also due to significant
mantle, as I know most is made from lightweight
financial incentives intent on keeping the technol-
plastics that snap with little force, or are riveted
ogy there. While commercial lighting was once
together in such a way as to be impossible to
dominated by U.S. manufacturing, this is slipping
repair. I have had my share of broken plastic, no
to imports from Mexico and Asia. Precious little
reason to flog that horse any more—especially
that lands in the residential market comes from
since the plastic flogging device is likely to snap
here now—where investment in design and inno-
off and puncture my hand should I attempt an
vation has been replaced with mass marketing to
overly exuberant flog.
clear inventories produced to forecast.
Taking lighting products apart from differ-
Before this goes too much further, should
ent periods in manufacturing is revealing. For
we not ask ourselves if this is the right path to
example, the idea of lean design is obviously not
take? How will we reconcile an industry founded
In the course of blasting forward into the future,
widely applied in this industry. To start, a 1930s
on customization to suit a building’s design, with
we frequently forget how we got where we are.
product often is a blend of castings of mixed
standardized imports? When we have lost the
For example, the transformation of this country,
materials, with hand working marks, and several
talent pool, the production equipment, and the
in my lifetime, from a gross producer of things to
machining steps. As you move on in time, tooling
supporting infrastructures, can we get it all back
an over-consuming landfill nation, is shocking.
changes from sand casting to die casting, hand
if we discover this was not the right approach?
What makes me feel truly old is realizing there
work marks disappear, and the use of rivets
are fewer and fewer people around that actually
through stamped parts replaces heavy castings
the declining manufacturing base. We are just
make things, surrounded by a growing number
and threaded fasteners. While the 1960s presents
now feeling the brunt of impact from allowing
that know little or nothing about how anything
some interesting uses of aluminum, the products
manufacturing to be systematically shut down
is made at all. In 1960, the odds were that over
tend to be a little flimsy, with thin aluminum spin-
here. Recovering an economy without a strong
half of everyone you knew worked in producing
nings anodized gold, held with old brittle phenolic
manufacturing base is going to be a neat trick
something, and another 1 in 3 worked to build
plastic bits and sockets. The 1970s presents
never before attempted. Maybe keeping an eye
buildings. Today, those odds are now less than
overly complex contrivances made from too many
on retaining some of the best of U.S. lighting
1 in 12. In 1960, the clothes in your closet would
small parts and springy bits in assemblies that
manufacturing alive is a way for us to play a
have been 95% made in the USA. Today, less than
fly apart if you drill out the wrong rivet without
role in finding a new balance—before we lose
5% is still made here. What’s strange is that we
a proper holding device. This results in the loss
something we will dearly miss after it’s no longer
don’t seem bothered by this change.
of tiny parts of critical importance to the small
parts fairies that live in my shop. We may be an
recoverable.•
As a tinkerer, I enjoy taking things apart
and evaluating how they were made. Recently I
innovative nation, but we too frequently suffer
purchased several task lights, with the intent of
from “complexitocity”—where simple solutions
using their arms for mounting my own lighting
are buried under gimmicky fidgets.
heads and to see how they were made. The prod-
48 • 11.11 • Architectural SSL
Solid-state lighting has a strong footing in
I believe strongly in the need to re-dress
about the author:
Kevin Willmorth, a lighting expert and fixture designer, has been instrumental in helping create a vision and mission statement for Architectural SSL.
www.architecturalssl.com
Lighting as it should be… For Life as it should be. Designed with architectural aesthetics and performance in mind, LEDme™ Step Lights offer a sleek profile and enhanced functionality, ideal for safety and style on stairs, walls and other pathways. Energy efficient for long-lasting indoor and outdoor lighting solutions. LEDme™ Step Lights create a beautiful romantic impression at night. 5 Year WAC Lighting product warranty. To learn more, visit www.waclighting.com or call 800.526.2588.
Circle 16
ERA速 LED This is LED Site Lighting Perfection. This is Kim Lighting.
GLARE, NO. BRILLIANT, YES.
www.kimlighting.com Circle 17