5 minute read
Illuminating UC Davis Health
A Stantec Story of Light and Space
By Randy Reid
In the realms of healthcare and administration, lighting plays a pivotal role in creating an environment that promotes well-being and productivity. For UC Davis Health's administrative offices, this was the ethos behind the lighting design spearheaded by the multi-disciplinary team at Stantec, including lighting designer Lauren MacLeod. The extensive project, set within a mammoth 194,000 square foot facility over two floors, sought to bring the outside in, all while working within the constraints of the LEED Gold standard.
MacLeod detailed how Stantec's integrated team structure, encompassing interior designers, architects, and engineers, cultivated an environment ripe for innovative lighting solutions. The collaboration began early in the conceptual phase, ensuring that lighting was not an afterthought but rather a central component of the design.
Reflecting on the process, she remarked, "We were brought in early, right at the onset of concept development." She emphasized the significance of this phase, noting, "That's where most of our work is done—in concept development, SD phases, and then DD phases." Lauren commented on the extent of her involvement, adding, "We may or may not be included in the CD phase. We don't come back on board again until the CA phase where we conduct submittal reviews and ensure everything is in order with a final site visit."
A significant challenge was the building's massive 2-story floor plates and limited perimeter glazing, which initially allowed minimal daylight penetration. The design solution? Introducing new skylights that not only enhanced the natural light flow but also created visual connections between the two floors, creating a sense of openness and accessibility throughout the expansive interior spaces.
Lauren explained, "The new skylights we introduced transformed the space, bridging the first and second floors with natural light. From the second floor, there's this beautiful visual connectivity to the first, which really opens up at the two-story spaces flanking the building's entrance."
The project's sustainable design was further exemplified by the introduction of architectural elements such as west-facing vertical panels to mitigate direct sunlight and heat gain. These panels, coupled with strategic backlighting, achieved a dual purpose – controlling the light while crafting an inviting entrance that would resonate with visitors and staff alike. The vertical highlights extended to the ceiling plane in the form of light coves to envelope the entire space.
MacLeod's approach to lighting was holistic, focusing on both the building's functional needs and aesthetic aspirations. The result was a series of well-lit open office areas, complemented by direct-indirect lighting fixtures. Artificial biophilic elements, although not originally planned, added a touch of nature, reinforcing the connection to the environment.
The transformation of spaces like the cafeteria and the elevator lobby was stark, as illustrated by the before and after pictures. She highlighted the inviting nature of the area, saying, "The entrance to the café is seamlessly integrated with an al fresco dining area, inviting both light and community into the space."
The project also showcased an innovative use of lighting controls, with occupancy and daylight sensors integrated seamlessly to manage the luminosity throughout the building. The lighting controls, orchestrated by the electrical engineering team, provided a range of dimmable settings to adapt to various zones and fixture types, from the direct-indirect luminaires to the sconces, creating an adaptable and energy-efficient environment.
The lighting design extended into even the most secluded internal areas, where ceiling coves were employed to simulate the presence of daylight. Lighting the walls was key to balancing overall light levels and uniformity with daylight. This approach, coupled with the use of light finishes recommended by the interior design team, ensured that light was reflected throughout the spaces, enhancing the warmth of wood veneer walls and the building's warm finishes.
MacLeod also highlighted the collaboration with interior designers to select light finishes, a crucial aspect of enhancing the natural illumination within the space. This partnership was essential to achieve the design team's vision of a lit environment that felt both natural and conducive to well-being.
MacLeod proudly shared that despite the challenges, the project flowed smoothly, owing to the strong collaboration between Stantec's in-house team and the contractors. The final design, a testament to their work, was recognized with an AIA Central Valley Design Award, highlighting the project's architectural and lighting design excellence.
The project excelled in energy efficiency, coming in at an impressive 0.52 watts per square foot, well under the energy budget. MacLeod emphasized the efficiency of the lighting design, noting that the vast majority, if not all, of the specified luminaires operated at a high efficiency rate, with many achieving over 100 lumens per watt.
The UC Davis Health project stands as a beacon of Stantec's dedication to collaborative, sustainable, and innovative design, proving that when architects, designers, and engineers come together under one roof, the results can illuminate far more than just a physical space. ■
FIXTURE SCHEDULE
Primary Linear Lighting: Extant Huntington
Specialty Linear Lighting: ALW, Focal Point, Lumenwerx
Recessed and Surface Multiples: Amerlux
Pendant Cylinders: DMF
Recessed Downlights (include adjustable accent and wallwash): HE Williams
Pendant Track: WAC
Decorative Manufacturers: Pablo, Lumetta Acoustic series, Santa and Cole, Ring
Ring Lights: KEPLER PETITE by Nemo
Lead Architect: Brian Crilly
Lead Interior Designer: Rebecca Keehner
Photo Credit: Kat Alves
