At BEAM, we understand that designing lighting for multi-family residences presents challenges and opportunities. Jason Bradshaw, one of our lighting designers with over ten years’ experience, sheds light on how we approach these projects to deliver exceptional results.
Balancing Budget and Impact
Multi-family residential projects present varied challenges which have some similarities whether a high-end high-rise condo, an affordable housing townhouse complex or long-term senior care facility. Budget and code requirements influence the products that can realistically be used. As specialists focused on the lighting, we design spaces with thoughtful purpose and research the highest quality luminaires to produce the ‘best bank for your buck’!
Lobby at Broad + Noble, multifamily apartment residences in downtown Philadelphia. Architect: Barton Partners.
Strategies to meet Diverse Needs
It is crucial to understand the primary users and general population of each project and design lighting to meet their needs. For instance, while the needs for functional lighting are similar for many projects, it needs to be more specialized for seniors aging-in-place, low-income families, or residents with dementia. To help provide comfortable lighting environments for all residents, we use layered lighting such as ambient, task, and accent lighting that can create flexibility and care to various activities. In living spaces, we light to suggest dimming control, which is a minimal-cost item with a large impact, allowing residents the ability to make the space more comfortable for themselves.
In some applications, we’ve incorporated strategies which focus on the color and spectral quality of the light which is becoming known as being ‘human-centric’ lighting design. It’s widely been proven that certain types of light will not only affect one’s mood, but research also suggests this may happen because lighting can directly affect serotonin and melatonin production cycles.
Elevator Lobby at St. Rita’s & Cascia Center, a low-income senior housing facility. Architect: CBP Architects.
For instance, we deployed these methods in a dementia care facility where the staff has reported the patients to be calmer and show less symptoms. So, whether a space is being illuminated for specialized populations or simply to ensure that residents and uses are as comfortable as possible, focusing on the lighting design provides for a better-quality built environment overall.
A ‘day room’ at the LIFE Center, a dementia care facility. Architect: CBP Architects.
Sustainability Goals Influencing Lighting Design Choices
The scale of the project and the number of luminaires can significantly impact overall energy use. Large energy savings can be found by using more efficient luminaires for corridors and units. LED technology is ever improving, becoming more energy efficient and cost-effective, so meeting sustainability goals is easier. We achieve substantial energy savings by adhering to DarkSky requirements for exterior lighting in courtyards and terraces to support sustainability goals.
At BEAM, many of our design projects achieve LEED certification. We design spaces such that the lighting power density is well within the recommended range thus ensuring the lighting design supports the project’s overall sustainability objectives.
“In multi-family residential lighting design, it’s about creating environments that enhance well-being, promote sustainability, and foster a sense of community.”
– Jason Bradshaw
1800 Park, a LEED certified residential complex. Architect: Minno Wasko
Adapting to Emerging Trends in Multi-Family Residential Lighting Design
The rise of ‘smart’ lighting and home automation systems is shaping the future of residential lighting. It impacts the type of luminaires we use and creates a need for deeper collaborative design with other disciplines. For instance, networked controlled systems, occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting features optimize energy consumption and reduce operational costs. It also means control systems have a larger impact on the selection of luminaires.
Revitalized Entrance Canopy with lighting, at Wanamaker House. Architect: CBP Architects.
The designers at BEAM are committed to staying at the forefront of these trends, ensuring that our lighting solutions not only meet current demands but also anticipate future needs.