Illuminating a heavily day-lighted space is often difficult, but BEAM solved the challenge
In designing the Agnes Irwin School’s new Main Entry, Dining Hall + Athletic Center, the architect created a wonderfully day-lit space, which required careful illumination to maintain the welcoming atmosphere throughout the day. BEAM ensured the desired lighting effect continued throughout all spaces of the 83,000sf addition to create bright and welcoming spaces throughout a school day.
In the Gymnasium, the translucent clerestory created exceptionally bright visual noise, which needed to be tempered by the lighting. Studies were performed to ensure the environment is comfortable yet meet NCAA Div 1 standards for illumination. In the Dining Hall, the pattern of the luminaries is carefully configured with the wood ceiling system, requiring precise coordination and placement to meet performance criteria.
The Atrium required a very early LED application for the exceptionally high ceiling and lack of ability to maintain lamps. Uplighting, as well as downlighting, received very specialized luminaires to create a cheerful and warm environment at all times of the day, despite the impact from the daylight that the architects desired.