| Programs |  |
Facility managers and design professionals must not look solely at aesthetics when dealing with interior lighting issues, according to Joseph A. Ray-Barreau, who spoke to some 30 members of the Central Ohio IFMA Chapter at the April program at the Fawcett Center at The Ohio State University.
Ray-Barreau, architect, lighting consultant, and educator, said, while aesthetics or composition is one of five factors that determine the type of lighting for an office or buiness, “pragmatic, behavioral, symbolic, or preferential,” aspects also must be considered. These factors can make recommendations and decisions “challenging, frustrating and often humiliating,” in satisfying the needs and desires of clients, he added.
Ray-Barreau said designers and facility managers must first decide the lighting design priorities--function of the space and the lighting needs--when involved in a project because “there are no universal priorities, all are project related.”
From an aesthetic standpoint, such things as accent lighting, fixture alternatives and visibility, design philosophy, color temperature, and color rendering index must be taken into consideration.
The pragmatic issues that must be dealt with include ADA requirements, energy efficiency, fixture and ballast noise, glare control, illumination level, long-term costs or budget, maintenance, safe and security, and task lighting.
Behavioral aspects center on the impact or effect the lighting will have on those who work within the area or those who will patronize the office or business.
Preferential matters involve the owner and his or her opinions and previous lighting experiences, and designers need to establish what objectives the owner is trying to accomplish. Symbolic issues evolve around whether a subtle or overt lighting effect is desired.
Designers also must decide the type of lighting fixtures, the amount of light that is required or appropriate for the project, and which of the three major lamp categories to use as determined by task, ambient, and accent, Ray-Barreau said.
Fixtures range from recessed to architectural and include track, portable, surface mounted, and special purpose. The lamp or light categories are incandescent/halogen, fluorescent/compact fluorescent, or high intensity discharge.
Ray-Barreau has been involved in over 1,000 projects as lighting designer, consultant and/or architect. He has taught at several universities and has served as director of education and training for the American Lighting Association.
Next month, chapter members will tour the renovated Ohio Stadium. The tour will be at 5:30 p.m. May 8, and reservations will be required. Stay in contact with the Chapter Web page for more details on this event and the deadline for reservations.
Built in 1922, “The Horseshoe” has undergone an extensive three-year renovation, preservation, and expansion project to ensure its longevity for years to come. Total cost of the renovation project was $187 million.
Nearly 80 percent of that figure was covered by the sale of the 82 hospitality suites and the 2,500 club seats on the west side of the stadium. Naming sights gifts and revenue generated from increased ticket sales and concession income is expected to cover the remaining 20 percent. No tax dollars or state or university money were used.
This is definitely a tour Chapter members will want to take.