The reception area creates the first impression for visitors. The IALD wanted to convey who they are, and what their members do. Their logo is prominently displayed on the wall behind the reception desk. The “IALD” letters are softly frontlit by a framing projector mounted above suspended ceiling clouds. The adjacent “passage” logo — a vertical slash — is backlit so it glows strongly from within and appears limitless. Projects designed by IALD members continuously loop on two video displays adjacent to the logo.
IALD Headquarters
Chicago, IL
Schuler Shook designed the lighting for the International Association of Lighting Designers’ (IALD) new offices in Chicago. The IALD is the service organization for professional lighting designers and has branches in many countries around the world.
The design demonstrates the power of light to transform – one of the principles of the IALD. Simple lighting fixtures are used in creative ways to convert the ubiquitous loft space into a dynamic, inviting office that serves both IALD staff and visiting professionals.
The lighting design for the IALD offices also incorporates a high level of energy efficiency, utilizing predominantly high-efficacy light sources such as fluorescent, metal halide, and LED. Large, glowing wall panels were installed and programmed to slowly change colour throughout the day to positively influence the IALD staff working in the office.
Schuler Shook assisted the IALD as they toured a number of potential office spaces throughout Chicago. We helped them evaluate factors such as the quality of natural light, and the ability to renovate the space inexpensively. The IALD ultimately settled on a loft space nestled in Chicago’s River North design community that has generous ceiling heights, exposed timber ceilings, and east-facing windows.
Walls, suspended ceilings, and surfaces are all white in order to present neutral reflecting surfaces. Lighting fixtures are carefully integrated within the architecture. The IALD was keen to have lighting that is minimal, clean, and timeless.
An integrated control system provides the IALD staff with user-friendly controls that also minimize energy consumption. In addition to designing the new lighting, Schuler Shook assisted with coordinating equipment donations and deliveries from a number of manufacturers.
The feature element in the seating area is a 3 ft. tall by 7 ft. 6 in. wide illuminated panel regressed within the wall. The wall is animated throughout the day, transforming into a randomly selected, dynamic display of various background colours and pulsing white lines. The juxtaposition of colour-changing background light with white, pulsing foreground light creates depth and interest.
At either end of the open office area are 3‑foot tall by 10-foot wide illuminated panels regressed within the wall. All employees have views of one or both panels, so they are an important element of the workspace. These panels display predominantly blue or amber soft animations that slowly cross-fade to positively affect circadian rhythms.
The open office area features minimal, timeless pendants that are uniquely clustered to create lighting “sculpture” over workstations. Seamless T5 fluorescent lamps paired with ultra-low ballast-factor ballasts provide uniform and energy-efficient illumination. This concept was studied through the use of 3D modeling to create appealing views from all perspectives, including outside of the building.
Project Details
Service
Architect
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Perkins & Will
Recognition
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IES Illumination Design Award of Merit, 2013
