POST CONSTRUCTION
Elu has developed a sophisticated system that arrives at an overall concept: Flip the maintenance of these systems to a lighting designer’s point of view and ask: What was the design intent, and how can it be maintained? The system is designed so that a layperson can handle day-to-day events, but outside personnel on a regular schedule can confirm that the lighting system is being followed and operating properly.
In addition, a second set of documents needs to be created—paperwork that represents the final installation, and the means to maintain it. Remember, what the end-user needs is less technical and more straight forward.
Reference documentation should include the following:
- A list of rooms, where the fixtures are located.
- A picture of the fixture in the space so it can be visually identified.
- The lamp manufacturer and model number.
- A list of all the lamps on the project. A constantly replenished stock of lamps in an appropriate storage device is also a good idea, and where to order replacement lamps.
- Information on how to handle and change the lamp, clean the reflectors, aim the light, etc.
- Any information about how the light is controlled.
The documentation also needs to include information about centralized control, daylight or occupancy sensors, or if there is a building management system or load shedding equipment controlling the light. Lastly, personnel on site must be appropriately trained. When a new person is brought on, they must be familiarized with the lighting maintenance procedures and trained on the system.
CONCLUSION
Lighting maintenance is a lot like a well-manicured lawn: it needs constant care and attention, for without it, it quickly becomes overgrown and inundated with weeds and dandelions. Analyze all that will need to be implemented to maintain the design, and make decisions that will help to ensure long-term appreciation of your design effort. In particular the specifier should consider the cost of implementing such a system or provide a specification that requires this documentation to be produced. Every single project needs this information. Anticipate the need and create information to help the end-user.
Matthew Tirschwell has been designing theatrical and architectural lighting systems for sixteen years. He has a Bachelor’s degree of Fine Art in Theatrical Design from Ithaca College, and a Master’s degree in Architectural Lighting Design from Parsons The New School for Design. Tirschwell and Company, incorporated in 1999, designs lighting for high-end residential, retail, corporate, restaurant, and hospitality environments. In 2004 he started Elu, a lighting maintenance division for the absolute pinnacle high-profile clients.