The Science and Art of Light

The same simplicity characterizes the lighting of the “seeing” zones of the building, including offices, classrooms, and support spaces that all have varying levels of exposure to natural light. The offices located behind the folded-glass curtain wall are the most dramatic of these areas, offering abundant light and views of the Catalina Mountains to the north. Daylight is balanced by T8 luminaries mounted at angles corresponding to the faceted glass curtain wall; after dark these echo the rhythm of the façade and create a dramatic nighttime presence for the building. The east and west façades’ carefully edited fenestration enlivens the elevation and minimizes solar exposure, heat gain, and glare. Keeping the southern elevation windowless, besides protecting the laboratories, was an obvious “green” choice, dramatically reducing the impact of the desert sun. Similarly sustainable, the copper panels sheathing the structure create a breathable rain screen that protects the surface of the building (thereby avoiding sealants) and allows for natural ventilation up through the skin.

Throughout the project, Richärd+Bauer’s choices were inspired by the optical sciences, as is evident in their reliance on light’s effects, as opposed to elaborate fixtures. From the light wells to the industrial T8s mounted behind perforated aluminum ceilings in many of the public areas and meeting rooms, light becomes matter. The consistency of the firm’s vision and its ability to solve design challenges economically and gracefully has resulted in a remarkable building that speaks directly to its users as well as its use, aesthetically and sustainably. The movement of daylight through the architecture, whether filtering down the light shafts or saturating the office spaces, infuses the building with a living dynamism often lacking in research facilities. Humbly explaining the surprise success of this project, Richärd says, “We looked for responses that were intrinsic both to solving regular programmatic and functional issues, but tried to do them in ways that were also poetic.”

PRODUCTS

BARTCO LIGHTING | BFL SERIES | BARTCOLIGHTING.COM
Well suited to a variety of high-use spaces, this low-profile linear T8 fluorescent fixture was used in the auditorium for the wall panel covelights. The fixture offers a fully assembled housing in corrosion-resistant steel and high-reflectance white powder coat finish. Available in a wide range of wattages with knock-outs that accept standard electrical fittings, this all-purpose fixture is UL and C-UL listed for dry and damp locations.

PRUDENTIAL LIGHTING | P-8600 SERIES | PRULITE.COM
This T8 troffer, with a premium-quality prismatic acrylic lens and 5-inch-deep body, was selected for use in the perforated aluminum ceilings in the laboratories, corridors, and offices. It features mitered door corners, spring-loaded latches, and reversible hinges and is available in four models: 1/2 inch regressed aluminum, flat aluminum, flat steel or floating 1/2 inch regressed aluminum. The P-8600 series also can be fitted with stainless-steel flanges and doorframes.

PRUDENTIAL LIGHTING | PSS-162 | PRULITE.COM
Used for the stairs and light shaft perimeters, this staggered two-lamp T8 striplight comes with a 4-inch overlapping system and a telescoping end-module for flexibility. Available in 2, 3, 4, 6, or 8-foot standard lengths, the multipurpose PSS-162 can be specified with symmetric, asymmetric, or reverse symmetric reflectors, as well as dimming ballasts and emergency batteries.