103 CityPoint is a state-of-the-art laboratory and office building located in Waltham, MA, overlooking I-95 with views of the Cambridge Reservoir. Developed by BXP Life Sciences and designed by TRIA Architects, Inc, the building spans 115,000 SF, encompasses lab and office spaces, a penthouse, and an attached 25,000 SF structure for a potential cGMP* manufacturing facility. A significant design aspect of this project was the exterior lighting, which played a crucial role in enhancing the building's visual appeal and functional use. Sladen Feinstein Integrated Lighting, Inc. was selected as the lighting designer for this project, bringing their expertise and innovative approach to the table.
The exterior of 103 CityPoint features a complex façade with nine separate systems, including curtainwall, storefront, metal panels, and translucent Kingspan panels. The primary challenge was illuminating the Kingspan panels, which varied in opacity and structure across different sections of the building, including GMP spaces, stairwells, and window areas.
The project's lighting design process began with an intriguing rendering presented by the architect, which depicted the Kingspan panels glowing. This visual sparked a conversation about the feasibility of achieving such an effect in reality. Initially, the plan was to use static white lighting. However, discussions among Sladen Feinstein, the architect, and developer led to the inclusion of dynamic RGBW lighting to provide flexibility for various lighting scenarios, including special events and holidays.
Sladen Feinstein worked closely with Boston Light Source to implement the design using the Markline 501 and 101 Linear Surface RGBW fixtures from Mark Architectural Lighting™. Markline 501 and 101 were chosen for their superior optics, with their crafted beam control allowing for precise illumination. Markline optics are available in seven precise distributions ranging from 9° x 9° to 120° x 120° and asymmetric wall wash. The soft, ambient light delivered by these luminaires is perfect for highlighting architectural features such as the Kingspan panels, and their unique light engine design provides superior color mixing, even with tight setbacks. The luminaire’s low profile and extensive mounting options allowed them to be tucked away discretely in a variety of locations in the application. Additionally, the availability of static color and color-changing RGBW options added an extra dimension to complement the design atmosphere.
The design incorporated the 12 in. Markline 101 as well as 2 ft., 3 ft., and 4 ft. sections of the Markline 501 using a variety of lumen output packages, which provided the flexibility needed to address the structural and material variations across the façade.
Additionally, the Markline 501 and Markline 101 fixtures are both BAA compliant and BABA compliant – along with all fixtures used in this project.
“Sladen Feinstein prioritizes sustainability in all of our projects,” said Jennifer Bean, LC, Senior Lighting Designer, Sladen Feinstein. “103 CityPoint not only achieved LEED Silver certification, but we only used lighting fixtures on this project that were either assembled or sourced from the United States.”
The exterior lighting at 103 CityPoint has transformed the building into a standout landmark in Waltham. The use of RGBW lighting provides dynamic options for different events, while the default static white lighting maintains a sophisticated and professional appearance. The project has inspired neighboring buildings to adopt similar lighting concepts, further solidifying 103 CityPoint's role as a trendsetter in architectural lighting.
About Mark Architectural Lighting
Founded in 1965, Mark Architectural Lighting, a brand within the Acuity Brands Lighting and Controls portfolio, is a leading manufacturer of specification-grade lighting solutions designed to complement the architecture of Class-A office spaces and applications. Through minimalist, design-neutral forms, and the most advanced lighting technology available, luminaires from Mark Architectural Lighting are known for their stylish and innovative designs. Dedicated to customer satisfaction and collaboration, Mark Architectural Lighting excels in working with the architects and lighting designers to translate design ideation to production-quality solutions. Visit at www.marklighting.com
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*cGMP refers to the Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations enforced by the FDA. cGMP provides systems that assure proper design, monitoring, and control of manufacturing processes and facilities.
