When the American Institute of Architects St. Louis Chapter noticed that local firms were downsizing or eliminating their in-house libraries, it introduced The Resource Center (TRC). In addition to shelf space for samples and brochures, TRC is an educational center, hosting meetings, continuing education programs, and social events.
"This project was a community collaboration between architects, engineers, contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, and sales folks," said David Ziolkowski, specification sales for St. Louis Lighting Group (SLLG).
The AIA Resource Center team collaborated with the architects and SLLG to design the lighting scheme. Functional light, with variability, was the driving force behind the design.
For this reason, the design team selected Mark Lighting® Slot 4 direct/indirect pendants with tunable white capability. Center users can adjust the illumination to different color temperatures throughout the day to mimic natural daylight. Or they can adapt to meet the specific lighting needs of a meeting or event.
Lighting controls are managed with Acuity Brands nLight® network, a platform that allows the AIA team to seamlessly control the lighting. With a variety of capabilities including advanced scheduling, firmware updates and remote programming, it will also contribute to reduced energy costs.
Slot 4 pendants are used to draw attention to particular project areas. A square pattern is suspended over an island in the kitchen space. And a large rectangle outlines a soft seating space below. With a wide 4" aperture, the oversized pendants provide a distinctive scale that complements, rather than dominates, each room.
Precision optics in Slot 4 create simple lines of light with brilliant illumination. Optimized light is delivered down to the designated areas and directed upwards to accentuate the high industrial ceilings.
Additional Slot 4 linear wall wash pendants augment the illumination in the kitchen and meeting areas.
While TRC itself is located in a historic building in downtown St. Louis, the lighting design is a modern theme that enhances classical architecture.
"We were trying to create a lighting showroom that made sense in the environment," said Ziolkowski. “There was a balancing act between demonstrating lots of interesting lighting in a space but not overwhelming people.”
“The St. Louis lighting design community now has a space that effectively demonstrates some of the latest technology in lighting,” Ziolkowski said. “The Slot 4 pendant shapes fill the spaces nicely, and they provide a contemporary indirect/direct style that really works well in the Center.”
PROJECT NAME: The American Institute of Architects St. Louis Chapter – Resource Center
LOCATION: St. Louis, Missouri
PROJECT COMPLETION: October 2019
ARCHITECT: Tao Lee Architects
AGENT: St. Louis Lighting Group
PHOTOGRAPHY: Douglis Beck