The Lighting Practice is proud to announce that four of the firm’s projects have received lighting awards from the Illuminating Engineering Society’s (IES) Philadelphia Section. SEPTA Concourse Improvements, Landmark Filinvest, American Airlines Admirals Club at DFW International Airport Terminal A, and the Evans Building at the University of Pennsylvania were recognized for their creative approach, technical execution, and the overall success of their lighting solutions.
Landmark Filinvest: Philament Award
Landmark Filinvest received a Philament Award, the highest honor given by IES Philadelphia and recognition of lighting design excellence. Michael Barber, Associate IALD, LEED AP BD+C, and Ryan Conover, EDAC, Associate IALD, were challenged with transforming the low-height, basement-level supermarket into a one-of-a-kind destination that offers a hospitable and intimate shopping experience. To visually compensate for no natural light, the design strategy was to brightly light all the perimeter vertical surfaces and then use powerful, narrow focused lamps to highlight the walls’ textures and fresh food displays. This location was the corporation’s first to use all LED products. Led by Hugh A. Boyd Architects, the team used 3000K LED recessed, pendant-mounted, and track-mounted adjustable accents to highlight produce, meats, and groceries while giving the owner the flexibility to re-aim fixtures as needed. Lighting vertical surfaces improve wayfinding and a feeling of openness. Linear LED pendants accent floating wood ceilings while providing functional aisle lighting, while LED cove lighting highlights the faceted walls and mosaics. This layering created a cohesive lighting design.
SEPTA Concourse Improvements: Section Award
SEPTA Concourse Improvements received a Section Award, a top honor, and recognition of lighting design excellence. Renovations to the underground pedestrian tunnels aimed to improve ADA accessibility, ease of maintenance, safety, and visual interest for commuters. Alfred Borden, FIALD, CLD, MIES, and Jonathan Hoyle worked with Sowinski Sullivan Architects and HNTB to respond to the tunnel structure, existing glass block walls and the need for programmability using networked lighting controls – all while meeting SEPTA’s illuminance and maintenance requirements. Illuminated artwork adds interest along with a color-changing cove lighting system and a backlighting system for the glass block “active wall.” The new lighting creates a safe and welcoming environment that constantly changes, allowing each walk-through to be unique.
American Airlines Admirals Club at DFW International Airport Terminal A: Certificate of Merit
The American Airlines Admirals Club received a Certificate of Merit, which recognizes excellence in lighting design. Jered Widmer, IALD, MIES, and Jonathan Hoyle worked with Corgan to update the lighting in the club to support a comfortable, welcoming guest experience. The new design provides dimming flexibility and balance with the ample daylight in the space. It also offers wayfinding to the club’s various destinations – the dining and bar, quiet rooms, lounges, conference rooms, and other areas. Preset scenes respond to the time of day and the functions of the various spaces. The control system incorporates motorized shades to prevent unwanted heat gain and glare from the afternoon sun.
Evans Building at the University of Pennsylvania: Certificate of Merit
The Evans Building also received a Certificate of Merit. This 1915 Tudor-Gothic building houses administrative and academic department offices as well as classrooms, laboratories, and clinical facilities for UPenn’s dental school. A 2010 master plan included upgrades and an expansion of the dental clinics. Led by Ballinger, the project was one of UPenn’s earliest projects to widely utilize LED technology, creating a transitional mix of LED and linear fluorescent fixtures. Helen Diemer, FIALD, MIES, LEED AP, and David Seok, Associate IALD, designed the clinical spaces with cool white light to emphasize cleaner, whiter teeth, while round decorative fixtures provide visual relief in the offices, lounges, and reception spaces. Linear fixtures highlight vibrant accent walls in the subterranean student spaces, including classrooms, teaching laboratories, and lounges. Daylight was utilized in offices and public-facing spaces to create a warm and inviting environment.
The Lighting Practice is proud to have been a part of the design team for these award-winning projects. We thank IES Philadelphia for this exceptional honor.
The Illuminating Engineering Society is the premier lighting community dedicated to promoting the art and science of quality lighting to its members, allied organizations, and to the public. The IES Philaments is an opportunity to recognize designers’ professionalism, ingenuity, and originality. The awards program recognizes projects submitted by local professionals in the Philadelphia Section.