Old Dominion University (ODU) is constructing a new biology building, which will include a state-of-the-art conservatory featuring an orchid display showpiece wall. The Lighting Practice (TLP) was engaged to illuminate the building’s interior and exterior and address a unique and technically complex lighting challenge: how to support year-round orchid growth through an optimized integration of natural daylight and electric light.
To dive into this properly, the process was broken down into four clear and meaningful steps.
Step 1: Addressing the Lighting Design Challenge
Balancing the technical demands of plant cultivation using precise horticultural lighting, with the desire for a compelling aesthetic experience, posed a nuanced and complex design challenge.
Old Dominion University Arthur & Phyllis Kaplan Orchid Conservatory – Rendering created by Ballinger and VMDO
To develop a solution grounded in science and best practices, TLP’s lighting design team immersed themselves in orchid biology and grow lighting requirements. Their research process included consultations with a world-renowned orchid specialist, Greg Griffis, at Longwood Gardens, along with a thorough review of peer-reviewed scientific white papers on horticultural lighting, provided by the orchid specialist.
“We wanted to develop a design backed by research to ensure our design provides the orchids with the appropriate amount of light. We determined the best course of action was to reach out to an orchid specialist at Longwood Gardens,” says Senior Lighting Designer Brian Wiley.
Orchid Photography by Longwood Gardens, Lighting Scale by The Lighting Practice
Orchids in particular require high light levels, upwards of 5,000 footcandles, for extended periods of time, to bloom. Comparatively, a surgical suite needing high light levels for precision and functionality, only requires 300 footcandles. Orchids also demand photoperiodic regulation, including periods of complete darkness to optimize survival and reblooming.
“Once orchids bloom, they enter a period of rest and no longer require high light levels, making it acceptable for them to be in a display house. After the bloom ends, they must return to an active growth state, which demands higher light levels, requiring a greenhouse,” explains Greg Griffis, former Longwood Gardens Orchid Specialist and current Eric Young Orchid Foundation Curator.
This dynamic lighting requirement necessitated a carefully calibrated approach, balancing intensity, duration, and control strategies.
Step 2: In-Person Consultation with Longwood Gardens
To deepen their understanding of orchid biology and optimal horticultural lighting strategies, the lighting design team conducted an on-site visit to Longwood Gardens, one of the world’s premier horticultural display gardens, located 30 miles west of Philadelphia.
Retired TLP President Helen Diemer, former TLP Associate Rebecca Mintz, and Director of TLP Chicago and Senior Lighting Designer Brian Wiley in the Orchid House at Longwood Gardens
During their visit, the team explored both the public facing Orchid House and the behind-the-scenes greenhouse. Through discussions with the orchid specialist and hands-on observation, the team gained critical insight into the diverse range of orchid species, each with unique growing requirements.
“My goal was to establish informed expectations for TLP by supplying detailed data, such as light levels, temperature ranges, and humidity requirements necessary for successful orchid cultivation. This allowed them to evaluate the feasibility of achieving those conditions within the proposed space,” says Greg.
A key takeaway from this visit was Longwood Gardens’ dual environment strategy. While the Orchid House serves as a curated, visually compelling experience for visitors, the greenhouse operates as a functional grow space where plants are rotated back as often as three times a week.
“Since optimal growing conditions for orchids are often not conducive to human comfort, greenhouses serve as a thoughtful compromise between plant health and public enjoyment,” explains Greg.
This distinction between aesthetic presentation and horticultural performance highlighted the careful and meticulous conditions required for orchids to thrive.
Step 3: Lighting Studies
To accurately assess if daylight and electric light would be enough to grow the orchids, the designers conducted a series of comprehensive lighting studies. First, a daylight analysis led by Josh Keily, then an electric light analysis led by Brian Wiley.
Daylight Study
The daylight studies began with an evaluation of the building’s orientation to understand the suns path around the building each day. Due to this positioning of the orchids on the internal east wall of the room, the plants would only be getting light in the afternoon, receiving sun exposure from the west.
Graphic created by The Lighting Practice
“To accurately model the daily daylight distribution over the space, we analyzed the solar conditions during three key benchmarks and ran calculations for every hour of daylight,” explains Lighting Designer Josh Keily.
- Winter Solstice (minimum daylight)
- Summer Solstice (maximum daylight)
- Equinox Periods (median daylight)
Simulations allowed for an understanding of the duration and intensity of light reaching the orchid display across the seasonal extremes. The results indicated that there are only three points throughout the year that provide sufficient daylight levels necessary for optimal orchid growth, and only at the top portion of the orchid display wall. Ultimately, this study concluded that natural daylight alone would be insufficient to support year-round orchid cultivation.
Electric Light Analysis
Similar to the daylight studies, the team explored multiple electric light scenarios to determine if electric light could compensate for the daylight deficit. Brian conducted photometric calculations using a variety of luminaire types, including high output fixtures commonly used in sports arenas and horticultural grow lights, to test their ability to deliver high intensity light. Several different scenarios of electric light were tested to reach the 5,000 footcandles needed for the orchids to flourish.
Analyzing:
- Fixture types
- Fixture count
- Mounting heights and beam angles
- Overall light uniformity and intensity
- Aesthetics
Iterations included high fixture counts, high intensity luminaires, and several varieties of fixture types. While some iterations reached the required light levels, these solutions would have a negative impact on the functionality, maintainability, and aesthetics of the design and the space would not be conducive to human comfort.
Step 4: Design Conceptualization Based on Findings & Next Steps
Ultimately, the electric light studies proved that it was not feasible to grow the orchids within the conservatory without sacrificing functionality and aesthetics of the space. Cumulative data from both the daylight and electric light studies led to a critical change in the function of the space. The conservatory could not support the biological requirements of the orchids, without negatively impacting the aesthetic experience of the space. As a result, the team recommended utilizing the dedicated greenhouses atop the building, with optimal growing conditions to ensure the long-term viability of the orchids.
With this clarity, the design was able to prioritize lower light levels and achieve a more serene and seamless connection to the natural environment for students. Layered lighting strategies highlight the orchids while keeping light sources discreet. Low-profile LED fixtures, chosen for their plant-safe spectrum and flexibility, will be integrated into the conservatory. Additionally, the luminaires specified can be on all night long and not disturb the plant’s “rest” cycle.
Final Lighting Design
The result of the design is a space that will feel tranquil and inviting, with soft light levels evoking the calm of an outdoor sanctuary. At night, the glass walls will glow from within, as layered lighting highlights the plants, including dramatic uplighting on the tropical trees.
The design process yielded more than a lighting solution, it fostered deeper expertise. Josh expanded his toolkit and deepened his understanding of how light interacts with plants, not just spaces. Brian’s personal orchid, dormant for over two years, began to bloom again after he applied his newfound knowledge from the project.
“This wasn’t just a project, it changed how I understood lighting for living things,” Brian realized.
Brian Wiley’s Personal Orchid
Set to be completed in 2027, the ODU Arthur & Phyllis Kaplan Orchid Conservatory within the new biology building serves as a powerful example of how architectural lighting design can support both human and botanical life. It illustrates the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, rigorous research, and the importance of knowing when to adapt the design to meet real-world constraints.
Project Team:
Pre-Construction Services: Clancy & Theys Construction, Skanska
Construction: W.M. Jordan
Cost Estimation: Forella
Civil Engineering: Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. VHB
Landscape: O’Shea Wilson Siteworks
Structural Engineer: Lynch Mykins now IMEG
Greenhouse Consultant: RAS Landscape Architects
