The academic lighting design for the Susan Welch Liberal Arts Building at Penn State University was developed to support a dynamic mix of research, teaching, collaboration, and exhibition spaces. Designed as a multidisciplinary academic hub, the facility includes instructional laboratories, anthropology artifact study and storage areas, museum spaces, classrooms, graduate student study areas, offices, and administrative support spaces. The lighting design responds to the unique functional and experiential needs of each environment while reinforcing the building’s contemporary architectural character.
Customized lighting strategies were integrated throughout the building to support its diverse academic programs. Scientific laboratories utilize high-performance clean-room fixtures that provide bright, uniform illumination for research and artifact analysis, while flexible track lighting in museum and exhibit spaces allows for adaptable displays and changing exhibitions. Throughout the facility, lighting balances visual comfort, flexibility, and energy efficiency to create engaging learning environments for students, faculty, and visitors.
One of the project’s defining features is the continuous recessed linear lighting integrated within the faceted wood ceiling system at the main entry corridor and extending into laboratory classroom spaces. This illuminated pathway strengthens wayfinding and visually connects circulation and learning areas while providing appropriate task lighting for detailed academic work. In collaborative gathering spaces, recessed lighting transitions into suspended pendant elements, reinforcing the building’s emphasis on interaction and shared learning.
Lighting also enhances navigation and user experience throughout the building. Glowing pendants identify department reception zones, illuminated collaboration areas highlight shared workspaces and whiteboards, and consistent downlighting creates intuitive circulation paths. The completed lighting design fosters a flexible, welcoming, and visually cohesive environment that supports research, education, and community engagement.
Client
Pennsylvania State University
