The Lighting Practice is thrilled to announce the University of Pennsylvania’s new Moelis Family Grand Reading Room has received two awards from the International Interior Design Association’s (IIDA) Pennsylvania/New Jersey/Delaware chapter. At this year’s Design Awards ceremony, the Association presented the Moelis Family Grand Reading Room with the 2017 Viewer’s Choice Award and Best in Education Award.
The Lighting Practice worked closely with architect Gensler to develop the lighting system and controls for the new 5,500-square-foot reading room, which is located at the east end of the first floor of Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center. The lighting system, which utilizes 3500K LEDs, maintains consistent light levels throughout the day by adjusting the electric light to balance the level of daylight within the space.
TLP collaborated with the lighting and furniture manufacturers to create a customized table lamp for the space. These elegant, modern lamps fastened to the table are adjustable. Users can change the angle of light by tilting the lamp, while the output is linked to the lighting control system.
The reading room features a magnificent mural by Dutch artist Claudy Jongstra called “Fields of Transformation.” The mural, a primary design feature of the reading room, is comprised of three pieces that vary in dimension and are made of felted wool and pure silk. It is a captivating visualization of how knowledge transforms into wisdom. TLP worked with the architect to develop a lighting approach that emphasized the texture and beauty of the mural. Pendant mounted LED downlights provide ambient lighting and are arranged to create a starry night effect, complementing the mural’s theme. This connection to nature, combined with the ample amount of daylight in the space, creates a grand and unique room.
The Viewer’s Choice Award is given to the project that receives the largest number of social media reactions until June 27, 2017. Viewers browse the project images in an album on Facebook and like or react for their favorite overall project design by local PA/NJ/DE designers and firms. Project firm names were removed for fairness during voting, and the winning project was revealed at the IIDA awards ceremony on June 28.
Design Team:
- Gensler
- AHA Engineering
- Keast & Hood Structural Engineers
- The Lighting Practice (Michael Barber & Ryan Conover)
- Metropolitan Acoustics
- Claudy Jongstra, artist created “Fields of Transformation” (Sheep Wool Mural)