Thursday, March 6, 2008

Light Series 2 - Restaurant



In this portion of the light series I analyzed the dining space in the upstairs of the Elliot University Center. The main pattern that I noticed is that the luminaires are hanging fixtures directly above the eating areas, tables and condiment/ food preparation areas. This task lighting is successful because it is suspended higher in the air so it isn't distracting when you are trying to eat and converse with the people around you. Restaurants that have the low hanging spot lamps get in the way of view and also have strange color rendering making the food look less appetizing. The higher lighting in the EUC is diffuse as it hits the right places. The other pattern I found was that the walls, which is where most of the circulation is through the space, have wall washing systems. This is somewhat successful as a way-finding device although there are a few recommendations. The top corners and edges of the spaces above the wall wash seem somewhate cave-like. The contrast is too saturated in some areas and not enough in other areas. Instead of just a downlight wall wash perhaps there could be a uplight too. This will help guide you eye around the space better. In addition perhaps use a better flourescent that seems a bit warmer than the cooler one. No matter how warm or cold it actually is the space it always seems cold and I think a warm light color tone could help this problem. Similar to the Stone building I also light the use of repetition in the lights. Also even better in the EUC there is a combination of many different lighting usage... wallwashing, recessed, and hanging luminaires!


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