Photos by Gerry KopelowLighting Strategies for Contemporary Office Space
See how an urban-inspired office balanced daylighting with adjustable and energy-efficient lighting design
When third-floor space initially designated as a grocery store unexpectedly became available in the True North Square area of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Ceridian Canada snapped up the lease. It was a unique opportunity for the human resource software company to move its entire Winnipeg team to a single-floor 25,000 square-foot space.
Architecture and interior design were coordinated by Environmental Space Planning (ESP). In turn, ESP brought in KGS Group for the electrical and mechanical engineering. Lucien Lalonde, senior electrical engineer and commercial M & E department head at KGS, managed the project, including lighting design.
The open concept design has a distinctly urban edge, with high industrial ceilings, reclaimed wood accent walls, splashes of bright color, and bold graphic accents. The goal for general lighting was to be clean and seamless. To avoid visual clutter, recessed luminaires were used in many areas.
Designed with daylight in mind
Exterior walls of windows offer views and substantial daylight to the space. Much of the open office area was intentionally laid out with a view to the windows. Designers placed colorful lounge chairs along the windows to host informal meetings or quiet breaks. Black acoustic baffles are suspended from the industrial ceiling above these lounge areas to manage ambient noise in the lounge and adjacent open offices. Illumination was introduced to the area with the installation of pendants between baffles. Hung at the same height and encased in black, the luminaires blend seamlessly with the aesthetic. Photo courtesy of Gerry Kopelow
No shadows
Particular attention was paid to lighting in the meeting rooms to avoid shadowing. By placing two rows of linear luminaires over the outside long-edge of the meeting table, designers were able to attain an excellent quality of light with limited shadowing. Photo courtesy of Gerry Kopelow
Adjustable space, adjustable lighting
One of the overall design goals, and a key consideration for the lighting, was the intention that Each space serves employees in multiple ways. The kitchen might be a lunch area today but could be transformed into a reception space tonight. Employees, therefore, need the ability to dim and adjust lighting color to change the mood and adapt to new situations. Luminaires provide static white and tunable white light distribution with dimming capability and employees have control of output and color. Photo courtesy of Gerry Kopelow
Energy-efficient design
Because of the substantial natural light on the floor, the lighting system includes daylight sensors that automatically monitor and adjust lighting output throughout the day and evening. These features will significantly contribute to overall energy efficiency on the floor. Photo courtesy of Gerry Kopelow
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