Lighting can make or break a renovation project. When it comes to a library, many solutions are needed to address a wide variety of needs. Each zone presents a unique challenge. For example, in areas with large numbers of bookshelves for browsing, the light must be even, with sufficient power to illuminate the spines of the books. In pathways, a more general ambient quality is appropriate.
For the Oceanside Library in Oceanside, New York, architect Elisabeth Martin and her team at MDA Designgroup incorporated USAI Lighting products to create an elegant, cutting-edge lighting design that benefitted both library patrons and staff.
The lighting needed to meet a three-part set of goals: beautiful, yet functionable spaces delivered on a cost-conscious budget; efficient energy use for sustainability; and support user comfort, wellness and biophilic design. All fixtures feature high energy efficiency, dimming capability and high CRI values.
Warm welcome
A loop fixture by the welcome desk provides an aesthetically pleasing memorable experience for patrons. Downlights are paired with it to fill in the areas between the curvy accent light to avoid dead zones.
Reading lights
In the primary traffic circulation area, profile lights helped solve the challenge of a complex ceiling structure, adding ambient light to illuminate spaces with armchairs for reading and relaxing.
Let the light in
To support biophilic design goals, light fixtures complement natural light from the large windows and bring the feeling of daylight deep into spaces too remote to benefit from.
Subtle safety
For the theater, the goal was not to over-light since patrons aren’t reading books. Fixtures are placed into the large wood panels to provide a softer glow between linear fixtures that helps people get in and out safely.
