United Technologies Center for Intelligent Buildings Receives Lighting Control Innovation Award of Merit

United Technologies Center

Oct 7, 2021

A pleasant lighting effect was achieved using custom bollards, soffit lighting and landscape lighting in accordance with LEED light pollution requirements.

The Lighting Control Innovation Award was created in 2011 as part of the Illuminating Engineering Society’s Illumination Awards program, which recognizes professionalism, ingenuity and originality in lighting design. LCA is proud to sponsor the Lighting Control Innovation Award, which recognizes projects that exemplify the effective use of lighting controls in nonresidential applications.

 

 

 

Immersive Chiller ChapelIn the immersive chiller chapel, staff may toggle between “Exhibit” (blue) and “Standard” (white) scenes via Mobile App. Daylight & occupancy sensors are also used.

This month, we explore a highly integrated lighting controls installation at the United Technologies Center for Intelligent Buildings, a LEED Platinum Certified project in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Lighting controls by Eaton (Fifth Light), with some DMX control by Acclaim for some theatrical color-changing luminaires. Lighting control design by EXP. Photography by Tim Willings.

Management of Outdoor LightingEffective management of outdoor lighting creates comfortable luminous environments and enhanced sense of security along the pedestrian bridge connecting the Office Building and Parking Garage.

The United Technologies Center for Intelligent Buildings is a LEED Platinum Certified project which consists of a combined 223,000 SF Office Building & Customer Experience Center, 159,000-sq.ft. four-story garage and situated on a 6.7-acre site. The building houses a diverse array of space types such as: Administration, Exhibit, Theater, Conference, and Dining. The design mandate with regard to controls was to develop a system that would showcase United Technologies’ innovative approach to facility- wide monitoring and control solutions. The Lighting Control System (LCS) is integrated with the Building Automation, Security, Fire Alarm, A/V, and Room Booking systems and allows for end- user control of individual luminaires within shared office spaces. UTC asked that no switches or wall stations be used in office spaces or any space accessible to guests and that occupancy sensors not be used in corridors for security reasons.

Atrium Lighting DesignThe atrium lighting design creates a pleasant atmosphere, welcoming visitors to the building. White light serves as a backdrop to exhibits accented with blue light.

A hard-wired DALI network was chosen for speed and reliability. The LCS central processor was installed on the Owner’s LAN and linked to the outdoor Wireless LCS, BAS, FA, Security, and AV systems. Every space was controlled using some form of automatic scheduled or occupancy-based control, whether networked or standalone.

Warm Lighting

 

 

 

 

 

A pool of warm light accentuates a bench below the staircase. Warm tones serve as a visual cue for resting areas throughout the building.

Emergency lighting was controlled using UL924 rated devices. The LCS field-mounted interface devices allowed the designers to switch and dim 0-10V and ELV drivers in addition to DALI, which saved cost and accommodated luminaire diversity. DMX systems were controlled using DALI field relays installed up- stream from the DMX controllers. DALI relay cabinets were used to control receptacles. The design team designed local and facility-wide scenes so that the lighting automatically transitioned between scenes based on occupancy load, time of day or alarm. End- user override was provided via VOIP Phone and a mobile app designed by UTC.

Blue Lit Elevator(Left) Blue light seamlessly integrates with this elevator exhibit via a hidden, perimeter cove mounted, color-changing linear LED tuned to the UTC corporate brand color.

 

 

 

 


Ceiling Cut Out

 

(Right) A ceiling cut-out accenting working mechanical equipment is illuminated automatically based on the occupancy load of the building. Manual override via PC or Mobile App.

 

 

 

 

Blue and White Light(Left) Blue and white light were used to create a visual interest, while also serving maintenance needs. Manual override is achieved via PC or Mobile App.

Published with the written permission of Lighting Control Association. First published here.

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Contact Delage & Solvic Announce New Representation Partnership

    New Collaboration – A New Solar Lighting Manufacturer Joins Contact Delage’s Offerings

    Contact Delage is excited to announce the addition of a new trusted partner to their lineup: Solvic, an innovative manufacturer specializing in solar lighting. This new partnership reflects Contact Delage’s ongoing commitment to offering sustainable, high-performance solutions tailored to real-world applications. With Solvic, they are expanding their range of autonomous solar products—perfect for lighting streets, parks,… Read More…

  • July 10, 2025 - Mac’s II Agencies Announce Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    Mac’s II Agencies Announces Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    Mac’s II Agencies is pleased to announce that Drazen Jerkovic will be joining their Project & Specification Sales team in the Lighting Division later this fall. With over 25 years of experience in the lighting and electrical industry, Drazen is a highly respected consultant known for his technical knowledge and deep understanding of project delivery. His recent role… Read More…


Design


New Products

  • Prolux: Lumithree PT-1016 Glass Diffuser Pendant

    Prolux: Lumithree PT-1016 Glass Diffuser Pendant

    The PT-1016 is a glass diffuser that can be mounted in any room to provide an elegant touch. The diffuser comes in several translucent finishes to match any decor, and the hardware is available in a variety of powder-coated colours. Lumithree’s quality decorative lighting solutions offer their customers a diverse range of unique and flexible… Read More…

  • Magic Lite: Tri-Proof Lights

    Magic Lite: Tri-Proof Lights

    Tri-Proof Lights are a durable lighting solution that can replace traditional linear fluorescent luminaires. Tri-Proof Lights are designed for a variety of applications requiring, dust-, moisture- and impact-resistance. Suitable environments such as corridors, stairwells, warehouses, parking garages and car washes allows this versatile fixture in a variety of applications. Read More…