Signature Large-Scale Lighting Energizes Biopharmaceutical Facility

LDS Bio Mass CS 400

July 13, 2022

When a Massachusetts clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company relocated its head office, OLSON LEWIS+ Architects (OL+) was brought in to complete the office and laboratory fit-out.

A unique central spiral staircase connects the multi-floor space. So, designers at OL+ utilized bespoke lighting to create a signature focal point.

“When meeting to discuss the initial design concepts, we presented the company’s design team with Eureka Lighting’s Celeste pendant,” said Michele Brooks, principal and director of life sciences at OL+. “Everyone responded positively to the artisanal glass shapes, loosely reminiscent of red cells, and a nod to the organization’s work with rare blood disorders.”

OL+ then developed the final design to include ten Array Celeste fixtures with five strands each. Each strand is a custom formation of the elegant artisanal casted glass discs. Seventeen discs are mounted at varying heights along each cable, giving the overall impression of the randomness of blood cells. The cables themselves range in length from 3’5” to 27’.

The luminaires are mounted in the ceiling in a circular formation to follow the staircase design. With a total of 170 discs, the immense arrangement crafts a unique, stunning chandelier in the hollow of the staircase.

 

Eureka A Light Confidential Client 1 LR

 

Vertical stems pass through the discs to create a visual continuity with the cable. And because the cable is minimal, it seamlessly blends into the backdrop of the railing design. The glowing glass discs, visible from all three floors, appear to be “raining” down the center of the staircase.

“The final fixture gives an uplifting sense of vibrancy, a mood enhancer to all who pass by,” Brooks said.

High-end architectural lighting is featured elsewhere in the facility, including Eureka’s Cycle large-scale circular pendants. The matte white rings in 36″, 54″, and 72″ diameters are interspersed across open office areas. While blending with the white industrial ceiling above, each pendant still makes its presence known in its simplicity and sheer size. The luminous halos offer perfectly diffused direct illumination down to the workspaces below and indirect lighting up to the ceiling.

 

Eureka_A-Light_Confidential_Client_4_LR.jpg

Casual seating clusters on the perimeter of the workstations benefit from Cycle Acoustic luminaires. A sound-absorbing structure is installed within the Cycle ring, reducing unwanted ambient noise generated in the lounge areas. The acoustic panels are composed of a synthetic felt that is at least 40% recycled PET, making them recyclable and odorless. Titanium Gray and Ocean Blue felt colors complement the furniture and floor covering.

Designers also took advantage of acoustic lighting to enhance an employee lounge area. A-Light’s Absorb V vertical panels are suspended in the small space to assist with sound absorption. In Silver Gray felt, the luminaires continue the modern aesthetic of the room’s block color design. The pendants provide impressive direct and indirect illumination to create a warm and inviting environment as employees relax or catch up on work.

 

Eureka_A-Light_Confidential_Client_2_LR.jpg

 

Project Name: Confidential

Location: Massachusetts, USA

Architect: OLSON LEWIS+ Architects (OL+)

Completed: November 2021

Photography: Shelly Harrison Photography

 

Eureka_A-Light_Confidential_Client_3_LR.jpg

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • The Lumenpulse Lumenfacade Pure Product Guide is Now Available

    September 26, 2023 Earlier this year, Lumenpulse introduced a linear fixture obsessed with the highest quality white light on the market. The Lumenfacade Pure boasts a clean, modern design with true one-foot incremental lengths and methodical engineering that emphasises ease of installation, elegance, quality, and performance.  Lumenfacade Pure orders have already begun to ship and… Read More…

  • Axis Appoints Dirk Zylstra as Vice President

    Lasalle, QC Canada-based Axis Lighting has named Dirk Zylstra VP/Strategic Innovation & Product Development. According to the company, Zylstra’s 25 years of lighting product design and leadership make him a perfect fit to drive Axis Lighting’s innovation and growth.   “While Dirk worked previously for Axis, we couldn’t be more excited to have him rejoin the team,” comments… Read More…


Design

  • Architectural lighting brings industrial building to life as part of City of Montreal rejuvenation project

    September 11, 2023 Valeco Energie Québec Inc. is a renewable energy development company found on the edge of Frédérick-Back park in Montreal. Valeco acts as the operators of the Biomont Energy cogeneration plant in the Saint-Michel environmental complex, which recovers biogas from the former landfill site and transforms it into green energy. “The park used… Read More…

  • St-Denis Thompson with Eureka Lighting

    St-Denis Thompson with Eureka Lighting

    September 6, 2023 Industrial-era lighting design complements historic office architecture Montreal contractor St-Denis Thompson specializes in building restoration. So, it was no coincidence that it moved its head office to a historic 1908 building on the banks of the Lachine Canal. St-Denis Thompson hired local interior design firm Folio Design to create new offices with… Read More…


New Products

  • Aera Flex and Aera Inflex – The Latest Aera Cylinders

    Aera Flex and Aera Inflex – The Latest Aera Cylinders

    September 26, 2023 Lumenwerx is delighted to unveil the Flex and Inflex, the latest cylindrical additions to the sophisticated Aera family of luminaires. While they maintain the family’s signature clean lines and refined proportions, they are the first Aera cylinders to offer directional adjustability. As such, they enrich the cylinder collection with added versatility, delivering… Read More…

  • HU30M Modular High Performance LED Under Cabinet by Cooper Lighting

    HU30M Modular High Performance LED Under Cabinet by Cooper Lighting

    September 26, 2023 The HU30M Modular High Performance LED Under Cabinet fixture boasts 5 SeleCCTable CCT ranging from 2700K to 5000K and an additional Dim-To-Warm option, all at 90CRI. The series features energy efficient LEDs, glare free optics with universal voltage and a sleek low profile design. The modularity of the series makes the standard… Read More…