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.
This month, we will explore how DMX-controlled occupant-responsive stair lighting creates a “wow” moment in a resort atrium. Design by Heidi Kasemir, Lighting Designer and Jay Wratten, Assoc. Lighting Designer, WSP. Photography by Mark Boisclair Photography, Inc. Lighting controls by ETC (Mosaic in conjunction with Pathway DMX equipment, photoelectric sensors by Sick Sensors, and interface boxes by Moxa I/O Logic).
The Talking Stick Resort atrium remodel is a renovation to a two-story atrium connecting the gaming floor to the pool deck. Project goals were to improve circulation, create a “wow” moment, and enhance the atrium atmosphere for use as a dance venue.
Illumination of the glass and stainless steel stairs became a focal point of the atrium visible from the pools and a surprise experience for guests coming from the casino. No budget restrictions were set and no value engineering took place. Lead time and installation sequence were the primary restrictions.
The DMX stair control system also controls theatrical fixtures and illuminated columns used for nightclub functions and interfaces with the existing architectural dimming system. Modification to programming is provided by the system integrator, who regularly operates the onsite showroom.
To create a wow moment, each tread responds to users via infrared beam sensors. The primary program is a blue chase scene matching adjacent blue cove lighting, which tracks multiple users simultaneously.
The owner required the art glass treads to be illuminated from edge to edge, necessitating custom fixtures. A number of security features were integrated including minimum stair trigger time to discourage running, unique colors at landing treads, and logic to automatically change programs if users stand on stairs.
Mockups were completed to evaluate the illuminated effect and optimize sensor location, a critical performance goal. Sensors communicate status to a DMX control system running a number of custom programs the owner can select via touchscreen or timeclock, including day mode for reduced energy usage, holiday and sports themes, and DMX board control during special events.
Controllers are accessed at the DJ booth, stair sensors are accessed by removing stair side panels. LED board maintenance requires removal of stair treads, boards are elevated within channel to avoid water damage due to spills.
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