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 an innovative installation of lighting controls at the Willa S. Cather Dining Complex in Lincoln, NE. Lighting control design by Morrissey Engineering. Lighting controls by Crestron and Pharos.
The Willa Cather Dining Complex replaces an existing dining facility on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus with a new dining center and adjoining event center. The design is centered on three principles: create an open interactive environment that maximizes opportunities to make connections, foster friendships, and build community.
A networked, distributed lighting control system was implemented throughout the building to meet budget requirements and provides reduction in energy consumption through several control methods. Most spaces are fully dimmable with preset scenes for ease of operation. Public spaces are automated via timeclock, occupancy sensors, and photosensors for daylight harvesting. All light sources are LED for improved quality, reduced energy use, and low maintenance. Energy code requirements were exceeded by 54% and the control system can be easily upgraded in the future to accommodate changing technology.
The pre-function space allows for open connections between events and the outdoor plaza. Vertical lights integrated into the wall design were envisioned as a dynamic backdrop to reinforce this visual connection. Lights are RGBW but set to white except during events. For these spaces, a theatrical lighting control system was designed to accommodate the complex control requirements.
Motion became the primary design concept for the pre-function and event center. Layouts are staggered with a theatrical control system creating additional motion via programming of custom shows. The control system was also designed for lights in each space to act as an equalizer through the sound system, fully choreographed to any desired audio responding to volume and frequency (demonstrated in video).
The event center is equipped with partitions and sensors to automatically split into two or three smaller spaces. Unique colors for each space can be selected through a touchscreen device. In total, seven DMX universes were required to provide the required level of control in these spaces.
The Willa Cather Dining Complex replaces an existing dining facility on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus with a new dining center and adjoining event center:
A networked, distributed lighting control system was implemented throughout the building to meet budget requirements and provides reduction in energy consumption through several control methods.
The pre-function space allows for open connections between events and the outdoor plaza. The main event center is located behind this feature wall.
Vertical lights integrated into the wall design were envisioned as a dynamic backdrop to reinforce this visual connection between the outdoor plaza and pre-function space.
Lights are RGBW but set to white except during events. For these spaces, a theatrical control system was designed to accommodate the complex control requirements.
Motion became the design concept for the pre-function and event center. Layouts are staggered with a theatrical control system creating motion via programming of shows.
The system is designed to emulate an equalizer through the sound system, with lights choreographed to desired audio responding to volume and frequency (see video).
The event center is equipped with partitions and sensors to automatically split into two or three spaces. Unique colors for each space can be selected.
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