Laboratory Lighting and Control Options and Case Studies

Christopher Rush, Arup

Arup has designed electric lighting and control systems for laboratory lighting including:
- Princeton University Frick Chemistry Laboratory
- Princeton University Neuroscience Institute
- Rice University Brockman Hall for Physics
- Syracuse University Center of Excellence
- Brown University Hunter Lab
- Columbia University Northwest Corner Building
- Columbia University Jerome L. Greene Science Center (in construction)
- Carnegie Mellon University Scott Hall (in construction)

Each of these projects has included unique research programs, and varying spatial and architectural parameters. We will review the lighting design typological solutions that were considered and selected for each laboratory type and the logic for arriving at this design. Each design includes conscious decisions regarding whether or not to employ local task lighting, indirect lighting, flexible busway mounting systems, recessed lighting, etc. These considerations include day one lab uses, furniture system layout and flexibility, room size and shape, likelihood of future lab use changes, lab equipment density, daylight availability, and environmental contamination concerns.

Several of these projects were designed before current LED lighting systems became a viable option in recent years, while more recent projects are tending toward a greater portion or 100% LED lighting. We will discuss recent industry trends with LED lighting, such as cost, maintenance, energy, and color quality implications. We will also review uses of LED lighting in specialized laboratory scenarios such as NMR, MRI, and EMI shielded environments.

All of these projects implement energy saving controls for lighting systems, as well as automation of daylight shading systems in some cases, and include experience with a variety of manufacturers. The range of lighting control options from standalone devices to building-wide lighting networks and vivarium environments have various impacts on the laboratory user experience and capabilities, and potential for facility management and maintenance benefits or concerns. We will review the impacts of occupancy sensors, building automation integration, manual control, and networked web-based control options for lighting and window shades. We will discuss the key issues and concerns to watch for regarding lighting or shade control systems as they relate to electrical design, control system manufacturer startup and commissioning, and user experience and adjustment upon occupying these buildings.

Learning Objectives

• Identify energy and functional impacts of various lighting typology options, such as localized bench task lighting, and indirect or direct lighting.
• Identify current and future considerations regarding LED or fluorescent lighting for energy purposes and with respect to magnetism and electromagnetic interference.
• Identify lighting and shade control options with respect to lab functionality, energy, building code, and operations & maintenance.

Biography:

Christopher Rush is a Senior Lighting Consultant in Arup's New York office. He is responsible for design, consultancy and management for lighting projects throughout the world, with a range of laboratory design experience, particularly university research laboratories. His diverse experience includes all aspects of electric lighting, daylight and lighting controls, and includes a wide variety of other project types such as museums, government buildings, parks, and various educational buildings.

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