The Robert Bruce Thompson Annual Student Light Fixture Design Competition
Design Challenge
A new urban transit center will be constructed in the heart of a major north eastern city. The Center will bring together all modes of public ground transportation in one facility: bus, trolley, light rail and train. The Developer in conjunction with the City has commissioned you to design a light fixture to illuminate the central hall. The light fixture(s) will be a signature piece, but it will also be functional. The central hall is the heart of the facility and will accommodate ticketing, waiting areas, public art and circulation to the transit platforms: The central hall is a 30’ high, 150’ x 150’ daylit space. The architectural design of the space is up to you.
Take into consideration the volume of the space and that it should be a comfortable place for people to gather. People and architecture should look good so color quality is important. Energy use, durability and maintenance are important considerations in the 24/7 facility. Describe how the luminaire is controlled. Do not use self-ballasted lamps and other retrofit lamps that fit into incandescent screw base sockets. Identify all major components and materials of the fixture. Document the fixture as instructed in Rules & Submission.
MY DESIGN
The cube, one of history’s most prolific symbols, draws profound connections between science, religion, and mathematics. Considered a geometric perfection, the cube is a three-dimensional square that represents stability, constancy, and a firm foundation. Artistically, it can be perceived as the truth since it looks the same from every perspective.
Lightweight, powerful, and radiant, the Cube Connection Luminaire is inspired not only by the cube’s symbolism, but also by the many interactions people will have at The Center Station. Its crystalline composition and Fresnel-finish polycarbonate cubes highlight the OLED’s lightweight and transparent characteristics all while providing uniform, glare-free lighting. The individual cubes offer a great advantage—they can be arranged into many different configurations, providing individuality to any space.
Polycarbonate was chosen because it is lightweight, shatter-proof, and stronger than glass. Each cube has one transparent OLED located on the outside top face. The OLED receives electricity via a transparent conducting ITO, made of highly conductive materials. Magnetic copper wire is threaded through all the cubes, providing electricty from the power source to the ITO and consequently to the OLED.
Design Notes
SKETCHUP
Utilized to design the 3D environment of the urban transit station, design and render the Cube Connection details and assembly diagrams.
PHOTOSHOP
Utilized for post editing of all images.
INDESIGN
Utilized for layout of all content for presentation documents for the competition and poster for the class.
