Illuminating ideas

Columbia University, The David and Helen Gurley Brown Institute for Media Innovation

New York, NY, USA

Located in the historic School of Journalism at Columbia University, the 4600ft² Brown Institute for Media and Innovation is a unique academic experiment devoted to the co-evolution of journalism and technology.

Buro Happold’s unique lighting design created a network of ambient lighting conditions, that adapt to suit user requirements

The holistic, intuitive design of the Institute represents a new era in responsive learning environments

Each LED in the system is the same long-life, off-the-shelf product for low cost, easy maintenance

Challenge

Buro Happold joined the project team to provide MEP (building services engineering), fire and lighting expertise. It was the latter that proved the most complex, as it was pivotal to the success of our client’s aim to shed light on new ways of storytelling. In addition, our design needed to be readily adaptable to suit the varied needs of the academic program, which can range from a classroom or workshop environment, right through to a film screening, concert or cocktail party.

Solution

We responded with a system of intertwined LEDs embedded within pipework on the ceiling, which can be used individually or together to build a network of ambient lighting conditions. To simplify maintenance, all the LEDs are the same long-life, off-the-shelf product, and they are held in place magnetically so they can be removed and replaced quickly.

Our engineers devised various lighting zones in response to the requirements of the program. During the day, wall panels at the side of the room can be opened to expose the windows and draw in natural light, while perimeter lighting reduces visual contrast between the windows and the walls to prevent eyestrain. If projections need to be shown, the wall panels can be closed, overhead lighting switched off and the perimeter LEDs dimmed.

Value

Working collaboratively with the wider design team, we developed a flexible and responsive lighting system that works seamlessly with other components to create a holistic and intuitive learning environment. Our concept is also highly energy efficient, contributing to the project’s overall LEED Gold certification.