22 Feb 08
Hospitality Lighting
Posted by Chip Israel
Chip Israel and Varma Namburi presented this seminar at the Light India International 2008. The conference brought together lighting professionals from around the world to take part in seminars and exhibits. A large exhibition of lighting technology accompanied the conference.
Lighting is a powerful design tool that can craft a space or effect emotions. Hospitality is one of the original commercial sectors that has always understood the importance of proper lighting design. To this end, hospitality projects can be some of the most creative and inspiring to take part in.
The implementation of lighting to attract attention to a building can be incredibly powerful. In a darker ambient environment, a little amount of lighting can make a property standout against a dark skyline. In a more urban environment, increased lighting levels may be required to insure visibility. The use of a contrasting color or even animation are all acceptable ways of attracting attention to a property. We usually develop a lighting concept that enhances the long distance views, followed by the vehicular views, and finally the pedestrian views. All of the concepts are equally valid for all types of projects, including commercial office buildings, retail structures and even residential towers.
Façade and feature illumination are a great way to maximize visibility, especially if there are tight signage ordinances. Many times you can actually turn the entire building into a sign, just by properly lighting its façade or features.
The Venetian Tower in Las Vegas was washed with 1000 watt, 3000K metal halide lamps from the base. The top is accented with a linear fluorescent strip and individual metal halide bullet uplights at each column, once again, all in 3000K. The high intensity provided visibility up to 20 miles away and made the tower stand out against the bright Las Vegas skyline. The Campanile Tower in the foreground was accented with concealed incandescent PAR lamp fixtures. Incandescent sources were used throughout the front low rise façade because of their small size, adjustable light spread and full controllability though a dimming control system. The fixtures could be turned on instantly, allowing them to be interfaced with show elements.
As you drive along the Strip, the vehicular view is identified with themed street lights and architecturally integrated accents. The poles are reminiscent of true Venetian poles, but lack the glare of a typically unshielded high wattage HID lamp. The graphic and signage along with each individual architectural element such as columns and millwork are each individually accented for maximum drama. Note that the water is not illuminated, allowing the building’s reflection to appear.
The pedestrian experience is enhanced with accent lights that articulate each of the architectural features. Pendants and sconces add to the scale. Each decorative lantern has three light sources: three incandescent lamps that flicker dimly like a gas flame, a concealed uplight to wash the ceiling above and an integrated downlight to provide safety lighting below.
The Borgata in Atlantic City, New Jersey demonstrates the same principle, but in a modern context. Because the tower is glass, typical floodlights can not be used because most of the lighting would be reflected off the glass and into the atmosphere. Neon disappears behind a perforated horizontal band by day, but is visible at night when illuminated - creating a dramatic effect.
Once again, the highlighting of the porte cochere attracts attention to the entry of the building. Indirect metal halide fixtures uplight the fritted glass and integrated PAR20 metal halide downlights illuminate the cars and pedestrians below.
The interior of the lobby is brightly illuminated, especially the walls and ceilings, to make the glass look transparent and to invite the guests in. This is accomplished by washing architectural surfaces such as the ceiling and the walls.
Many guests usually use the porte cochere on their initial arrival, but may choose to use auxiliary self park areas on future arrivals. It is important to pay special attention to secondary or rear entrances which also must be properly illuminated. Select a fixture with some evening presence or glow to identify these entrances.
The basic principles remain the same, no matter what the theme of the project. The following photographs show façade illumination that is created through the use of fiber optics. The fibers use end illumination to uplight the crown of the building and to rear illuminate the glass panels. Both were designed to facilitate maintenance.
The addition of landscape lighting can visually expand the interiors. Building lobbies can seem to reach out into the site. By illuminating the landscape on the outside of the glazing, it helps to eliminate reflections in the glazing. The lobby photograph shows pendants that provide scale, while the real illumination is provided through the use of indirect flood lights, both at the ceiling and the columns. Low water features incorporate fiber optic illumination with pastel color changing abilities.
Landscape lighting is implemented to help with way finding by accenting landscape elements. This also helps to create a sense of safety.
Features like fountains and landscaping can have greater impact than signage when illuminated at night. Remember that lights in ponds usually accentuate the murky, muddy water or they can have negative impacts on fish and other wildlife.
The dancing of gas flames is a great way to animate your exterior spaces. Be sure to verify with your local code inspector that gas flames are acceptable. Careful placement must be used to eliminate guests from coming in contact with the hot flames or fixtures.
At St. Regis Monarch Beach, palm trees are accented to frame the view of the Pacific Ocean and the fountain has integrated lighting. Please note that the pool lights are not in opposite wall. They are positioned behind the niches as not to create glare from the main viewing positions. Even when viewed from the other end of the pool, the pool lights are still shielded from view. Landscape and architectural features are highlighted instead of adding poles to pool deck area. Remember a bright pool surface contrasted with a darker pool deck is a great way to identify the pool’s edge.
In some applications, themed fixtures should be considered. Bollards illuminate surrounding paths and a “forgotten” lantern appears to be left behind, but illuminates the arroyo wash at night. Faux rocks allow the conduit to be concealed. In areas where codes require higher lux levels, such as on pool decks, try and create a system that can hide the functional luminaries. In this case the story line of an “archeological dig site” was developed and functional floods are concealed in “props” or themed shrouds.
Now let’s go inside….
Areas of special note are the entry, reception or registration, lobby, circulation, guest rooms, restaurants, meeting rooms, spas and retail areas. As mentioned earlier, people are attracted to light. One can use lighting to create paths and direct the guests to the front desk. Additional task lighting should be provided at the registration counter. This can be provided either through overhead lighting or table lamps, whichever is the most appropriate for the theme of the hotel.
Vertical illumination of the rear wall reinforces the wayfinding and accents the artwork. Illumination of the front of the counter would also work. Downlights should illuminate the work counter, while softly washing the employees with cross lighting. Floral vases or artifacts should be accented with adjustable accents. A formal lobby has indirect coves and accented columns, but the attention is directed to the registration counter. Notice the layering effect on the left rear wall: light verses dark, verses light. A close-up of the registration desk shows the millwork lighting and the soft cross lighting on the face. The rear columns are uplit for additional drama and color reference. The glazing in the rear wall is front and rear illuminated with color changing lights. A detail shows some of the instruments used to create subtle-to-wild lighting effects. The close-up photo below shows the instruments behind the wall. Color scrollers can create changes of color, or a pattern of flames climbing up the wall, or a series of slowly morphing lighting effects.
Balance of the three layers (ambient, accent and decorative) of lighting create dramatic effects, daytime or night. Dimmers allow for easy adjustments, and can be programmed to automatically provide higher light levels during the day to balance the space with daylight. At night, the lighting levels can slowly fade with the setting sun to create dramatic effects in the evening.
Strong down-lighting of columns create a visual barrier to the VIP lounge, even though the wall is open, to discourage un-invited guests. Interior accent lighting and decorative fixtures draw invited guests in. This is similar to the theatrical scrim technique which by simple lighting a shear drape can conceal the stage behind, or buy illuminating the stage, the sheer drape disappears.
The number one complaint in hospitality is lighting in the guest rooms. Usually this is limited to reading in the bed and adequate illumination at the lavatory. The combination of table, floor and architectural lighting add to the overall lux level in the suite. Recessed accents illuminate the art and provide supplemental light on the bed.
Likewise, proper bath lighting is essential. Soft, flattering light at the vanity with a narrow spot on the lavatory top provide lighting for make-up and shaving. Simple dimmers offer a cost effective upgrade for user adjustability. As the baths become more luxurious, lighting should be used to accent the features.
Hotel projects often include restaurants, bars, ballrooms, meeting spaces, spas and retail outlets. Each space can have its own style and design elements. Restaurants are all about lighting faces, food and the space. Once again, soft flattering light is desired. This can be created by accenting a white table cloth with a narrow spot lamp, or by perhaps using several candles on the table top. The key is to create a warm, inviting light that makes both the people and the food look good. One potential issue is glare. Nothing is more visually disturbing than a light shinning into your eyes. Likewise, a single candle rarely provides enough light to read a menu. So be mindful of aiming angles, louvers and fixture shielding. As you can see, architecturally integrated lighting animates the ceilings and walls. Wine cases and table tops are accented with concealed, narrow beamed downlights. In the second image, architectural planes are accented with uplights and wall slots. Decorative fixtures include the chain mail sculpture and the giant fabric sconces. Once again, tables are accented from above.
Vertical light columns can actually separate the restaurant from the adjacent space or in this case a casino. Matching lights are dropped over the eating counter. Additional lighting back lights the carved screens and accents the glass tiled column.
Bars require a more intimate approach. The lighting should be soft and flattering with keyed accents. Rear illuminated panels create a cove effect. Bar top lighting can take the form of narrow spots from above or even lighting incorporated into the bar top. Exact placement should be reviewed to eliminate glare or unflattering harsh light. Large scaled pendants are balanced by architectural accents on wood columns, while narrow beamed lamps accent the lounge tables for maximum drama.
Entertainment lounges require special treatment. The proscenium is internally illuminated with dimmed fluorescent lighting. Recessed “intelligent” lighting can wash performers with light and animate the stage area when no one is performing. The key is to provide flexibility and to eliminate a dark hole when no one is on stage.
Many international or destination hotels are now providing clubs or dance venues. A nightclub’s high energy is created through the combination of dynamic architectural lighting and choreographed dance studio lighting. LEDs are a great way to provide this flexible and dynamic environment.
Meeting rooms require multiple lighting levels and layers of lighting. Glowing pendants can be functional, providing direct and indirect lighting. To meet today’s energy efficiency goals, try to develop pendants with luminous materials. This way, efficient dimmed fluorescent lamps or LEDs can be used. If the lamps are exposed, incandescent lamps still offer the sparkle that everyone desires. Planning and coordination or required to determine all of the uses within the space. This could range from light intensive needs like reading or note-taking to low levels for AV presentations. In either case, variable lighting scenes are required. Usually, the combination of some ambient and direct downlights are the best solution.
The reason to go to a spa or a treatment area is to relax. The lighting should help create this mood. The goal should be to eliminate all downlights as they read more commercial rather than residential. In this photograph, the spa vestibule is subtle and relaxing. Water feature, signage and recessed niches are the only things lit. This is a vast departure from typical architectural illumination.
Treatment rooms should eliminate downlights and glare. Soft, residentially scaled lighting should be used. This can take many forms. It could be candles( if the local fire codes allow it), to soft indirect wall sconces, to indirect architectural lighting, to even fireplaces. Larger rooms may require multiple solutions. Remember to implement higher levels of clean-up lighting which can be turned on when the guests are gone.
Indirect lighting for exercise areas is desired. Cost-effective indirect perforated “basket” fixtures work well, as does integrated cove lighting. Even illumination provides adequate lighting for reading or maintaining equipment, and occupants don’t look up into downlights or louvered fluorescents while lying on their backs during exercise. Some athletic clubs are now investing in intelligent lighting or color changing lighting. These flexible systems can provide both high energy lighting tied to music for an energetic spinning class, or a soft glow for palates.
Pools require special lighting. First, the air can be very humid and caustic due to the chemicals that treat the water. Therefore, special materials may be required to eliminate rusting or corrosion issues. Large sconces provide indirect lighting over the pool, once again limiting glare and for providing easy maintenance. Remember it is very difficult to re-lamp fixtures mounted over the pool area, so try to keep all fixtures over the pool deck area. The second photograph show the same principals, but in a more elegant application.
Retail environments are often created within hospitality spaces. The front zone, whether viewed through windows or the open entry is critical. The goal is to use brighter illumination levels to draw guests into the retailing area. Plants and flowers are accented for drama, but indirect color changing coves and decorative lanterns are subtle as not to compete with the storefronts. In particular the accenting of the front of the merchandise, not the top of the merchandise, is critical as this is the surface or plane that we see.
To create a high fashion runway, color-changing LEDs are under a glass display base. Colors are synchronized with LED buttons on the tufted wall. Architectural walls are accented and merchandise accents are celebrated as props or design elements.
Lighting Design Alliance is a professional organization that provides dramatic and efficient lighting for the exteriors and interiors of buildings. With a staff of over 30 professionals, located in Los Angeles, Chicago and Dubai, we are trained in all forms of architectural and theatrical illumination. Please refer to our website for additional information.