Design challenges
When Dashney reviewed the original layout, he found nothing to anchor the enormous space. This prompted him to search for a key architectural element to incorporate into the design. Since approximately 30 per cent of the interior is dedicated to wellness professional offices, the reception area functions as a welcome zone for greeting patients and fitness members, and shares space with the facility’s central lounge, creating additional design challenges.
The solution
Using Evolve Strength’s basic idea of how the space should function, the design team knew they needed to anchor the eye when guests enter the facility by lowering the height of the ceiling to create a more intimate space without closing it in.
Working closely with a lighting sales representative, the design team specified a hexagon shape for the modular lighting system which incorporates colours used in the fitness centre’s branding. By installing the 3.8- x 4.3-m (41- x 46-ft) system over the reception and welcome area, and the café and lounge space, the acoustic lighting system serves as wayfinding—directing guests into the facility. The hexagon shape was specifically chosen for its unique organic structure and as an abstract representation of DNA strands, which complements the wellness and health centre themes.
The lighting system includes integrated 0.2 m (2 ft) light-emitting diode (LED) segments, providing a different type of lighting. Additionally, when MEC closed the location, they left behind heavy, engineered-wood architectural details that were upcycled and incorporated into the design.
A 3500K was selected for a whiter light, making the area sparkle and providing a change in colour temperature from other areas of the facility, setting the welcome zone and lounge apart. The “K” stands for Kelvin, which is the scientific measurement used in lighting to measure the colour temperature of a particular light bulb. Generally, “warm” light is anything 3000K or lower, while “cool” light is 4000K or higher. In this case, 3500K is a middle ground often called “neutral.” This light can look either cool or warm depending on furnishings and other lighting nearby.
The lighting system was also engineered for easy installation as it includes integrated drivers, so the entire unit only required one power drop.
The results
While the facility only recently opened, Evolve Strength staff and guests have all commented on the unique lighting and acoustic system in the welcome zone and lounge area. Additionally, another Evolve Strength location is about to start construction and will be incorporating similar acoustic lighting elements.
Notes
1 Refer to www.rockwool.com/north-america/advice-and-inspiration/blog/acoustics-requirements-in-building-codes.
2 See note 1.
Author
Howard Yaphe, CEO of Canadian-based Axis Lighting, has more than 35 years experience in the lighting industry. Prior to joining Axis, he worked at Philips Lighting North America and Genlyte. Yaphe has more than 120 patents and patents pending in a wide variety of lighting and lighting controls technologies. He can be reached at howardy@axisllighting.com.
