The challenge with these specialty ceiling systems, however, is with the interdependent and adaptive attributes of parametric design. Given how most architectural ceiling systems—outside of the true custom project designs—are made up of standard product puzzle pieces offered by lighting and ceiling manufacturers, it is difficult to realize an architectural designer’s unique vision at scale. Much like the previous baffle example, if design changes occur due to space variables, budgetary concerns, or other factors, even if the perfect design was specified, it is extremely difficult to modify said design without disrupting the component parts.
A potential solution to this design conundrum is working through a single manufacturer who can manage the seamless integration of both components, from the early stages of design through the design iterations occuring downstream. Manufacturers who develop their own integrated systems can parameterize the component products in a manner which adapts to the requirements of the space. For example, what if an interior architect specifies a complex, multi-dimensional ceiling array and desires to have linear lighting run perpendicular to the array (such as in Figure 3)?
Today, the architect would work with a specialty ceiling manufacturer to specify the array, with a lighting designer to determine placement of the luminaires, followed by a co-ordination with the ceiling manufacturer to accommodate the luminaire placement, followed by potential downstream iterations requiring collaboration between the ceiling and luminaire manufacturers, and/or the electrical and ceiling contractors. With a single manufacturer who has already pre-parameterized the product variables for both lighting and ceiling components via parametric design software, these components are already programmed to be interdependent.
Architects are able to design a ceiling array and lighting designers can determine lighting requirements and on-centre spacing of the luminaires, and the design will automatically adapt, as will all necessary deliverables, like shop drawings, reflected ceiling plans, Revit models, etc. Manufacturers who develop this capability to support the design community can add substantial value by reducing the time and cost associated with the iterative design process and ensuring the integrity of the design through to installation.
In addition to working with a single manufacturer, a closer collaboration between interior architect and lighting designer, and a better integration of lighting capabilities will be required to ensure technical project requirements are met. Lighting designers will benefit from educating themselves on the topic of holistic ceiling design, including textiles, acoustic properties, and integration points. Conversely, interior architects will want to select ceiling system platforms able to accommodate and adapt to other ceiling elements, ensuring the downstream process is clean once lighting is specified and integrated. From a specification standpoint, the integrity of the design is maintained if the design elements in the system are cross-referenced across Division 09 and Division 26, ensuring better co-ordination between electrical and ceiling contractors.
The benefit of working collaboratively upstream and/or with a single lighting and ceiling system manufacturer extends beyond the specification community into the contractor domain. Having lighting products designed to purposely fit into the ceiling array eliminates many of the potential design and installation issues experienced when working across manufacturers, and ensures the system is designed for installation, taking into account both the lighting and ceiling elements. Figure 4 is an example of an optimized integration, with the luminaire acting as the structure for the ceiling system, thus minimizing the number of hang points and streamlining the installation process.
