School of ArchitectureThis document presents student work that was submitted as part of the course requirements for the Fall 2006 version of McGill University, School of Architecture, course ARCH-447 Electrical Services - Lighting Course web site: http://www.arch.mcgill.ca/prof/reinhart/arch447/ Instructors: Christoph Reinhart (
[email protected]) Conor Sampson (
[email protected]) While the building site discussed in this document might be real, the project and the affiliations of the design team (including phone numbers) described in this document are fictitious. The document is being provided on the internet for download to showcase to new students taking the course as well as to other interested parties how daylight and electric lighting simulation techniques can be used during building design. McGill University is not responsible for the content or accuracy of the material presented in this document. CDGN Troye Carrington _ Tania Delage _ Laurie Damme.Gonneville _ Anh Minh Ngo Courtroom lighting DesiGN Inc. 1742 St-Urbain, Montreal H1X 2P9
[email protected] 514.794.9997 CDGN Troye Carrington _ Tania Delage _ Laurie Damme.Gonneville _ Anh Minh Ngo Courtroom lighting DesiGN Inc. 1742 St-Urbain, Montreal H1X 2P9
[email protected] 514.794.9997 Alternative Courthouse Design Project no. 30029 Presented to the Government of Québec In collaboration with the Palais de Justice de Montréal The following document describes the architectural and lighting strategy proposed by Courtroom lighting DesiGN Inc. for the creation of a new courthouse environment. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In September 2006, CDGN inc. was solicited by the Government of Québec for an alternative solution in courtroom design. After close evaluation of the current lighting of courtrooms, the following conclusions were drawn; 1.1) 1.2) 1.3) 1.4) fluorescent lighting used uniformly throughout the space lack of definition of the areas occupied during court sessions lighting fixtures as a distraction to the public absence of natural lighting1. Combining the increasingly public nature of justice in Canada and the previous observations, CDGN directed their design initiatives towards the staging of judicial proceedings with goal to promote public interaction through the use of artificial lighting. In other words, this project proposes an alternative solution for the architectural expression of courtrooms through a theatrical approach while providing for user needs. Throughout the design process, many aspects were taken into consideration, what ensues will provide a chronological explanation of the overall investigation. First, the hierarchical organization of the courtroom was assessed as shown in figure 1 and individual lighting requirements were studied. Once a preliminary design idea was developed from the technical analysis of the organizational layout and functioning of courtrooms, strategies regarding how to accomplish the concept through lighting design were delineated. The main goals included the segregation of spaces to add depth and dimension to the court sessions as well as the facilitation of readability of court organization for the public. The potential sublimation of architectural elements into lighting should also be included in the latter. Following this, decisions were made on the general layout of the fixtures across the plan generally derived from the light required for users in certain areas as well as the creation of an ambient atmosphere. These were further specified by taking into consideration light effects desired, temperature, luminance, and the creation of a general harmony between the distinct parts. In order to achieve the latter, simulations were run primarily with Dialux to obtain both numerical values as well as renderings depicting the behavior of the lighting arrangement in the courthouse. 1 Refer to Plate A in Appendix for interior images of various courthouses found in Québec. encompass the underlying concept of the entire design scheme.3) An illuminating wall will be positioned behind the public seating to serve as a backdrop in order to maintain public anonymity and will be used to give the spectators a sense of detachment.1) A lighting fixture will be recessed into the floor in order to create a wash along both side walls in order to generate a visual harmony between the other lights. 2. track lighting in the form of a U will be used to physically mark the peripheral space formed by the above mentioned individuals.CDGN INTRODUCTION Light is not so much something that reveals. The main challenge posed by such a concept is how to maintain the highly theatrical undertone desired when inevitable interaction of light occurs within the space. and the judge. that the individual needs of the participants will be met and played upon in order to create the environment envisioned2. the primary goals will be to create and delineate distinct spaces through lighting design while respecting the strict spatial and psychological constraints required in a courtroom. CDGN will present a solution that will in part enable the sublimation of architectural elements into a more malleable material. It will also be used to generate a narrative where changes of color will take place at precise moments during the ruling. Another challenge is how to create a harmony that flows throughout the space while maintaining a certain level of delineation. It will also serve as a form of subtle visual isolation from one function to the other through variations in intensity and/or temperature. It is important to note however.2) In order to meet lighting requirements for the jury. light. this project proposes an alternative solution for the architectural expression of courtrooms. . as it is itself the revelation. the clerk. staging justice. In other words. The words. 2 Refer to Table 1 in Appendix for exact values. In essence. the attorneys. CDGN strives to create a theatrical stage set in order to promote the public nature of the Canadian justice system. -James Turrell Using light as a revelation in itself. Figure 1: Defined areas within courtroom 2. Without entering into the details concerning the lights and fixtures the following shows the strategies and aesthetic considerations taken for the staging of justice. 2. With goal to create more engaging judicial proceedings. The numerical values were relatively similar thereby demonstrating a good level of accuracy within both analyses. 2. .5) Accent lighting will be positioned on the judge’s desk in order to create a hierarchical separation from the other desks. 2.CDGN 2. the graphic quality of the renderings. METHODOLOGY The words staging justice suggest the importance perception holds within the design of the courthouse. Using similar color coding systems and limits (0-30 lux). Ecotect generated a much more hierarchical grid-like model whereas Dialux created one more akin to lighting effects when considering its fluidity as shown below in figure 2. Light levels were calculated for the ambient downlight grid layout in both Ecotect and Dialux to achieve a comparison between the numerical values of each program. This was taken into consideration in the choice of modeling software where Dialux was utilized both for its numerical accuracy as well as its graphic qualities. A line of reflected light within a cove will become a psychological barrier replacing the latter. CDGN opted for Dialux to further the design due to its ability to import lighting fixtures directly from the manufacturers. a clear comparison was achieved.6) The physical barrier existing between the public and the judicial stage will be removed. as well as its usability. However.4) A glowing rectangular cove will be positioned directly above the witness stand to produce a virtual frame in order generate a point of focus yet remain sufficiently diffused to permit a sense of comfort for the witness being interrogated. Fixtures create no gap between the lights thereby creating a homogenous effect U-track Halogen Spotlight Public Wall Cold Cathode . the following table illustrates a general description of the types of lights used throughout the courtroom and the reason for selection. Take note that the choices illustrated below are linked to CDGN’s desires for the execution of the design idea.CDGN Figure 2: Comparison between false color rendering in Ecotect and Dialux for ambient lighting Pertaining to decisions made on the choices of lights and fixtures. Location Overall grid Type of Light Halogen downlight Reason for Selection Dimmable Clean white light Relatively long life span Intensity: -Choice of intensities for the accommodation of the specific user while maintaining same hue Appropriate fixtures for glowing wall: . The use of the cove mentioned above allowed the creation of specific effects and enabled clean light spread across the surfaces. the distance between lamps should be no greater than the distance of the lamp from the back of the cove as shown below: Figure 3: Sectional detail illustrating the distribution of light within a cove. 3 4 Refer to plate B in Appendix for image of Barrisol membrane.Potential for extension of life-span and adjustment of intensity A Barrisol membrane will be utilized for its seamless appearance3 Line of Light LED Compact: .Enables the design of a smaller cove without having direct visual contact with the light Availability: -Typical and readily available lamp to allow proper replacement by the client ensuring a homogeneous wash Energy efficient Homogeneity in color with the above mentioned wall wash Compact: . refer to light cut-sheets. More precisely. the distance between the lights is equal to the distance separating them from the covering membrane as illustrated in figure 4.Enables recessing of the fixture within the judge’s desk providing a more subtle accentuation Wall Wash T5 Fluorescent Witness Stand Judge’s desk T5 Fluorescent LED Table 1: General description of choice of types of lights4. Another rule of thumb was utilized in the design of the light wall in order to produce a completely uniform glow.CDGN Dimmable: . . for example in order to avoid socket gaps. General rules of thumbs were applied in its detailing where. For precise specifications pertaining to the lighting fixtures. Note that a distance of 6’’ is optimal for a glowing surface. the horizontality of the accent lighting on the judge’s desk contrasts the more .CDGN Figure 4: Layout in section and elevation showing the positioning of the cathode covered lights. For example. It seeks to illustrate the interaction of the lights within the courtroom by defining each light source’s associated cones of light. Take note that the light sources have been indicated in red to increase readability. DIAGRAMATIC LIGHTING LAYOUT The first series of images shows a diagrammatic analysis of the lighting layout in section. In the same section. the interview stand becomes central as seen in the short section as it is spatially framed by the cove immediately above it. Figure 5: Diagrammatic sections The diagrams from figure 5 reiterate the conceptual desire of staging justice. LIGHTING LAYOUT Figure 6: Types of lights. The vertical line of light serves as a new form of barrier delineating the latter. Moreover. the long section illustrates a clear transition in lighting design from the public side to the judicial side.CDGN vertical nature of the other lights. direction and distributions . CDGN Figure 7: Types of luminaries . CDGN CUTSHEETS The following series of figures and tables illustrate the specifications of all lights used within the entirety of the courthouse. Immediately below is the exact layout plan followed by all the specifications of every light fixture within the room. . Please note that they have been numerically classified according to the Luminaire Parts List below the layout plan. CDGN . CDGN If more information is required please refer to section B of the Appendix where specifications are further detailed. . CDGN The following images illustrate lighting strategies as isolated elements. Recessed floor lights wash the courtroom walls. creating a visual harmony amongst all of the courtroom elements: U-Track lighting encircles the courtroom stage providing individualized lighting levels to each member of the courtroom proceedings: A Glowing Cove makes the interview box the focal point of the courtroom: . more private lighting ambiance. Based on the premise that the jurors rarely partake in reading or writing while in the jury box. crown and clerk desks average 430 lux. this intensity allows for a much more theatrical setting due to the fact that the task lighting does not become an overpowering element of the room. Generally 300 lux is required for reading. only slightly below the 300 lux recommended. as initially projected for the courtroom lighting design. . it may be noticed that the total illuminance of the task lighting for the judge. Moreover. Changing from spot to flood lighting creates a less intense. CDGN has decided to deliberately provide lights lower than the 400 lux recommended. Table 2: Photometric Results When looking specifically at the users. an intermediate value was deemed acceptable for this project. This table is used to assess whether the user has sufficient lighting according to the general standards found in Table 1 of the Appendix.CDGN DESIGN PROPOSAL: RESULTS & ANALYSIS The following table indicates the average illuminances upon specified surfaces. whereas the table in the appendix recommends approximately 500. This ensures proper expression of the above mentioned design detail. lawyer. however. To fully express the framing created by the cove situated above the witness stand. the illumination was designed at 247 lux. red. ERCO TFL Wallwasher 1xT16 28W. These variations can be noted in figure 9. comes in different colors including red (2100lm) and blue (700lm). It is important to note that the dimming feature on this lighting grid will be used during court sessions. The long walls along the courtroom have a maximum intensity of approximately 240 lux. . the public area receives 125 lux (above the required 100 lux) when ambient lights are not dimmed. No. and blue. the wall wash will change in hue. In order to provide the possibility of quick changes in color when the judge states her ruling. As these walls host the court narrative during the rulings. Figure 8: Detail section of floor-integrated light channel. The narrative described above involves lighting as a live participant in court proceedings. as shown in figure 8. blue indicating deliberation. some specifications should be clarified. and red indicating incarceration. However. the previously mentioned fixture will be modified to accommodate for various lights. 5 represents coloured T5 fluorescent lamps that are dimmable and controllable.CDGN As shown. The fixture seleced. during the ruling. white. During general court sessions a white fluorescent light will create the wall wash. CDGN Figure 9: Narrative depiction of the variation of wall wash colouring . Each member of the judicial stage receives adequate and definitive lighting. Linear lighting arrangement highlighting the convergence of perspectival lines towards the interview box.CDGN Interior Courtroom Perspective viewed from public seating. . The vertical lighting frame delineates the public area from the judicial stage. .CDGN Interior Courtroom Perspective viewed from interview box. emphasizing their secondary role in the courtroom proceedings. The public becomes silhouettes in front of the light wall. CDGN Perspectival view of the courtroom illustrating the locations of each lighting system. . The lightwall dominates the public sector while the u-track illuminates the main courtroom stage. A frame of LED fixtures differentiates between these two areas while the ambient lighting and wall washers bring unity to the space. Through the manipulation of light. it is indeed possible to significantly influence the design of a space by its lighting scheme. . it also suggests that highlighting techniques may be used to illustrate a hierarchy that is evidently of great importance within a courtroom.CDGN CONCLUSION As demonstrated in the present analysis. The proposed layout not only respects the broad recommendations for courtroom lighting. it is therefore possible to produce a theatrical interpretation of a court of law while respecting general requirements for its proper functioning. CDGN APPENDIX Party Judge Clerk Crown Defendant Jury Interview Stand Public Horizontal Illuminance (lux) 500 500 500 500 400 300 100 Vertical Illuminance (lux) 100 100 100 100 50 50 30 Table 1: General requirements of individual users within a courtroom Plate A: Images of various courthouses found throughout the province of Québec . CDGN Plate B: Barrisol membrane used as a ceiling demonstrating effect desired for light wall . 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