LEDs projects among winners of IALD Design Awards

July 5, 2006
The International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) has presented its annual Lighting Design Awards, including several LED-related projects.

The 2006 IALD. Lighting Design Awards presented last month included several LED-related projects. Nine Awards of Excellence were presented, with the Radiance Award going to the Retail/Entertainment entry, the Tourneau Time Dome in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Tourneau Time Dome The design concept for this watch store on the Las Vegas strip was to accent the architecture while highlighting the products in an energy-efficient manner. The two-story interior features a ceiling made of overlapping "onion-skins". The outer shell is lit with hidden color-changing LEDs, while an inner dome hangs over the display cases, lit with LEDs, MR16s and moving light projectors, providing an experience that shifts with time.

The display cases are lit with multiple interior sources to provide sparkle. Custom table lamps provide lighting to products out of the case and a warm glow to the patrons and staff. Principal lighting designer on the project was Paul Gregory of Focus Lighting in New York City. Other lighting designers credited on the project are Ken Ventry and J.P. Lira.

Detroit Athletic Club

An Award of Excellence was presented in the Site/Façade category to the Detroit Athletic Club in Detroit, Michigan, USA.

Detroit Athletic Club Maintenance, energy consumption and budget were critical client concerns, while difficult mounting restrictions created further design challenges. A layered lighting approach establishes the building's presence, while also accentuating the façade's intricate detailing. The major challenge was lighting the cornice from a small ledge.

White 3000K LEDs were utilized for intensity, size and extended life, and a creative mounting assembly minimized damage to the historic façade. This innovative design renders the historic architecture with reverence, while appropriately utilizing the newest white LED sources and driving development of new dimming capabilities.

Principal lighting designer on the project was Jeff Gerwing, IALD, of Smith Group, also in Detroit. Other lighting designers credited are Rodrigo Manriquez, IALD, and Chris Coulter.

Chanel building, Tokyo

The IALD Special Citation for Technical Integration of Façade and Aesthetic Sensitivity to Brand Image, an entry in the Corporate category, was given to the Chanel building in Ginza, Tokyo, Japan.

Chanel store, Ginza The inspiration for the lighting design of the 10-story flagship store, located in Tokyo's most upscale shopping district, was a classic Chanel tweed. The lighting of this contemporary, architectural icon embodies the mega-luxurious identity of the fashion house. Its two-foot deep curtain wall controls sunlight via the integration of glazing, electrochromic film, metal louvers and 700,000 white LEDs.

Custom electronics provide precise control of the view, pixel brightness, and shade position. The result is a shimmering skin of artistic imagery using light and spectacle to unite the building and brand.

The principal designer on the project was Matthew Tanteri, IALD, of Tanteri and Associates in New York City. Lighting design was by Tanteri + Associates, while the LEDs were supplied by LED Effects.

The Chanel building was also an Award of Merit winner in the Lumen Awards program sponsored by the New York section of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IESNA).