Expressive architecture and the use of natural materials reflect the mission of this ecological research center. The lighting design further supports the vision by highlighting the repetitive forms, while embracing daylighting to the fullest extent. By striking a balance between soft indirect glow and punchy direct accenting, uplighting and downlighting, and warm and cool tones, this carefully integrated lighting design enhances and celebrates the science at work here, creating an environment focused on efficiency and wellness. A graceful transformation occurs between day and night, when the sunlight fades and the simple yet deliberate architectural accent lighting comes to life.

Architect: Becker and Becker

Photographer: Ryan Fischer

The Focus design team based the color temperature selection on how they imagined the final patina of the copper would appear, and put off making the decision until the very end to let their finish sample age as much as possible.

Architect: Becker and Becker

Photographer: Ryan Fischer

Warm accents highlight the rough-hewn wood beams while the copper cladding picks up the reflected light.

Architect: Becker and Becker

Photographer: Ryan Fischer

Inside, skylights at the top of each sloped roof section bring natural lighting into the space, balanced by a softly glowing 3000K linear LED grazing up on to the sloped ceiling.

Architect: Becker and Becker

Photographer: Ryan Fischer

Along the entry corridor, a 2700K linear wall-wash awaits future art and photos, while 2700K tight-beam LED accents with amber color filters punctuate the corridor with a rhythm of high-contrast color and texture.

Architect: Becker and Becker

Photographer: Ryan Fischer

Throughout the office spaces, surface mounted linear lensed LED striplights provide direct task lighting to work areas. After many studies, the team decided to mount the fixtures parallel to the structure to maintain the open volume.

Architect: Becker and Becker

Photographer: Ryan Fischer

In the laboratories, the same lensed fixture from the office is used to maintain consistency, but with the addition of indirect uplighting to create an open, evenly illuminated space.

Architect: Becker and Becker

Photographer: Ryan Fischer

The lighting approach accentuates the continuous architectural structure and connects the interior and exterior in a beautiful and carefully considered way.

Architect: Becker and Becker

Photographer: Ryan Fischer

The exterior plaza is bathed with soft light from surface mounted accents. The wood beam accenting continues, reinforcing the strong architectural element as an open-air structure.

Architect: Becker and Becker

Photographer: Ryan Fischer