ILLUMINATION AWARD FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING DESIGN
Special Citation for Playful Use of Integrated Color
Designers: Steve Gollehon, Jeff Frank – Morrissey Engineering; Cindy Smith, Mark Bourne – Smith Bourne & Associates; Kurt Dohn – Stanley J. How Architects
Photos: Tom Kessler
A new, colorful entry canopy reaffirms an aquarium as a focal point at the Omaha Zoo. Clad with stainless-steel panels, the canopy was conceptualized as a sculptural extension of the building. The ceiling is formed by polished blue stainless-steel panels with an applied ripple texture, mimicking the effect of being underwater, while the front of the canopy contains multiple layers of perforated metal panels, simulating a coral reef. Up above, the roof is defined by eight large stainless-steel wave sculptures.
At night, integrated color-changing light creates an immersive user experience. Mock-ups led to the selection of luminaires with quad-chip RGBW LEDs to illuminate the specular stainless-steel waves and ensure proper color mixing. In addition, an addressable node-based lighting system utilizing RGBW LEDs backlights the coral-reef panels. Finally, low-glare recessed downlights with a custom finish disappear into the ceiling plane.
Controlled by a 50-universe DMX system, the design transforms the visitor experience from day to night, enhancing the special events that take place in the facility after hours and extending the aquarium’s mission to the building exterior.
