EDWIN F. GUTH AWARD FOR INTERIOR LIGHTING DESIGN
Award of Excellence
Designers: Ted Mather, John Delfino, Alex Fabozzi – Available Light; Dawn Hollingsworth – Darkhorse Lightworks
Photos: Joshua White, Ted Mather
The Academy of Motion Pictures takes 63,000 sq ft of an upcycled Streamline Moderne-style department store and uses it to not only tell the story of cinema, but to provide museum-goers with exhibitions they can both observe and become immersed in. Lighting in the galleries—just as lighting in the movies—makes this unique experience possible. Most of the over 2,500 lighting fixtures either contribute to the many layers of light guiding visitors on their journey or provide white light to showcase artifacts.
Controls are key to the success and emotional impact of the continually evolving exhibits, especially regarding displays that contain light-sensitive artifacts. A new track-lighting system in which each fixture implements on-board dimming allows for flexibility, detailed illumination, balanced composition and precise light-level setting. An additional museum-wide, 10-universe, network-based DMX system accommodates synchronized lights in current and future exhibitions.
Tailored details—like customized gray ceiling fixtures to match the exposed material of the original architecture—add to the interest and cohesion of the overall space. For example, an added rotunda holding gold statuettes of accomplished filmmakers is illuminated with three temperatures of white light to highlight the monochrome room’s depth. In addition, deep-blue floor washes in galleries enhance drama and unity, and an illuminated and pulsating orb provides a visual anchor in a gallery dedicated solely to music. Finally, revolving projections displaying patterns of light help to immerse guests in the space.
