Prize(s) Honorable Mentions
Lighting Design/Product Company Lam Partners (formerly Stroik Lighting Design)
Lead Designers Chris Stroik
Other Designer's names Harry Raab
Architecture Company DLR Group
Client Virginia Theological Society
Photo Credits Anice Hochlander / studioHDP
Completion Date 9/2023
Project Location Alexandria, VA
Entry DescriptionThe circa-1920 neo-classical Welcome Center honors the Seminary's history and mission while engaging visitors with its values. The renovation created a more inviting interior with informational displays and transformed the lower level into an exhibition area.
Collaborating with the exhibition designer and architect, a tailored lighting solution was developed for the Welcome Center. Three historic pendant lanterns, previously retrofitted with crude uplights, were carefully restored and updated with low-profile, high-output asymmetric uplights on a separate circuit. This allows the lanterns to glow independently, enhanced by new diffusion glass for a uniform effect. The vaulted ceiling discreetly integrates small aperture adjustable accent lights to highlight wall panels and objects.
The lower level features a museum-grade, flexible track lighting system suited for gallery displays. Display cases are equipped with integrated miniature object and wash sources to accommodate rotating exhibits. A central interactive gallery for children is anchored by a concave oculus electric “skylight,” connecting objects and didactic displays for an inspiring, immersive experience. Each lighting source includes onboard dimming, finely tuned for balance and comfort.
