Prize(s) Honorable Mentions
Lighting Design/Product Company HDR
Lead Designers Jeff Thompson, Randy Niehaus
Other Designer's names Mike Hamilton, Tim Williams, Tyson Fiscus, Kelsey Pierce, Xin Zhao
Architecture Company HDR
Interior Design Company HDR
Client Kiewit Luminarium
Photo Credits Dan Schwalm, HDR
Completion Date April 2023
Project Location Omaha, Nebraska, USA
Entry DescriptionLuminarium is a science museum anchoring a downtown riverfront revitalization. Conceived as a modern “container” inspired by Midwest machine sheds, it houses interactive exhibits within a luminous architectural shell. By day, the double-skin façade optimizes daylight through parametric design and physics simulations, creating glare-free, diffuse light for a welcoming interior. At night, concealed exterior luminaires transform the building into a glowing beacon, casting a soft glow that illuminates the adjacent riverwalk and public park plaza. Exterior lighting is programmed to dim throughout the evening to reduce sky glow, with seasonal adjustments to minimize disrupting bird migration patterns. Inside, over 1,000 feet of track lighting was meticulously coordinated with the architecture and structural systems to remain visually unobtrusive, creating a cohesive spatial experience. Motorized theatrical luminaires deliver vibrant, color-changing effects for special events. The removable, perforated sawtooth façade panels shield luminaires from view and protect them from the elements, creating a durable and low-maintenance system. Prioritizing energy efficiency and user comfort, the design merges innovation, sustainability, and emotional impact—turning a functional science space into an inspiring landmark that sparks curiosity and community engagement.
Sustainability ApproachThe Luminarium’s double-skin façade admits only 18% of total lumens outward, drastically reducing sky glow. Exterior lighting follows astronomical time clock dimming and further reduces output during bird migration seasons. A genetic algorithm optimized the sunshade geometry, eliminating roller shades and reducing glare while capturing daylight to offset electric demand. These strategies cut lighting energy use in exhibit areas by up to 80%, exceed energy codes, and preserve clear views of the Missouri River and pedestrian bridge—uniting ecological sensitivity, operational efficiency, and visual delight.
