Prize(s) Honorable Mentions
Lighting Design/Product Company Eos Lightmedia
Lead Designers Luke Ellis
Other Designer's names Scott H, Patrick Smith, John Gower, Kathlene Graham, Gena Harari, Beau Cooper, Dave Connors, Kirsten
Client KEI Space Design Ltd.
Completion Date November 16th 2024
Project Location Flagstaff Arizona
Entry DescriptionThe specialty lighting for the Dark Sky Planetarium is integrated with audiovisual systems and interactive technology to create an immersive, educational experience. Each of the project’s spaces has a unique design criteria: the Atrium features striking architectural lighting to welcome visitors, the Astro Gallery utilizes adaptable lighting to support exhibits on cosmic phenomena, the Children’s Gallery offers safe and playful illumination to engage young audiences, and the Presentation Area includes flexible lighting for diverse programming. The Origins Gallery, the central hub of the Astronomy Discovery Center, is highlighted with a suspended sculptural centrepiece representing the universe’s evolution, brought to life with choreographed lighting and projection-enhanced 3D landforms that showcase Earth’s biodiversity, blending science and art to inspire curiosity and a deeper understanding.
Sustainability ApproachLighting design criteria were established to maximize recycling, minimize waste, reduce consumption, and ensure that products are designed to be reused, repaired, or recycled back into the environment or marketplace. A consideration of extended warranties, cradle-to-grave implications, and the ease of future upgrades such as the replacement of LED sources and drivers, were key to the final specification, which featured high-quality equipment and technology that offers long-lasting durability and an extended lifespan.
By selecting lighting products with durable components that are modular and replaceable, and manufactured by a company that adheres to Global Sustainability Standards, the lighting design supports the circular economy, reduces resource consumption, and helps protect the future of our planet.
