Prize(s) Winners in Interior Architectural Illumination
Company Domingo Gonzalez Associates
Lead Designers Ilva Dodaj
Other Designer's names Domingo Gonzalez, AC Hickox, Yi-Szu Liao
Client Empire State Development (State of New York), Vornado Realty Trust, The Related Companies
Photo Credits Lucas Blair Simpson / Aaron Fedor (c) SOM / John Bartelstone Photography
Completion Date January 1, 2020
Project Location New York, NY
Entry DescriptionFrom darkness into light: this former postal facility, shrouded since WWII, beckons travelers into spacious daylit volumes and where, at night, color comes out to play. Seven years’ effort on the designers’ part and extensive coordination with stakeholders result in a design that adapts seamlessly to the significant presence of natural light and transforms the great hall to nighttime vibrancy. Daylighting studies identified the potential for extreme contrast between the skylit halls and adjacent low-ceilinged spaces. Consequently a lighting control system was specified to automatically minimize luminance ratios. Linear lighting frames the skylights and continuously adapts to the intensity and color temperature of natural light, supporting circadian rhythms. During the day the station’s airy elegance is evident; at night the lighting artistry reveals itself. Systems of truss-mounted RGBW uplights work in concert with façade washing to articulate structure while maintaining visual transparency to the sky beyond. Subtle as daylight fades, bold colors celebrate the trusses and purlins. Scenes are orchestrated to mark holidays or local events: art and function in perfect balance.
Company DescriptionCelebrating over 30 years of lighting design excellence, Domingo González Associates brings not only a dynamic creative vision to the enhancement of architecture through illumination, but also a philosophy that allows its clients a clear window into the design process.
DGA's varied portfolio of transportation, education, historic preservation, corporate, hospitality, healthcare, and infrastructure projects reflect our broad range of lighting expertise.
