Prize(s) Winners in Cultural Building Lighting Design
Company Cline Bettridge Bernstein Lighting Design
Lead Designers Stephen D. Bernstein, Michael Hennes
Other Designer's names Jiyoung Lee, Clara Samudio, Monica Llamas Smith (formerly with Cline Bettridge Bernstein)
Architecture Company Centerbrook Architects and Planners
Client Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History
Photo Credits Peter Aaron/OTTO
Completion Date 3/26/2024
Project Location New Haven, CT
Entry DescriptionA variety of innovative lighting solutions transform this formerly dark museum into a welcoming gallery that connects visitors to daylight.
At the entry rotunda, the architect was receptive to our idea of integrating light into the entry kiosk. Ambient lights are concealed in the top of the structure to illuminate the vaulted ceiling, and accent fixtures highlight the suspended fossil skeleton on display.
For the 110-foot fresco in the Great Hall, a linear wallwasher, together with an illuminated reverse cove, provides even illumination for the artwork. The solution overcomes the limitations of fully recessed wallwashers, which typically create a dark band where the wall meets the ceiling.
A new laylight system mimics the original skylights. Due to restricted maintenance access, we devised a lighting system that is accessible from one end of each bay. The clever solution was confirmed through extensive computer simulations and mockups. DMX-controlled RGBW fixtures within the laylights offer tunable white for exhibit hours and saturated colors for special events.
Our daylight studies allow curators to create exhibits based on light sensitivity. Finally, a Bluetooth-controlled track lighting system offers endless control flexibility.
Throughout, these creative lighting solutions, which comply with energy codes, give the Museum a renewed vitality for the 21st century.
Company DescriptionCline Bettridge Bernstein Lighting Design (CBB) is dedicated to enhancing the grace, utility, and comfort of architectural spaces with light. The 17-person firm is certified as a Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) - locally by NY State and NY City, and nation-wide by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
CBB provides architectural lighting design services for buildings and sites of every type, size, and architectural style. This portfolio encompasses celebrated sites around the world.