Prize(s) Winners in Horticultural Lighting Design
Lighting Design/Product Company HDR
Lead Designers Eric Rushenberg, Allie Huffman
Other Designer's names Mike Hamilton, Tim Williams, Andy Gorham, Andy Wilson, Neal Suntken
Architecture Company HDR
Interior Design Company HDR
Client Bellevue University
Photo Credits Dan Schwalm, HDR
Completion Date July 2021
Project Location Bellevue, Nebraska, USA
Entry DescriptionThe Bellevue University Sustainability Lab is a modern workshop championing horticulture and agricultural research. The design connects students with the university’s sustainability mission and provides a hands-on experience in studying sustainable resources. As a result, the lab’s architectural presence and high-tech utility are prominently displayed on campus.
The design includes custom horticultural lights with movable mountings, custom controls, and custom glazing. Paramount to academic study and experimentation, the luminaires provide full spectrum photosynthetic active radiation and high photometric photon flux density and are movable for flexibility. Lights attach to movable framing using plug-and-cord connections and toolless hardware for precise adjustments and easy maintenance. Custom glazing with ribbed optics comfortably diffuses direct solar glare while providing 86% light transmission for photosynthesis. The glazing also provides soft translucency for an interior glow that silhouettes the structure and creates a visual presence on campus. The control system includes a custom algorithm to verify performance and quantify illumination for experimentation. Photosensors, timeclocks, and digital dimming allow users to intuitively modulate horticulture lights with a touch screen interface and quantify incident daylight.
Sustainability ApproachThis lab’s sustainability is paramount to both its horticultural purpose and the University’s identity. Low energy use and recycled materials minimize its environmental impact. High daylight availability paired with the custom control system minimizes the need for functional lighting and reduces energy usage by 80%. The control system provides real time feedback so occupants can quantify and modulate its energy usage real-time. Lights use nontoxic and recycled materials to minimize carbon footprint and virgin material usage.
