The Denver Museum of Nature and Science sought to modernize the lighting system in the West Atrium, specifically the stairwells, which had outdated, inefficient light sources. The goal was to eliminate the existing lighting and upgrade to an all-LED system that would reduce energy consumption, enhance visitor experience, and provide sophisticated lighting control capabilities. The museum needed a solution that would deliver even lighting coverage across the translucent stairwell walls while maintaining energy efficiency and enhancing safety through responsive lighting controls.
BCER Engineers, serving as the project’s architect, electrical engineer, and lighting designer, recommended the installation of 14 SGM Q2 fixtures in the stairwells on either side of the atrium. After testing various products in a mock-up, the Q2 fixtures were selected for their superior ability to evenly illuminate the translucent walls with fewer fixtures. The Q2’s extra wide beam-angle, high output, high-quality, energy-efficient LED technology met the museum’s requirements for aesthetics, performance, and sustainability.
The lighting control system was also upgraded to provide dynamic, multi-attribute control of the new LED fixtures. Key features of the control system included:
- Timeclock-based scenes
- Occupancy sensors
- Security and fire alarm integration
From January to March 2024, Denver Electric (EC) led the installation of the new lighting system. The process involved carefully removing the existing light sources and implementing the Q2 fixtures, while simultaneously integrating the upgraded control system.
BCER Engineers ensured that the design provided optimal light coverage with minimal energy consumption, a crucial factor given the museum’s commitment to sustainability. The stairwells’ lighting setup was critical for both aesthetic and safety reasons, ensuring that the translucent walls were evenly lit without harsh shadows or excessive brightness.
- The West Atrium Lighting Upgrade project delivered several key outcomes:
- Energy Efficiency: The new all-LED lighting system, including the 14 SGM Q2 fixtures, significantly reduced energy usage.
- Improved Safety: The smart lighting controls ensured immediate and full illumination of the stairwells during occupancy, as well as in emergency situations.
- Aesthetic Enhancement: The even illumination provided by the Q2 fixtures enhanced the architectural beauty of the translucent stairwells, creating a welcoming, modern environment for museum visitors.
- Dynamic Control: The new control system allowed the museum to tailor lighting scenes based on specific needs, from regular day-to-day operations to emergency scenarios.
Further information from SGM Light: https://sgmlight.com
