Your Design Journal entries this week should highlight your design thinking and process in modeling:
- your power system elements
- your lighting system elements
Power System Elements
- Receptacle Placement Strategy
- Receptacles are placed at intervals of up to 10 feet for easy access, while keeping the environment uncluttered and safe.
- There's a deliberate avoidance of placing receptacles in corridors and open spaces to maintain aesthetics and functionality.
- Placement near doors is prioritized for convenience without affecting design integrity.
- The strategy aims to make power access convenient and discreetly integrated.
- Safety and Aesthetic Considerations
- Receptacles are intentionally excluded from bathrooms for safety and specific utility considerations.
- The design focuses on meeting operational needs while adhering to strict safety standards.
- Emphasis is on avoiding clutter and prioritizing aesthetic and functional design principles.
- Centralized Electrical Infrastructure
- Three power systems (Lighting and Appliance Panelboards), each rated at 400A, are installed in the mechanical room.
- Centralizing electrical infrastructure in the mechanical room promotes security and efficiency.
- This setup ensures the facility's power system is robust and easily maintainable.
Level 1 - Power
Level 2 - Power
Level 3 - Power
Level 4 - Power
Lighting System Elements
- 2x4 Parabolic Troffer Lights for Larger Spaces:
- 2x2 Troffer Lights for Smaller Spaces:
- Recessed Can Downlights:
- Uplight Strip Fixtures:
- Combining Troffer Lights and Downlights:
I utilized 2x4 parabolic troffer lights in the larger areas of the project due to their superior capability for broad and even light distribution. Their design minimizes glare, which is essential in creating a comfortable and productive atmosphere. This choice ensures that large spaces are not only well-lit but also conducive to the activities they are designed for.
In smaller spaces, I opted for 2x2 troffer lights. Their compact size is perfect for illuminating these areas without overwhelming them, providing a balanced and inviting lighting environment. This ensures that every part of the space is adequately lit, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
I chose recessed can downlights to add a layer of ambient lighting that introduces depth and warmth to the interiors. These fixtures are particularly useful for highlighting architectural features or providing concentrated task lighting in specific areas, adding character and functionality to the space.
For indirect lighting, I used uplight strip fixtures. They play a crucial role in softening shadows and integrating seamlessly with the overall lighting design, contributing to a cohesive and comfortable ambiance. This subtle lighting effect enhances the overall aesthetic without dominating the space.
In certain areas, I found it beneficial to combine troffer lights with downlights to achieve a layered lighting effect. This approach allowed me to create a versatile lighting environment that can support a range of activities and moods, from focused work to relaxed gatherings. The combination ensures that the lighting is not only functional but also adaptable to the evolving use of the space.
Challenges:
The arrangement of lighting fixtures needs to be placed much better I believe. Also, I don't know if the number of lighting fixtures in each room are enough or even more than necessary.