The lighting for the Rubenstein Forum on the University of Chicago campus, enhances the unique architecture through restraint and simple organization of lights within architectural reveals. All recessed lighting in public areas is minimal and discrete. Primarily highlighting the building’s vertical materials and integrating lighting within the architectural language creates a strong visual impact. Lobby and gathering spaces are softly illuminated with minimal aperture accent lights and low-glare downlighting. By contrast, lensed linear ceiling fixtures in meeting rooms and classrooms announce the building’s primary function with honesty and rigor. Friedman Hall and elevated dining spaces distinguish themselves with an abundance of warmth through well-shielded high output LED accent lights which radiate light from the wood interior. Lighting is harmoniously organized with the building despite challenges of a multitude of hidden structural elements. The zinc shiplap façade, is gently illuminated from roof mounted lights employing multiple optical adjustments and varying beam spreads.

The majority of spaces, such as the upper-level Lake View Room, are used for numerous function types, from symposia to workshops to fine dining and international speaker events, so each luminaire discretely serves multiple functions. The University Room on the mezzanine level has an organized grid of discreet accent lights throughout yet careful aiming and control functions allows it to serve varying program requirements.

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