Linear ribbons of light illuminate these stacking dance studios, with the new upper studio floating within the original double height volume. The view into the space from the Parents’ Lounge is controlled by a milky translucent glass wall with a 4-foot band of electrified glass that changes to clear when switched on. Due to the demanding nature of the task, privacy, visibility and uniformity of light were carefully balanced and ultimately achieved through judicious choices of diffusion and light source. One of the primary lighting challenges was to assure that the dancers on the lower level did not feel confined and remained part of the larger space. Careful attention was paid to the reflections in the glazing walls as well as the mirrors.

The careful balancing of the upper studio interior light level, with the wall washing of the perimeter, double-height walls, mitigates the reflections in the glazing, expanding and unifying the space. Narrow, luminous ribbons of light stretch across the dance studios, always perpendicular to the mirror, coupled with the linear wallwashers, they assure adequate brightness in all four corners of the studios. Daylight studies were performed to determine the open percentage of the mecho shades and wall brightness required to reduce contrast of the windows when reflected in the mirrors (visible near the dancer’s feet). The Parents’ Lounge utilized custom, recessed incandescent sockets with polished stainless steel cover plates and silver bowl lamps provide a glamorous residential light quality during special events. When unoccupied by visitors, the Dance studio lighting illuminates the room through the translucent glass walls.

Full Project Stats