Spotlight: Mansueto Research Library

The dome is set aglow with low-profile fluorescent fixtures integrated into ventilation

Courtesy University of Chicago

This project is one section of AN‘s five-part feature on architectural lighting, "Sharing the Spotlight."

Task lamps were custom designed by the architects together with the desks (left). HIT spotlights proved highly efficient yet unobtrusive (right).

Direct lighting proved more of a challenge to the team since the clean lines of the grid shell structure didn’t offer any handy place to conceal fixtures. The only option, in fact, was to integrate the sources into the steel structural members. This meant choosing the smallest possible lamps with the highest possible output. The team selected HIT spotlights (tubular metal halide high intensity discharge lamps) outfitted with antiglare reflectors, which pump out an incredible 100 lumens per watt. The lamps range from 70 to 150 watts, with those closer to the floor of lower wattage and those towards the top of the dome of higher wattage.

These two sources provide all of the general illumination for the library. The team also implemented task lighting throughout the space, such as at the reading and circulation desks, where more focused light was needed.