One of the key elements of the Academy’s success has been the impressive lighting concept designed by the prominent lighting designers Arup. 

 

The challenges were diverse and important. The building contains four areas where different exhibitions are staged, each of them with their own standards to meet.

 

The rainforest exhibit was surely the most interesting yet difficult to accomplish. Due to the climatic conditions of San Francisco, the sphere required supplementary electric lighting to complement the daylight that glimmers through the living roof overhead. IGuzzini’s Maxiwoody Metal Halide were thus used above the rainforest glass sphere allowing for natural light to be emulated and preventing the temperature inside from raising above 100° F.

 

Furthermore, the Research, Collections and Administration (RCA) building has been designed with the aim to achieve LEED platinum energy rating. In order to do so, iGuzzini NA presented to Arch. Piano and the Arup team a specially designed Le Perroquet fixture that allows for the reduction of brightness variations and contrasts within the field of view. This results in improved visual comfort and which not only enhances the well-being of the staff and visitors, yet also reduces the building’s energy consumption.

 

The architect Renzo Piano and the lighting designer, Arup have teamed to create something truly outstanding. IGuzzini NA is proud to have participated in the creation of this truly innovative yet efficient and well designed environment for staff, visitors and all creatures to share in symbiosis.