UBC Life Sciences Centre

Designing light for architecture, life and the environment is a complex task. This 560,000 ft2 facility is a case-in-point. It houses all medical research, academic and laboratories under one roof. Design sensitivity for its occupants; humans, non-human primates and mice is paramount. The lighting design responds to a varied architectural environment with differing tasks and strict illumination requirements.

Studies of full-size mock-ups and scale models were undertaken to embrace all available daylight, eliminate offending daylight and to add electric light only where necessary. LEEDTM credit for 2% daylight factor was achieved.

Suspended luminaires are located fifty feet below the skylight. They are easy to maintain and are top shielded to minimize uplight and yet still have a presence. LEEDTM credit for light pollution reduction was achieved. High-efficiency T8 fluorescent luminaires and ballasts in linear fixtures with automatic dimming controls were selected to meet the laboratory design criteria, visual comfort, ease of maintenance and the budget.

Daylight sensors, occupancy sensors and time-of-day controls are installed throughout. The LPD is approximately 30% below ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-1999 standards. The specified products are the most eco-friendly possible, bulk-pack shipped to minimize construction waste and are able to be recycled and/or disposed of on site.