Spring 2012 Architectural Engineering
Senior Thesis Proposal
Erin McCauley
Lighting/Electrical
Faculty Consultants // Dr. K. Houser, T. Dannerth
December 19, 2011
Revised: January 16, 2012
Proposal
Consultant // Dr. Houser, T. Dannerth
Erin McCauley
Executive Summary
The Gateway Building is a new multi-use facility in the process of construction on the College
Campus of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) of the State University of New York (SUNY).
Numerous green building techniques and environmentally sustainable systems equip the Gateway
Building to be the College’s foremost representation of “ESF’s college programs and institutional
commitment to sustainability”.1
Spring Semester of 2012 will be spent developing a lighting design depth, an electrical systems
depth, and two breadth studies in Architecture and Landscape Architecture. (The Architectural Breadth
study will include a Building Energy Analysis to simulate the heating and cooling impacts of the
architectural modifications.)
Four spaces in the Gateway Building will be covered by the Lighting Depth study of designing
new lighting systems that will support the ESF objectives for the eco-friendly building; these four spaces
include, the…
o
Concourse and South Lobby
o
Café Seating Area
o
ESF College Bookstore
o
Observation Deck and Green Roof
The proposed Electrical Depth study will include a…
o
redesigned branch circuit distribution for the four spaces used in the Lighting Depth.
o
short circuit analysis and protective device coordination study.
o
comparative study between a high efficiency and standard uninterruptible power supply
(UPS) system.
o
power factor correction analysis for heavy motor loads.
Architectural renderings of the four spaces covered in the Lighting Depth are displayed after the Building
Overview, on page 4. A scheduled for work completion dates, submissions, and presentations can be
found at the end of this proposal, on page 10.
1|Page
The SUNY ESF Gateway Building
Proposal
Consultant // Dr. Houser, T. Dannerth
Erin McCauley
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
…………………..
1
Building Overview
…………………..
3
…………………..
6
Concourse and South Lobby
…………………..
7
Café Seating Area
…………………..
7
ESF College Bookstore
…………………..
8
Observation Deck/Green Roof
..…………………
9
Lighting Depth
Concept Overview
Professional Feedback
..………………… 10
Tasks and Tools
..………………… 11
Electrical Depth
Overview
..………………… 12
High-Efficiency vs. Standard UPS System
...….... 12
Power Factor Correction Analysis
...…… 12
Breadth I - Architecture
Breadth II – Landscape Architecture
Schedule
…………………. 12
….……..... 12
………………….. 13
2|Page
The SUNY ESF Gateway Building
Proposal
Consultant // Dr. Houser, T. Dannerth
Erin McCauley
Building Overview
Location || Syracuse, New York – SUNY ESF Campus
Construction || August 6, 2010 – 2012
Delivery Method || Design - Bid - Build
Project Cost || $28.3 Million
Size || 50,000 Square Feet
Figure 2. View Northeast of the Gateway
Building’s South Entrance and Green Roof 2
Project Team
Owner || The State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Architect || Architerra, Inc
MEP/FP Engineer || vanZelm Engineers, LLC
Structural Engineer || Clarke Engineering and Surveying, P.C.
Construction Manager || Turner Construction Company
Architecture
o
o
o
o
Natural, Contemporary, Sustainable
Exposed wood and steel structure
Bioclimatic Façade: wood veneer, formed metal, low-E triple glazing on 30% of facade
Space types: Conference Center, Administrative Offices, ESF Exhibit, Food Services, Bookstore
Lighting/Electrical
o
Lighting Occupancy Sensors
o
277V, 3 Phase Lighting Circuits
o
Integrated Daylighting Controls
o
4.16 kV Primary Power through ESF
Campus distribution system
o
500kVA Transformer steps-down to
277/480V, 3 Phase, secondary power
Sustainable Features
o
Designed for LEED Platinum Certification
o
100kW array of solar photovoltaic cells
o
Generated more energy than it consumes
o
Vegetated green roof and observation deck
o
Natural ventilation with radiant heat flooring
o
Abundant use of natural materials
3|Page
The SUNY ESF Gateway Building
Consultant // Dr. Houser, T. Dannerth
Proposal
Erin McCauley
Spatial Layout and Renderings
Figure 3. Floor Plans 3
Figure 4. Interior Rendering looking South
– Concourse and South Lobby 2
Figure 5. Interior Rendering looking South
– Café Seating 2
4|Page
The SUNY ESF Gateway Building
Consultant // Dr. Houser, T. Dannerth
Proposal
Erin McCauley
Renderings (continued)
Figure 6. Interior Rendering looking Northwest – ESF College Bookstore 2
Figure 7. Exterior Rendering looking Northeast – Green Roof and Observation Deck 2
5|Page
The SUNY ESF Gateway Building
Consultant // Dr. Houser, T. Dannerth
Proposal
Erin McCauley
Lighting Depth
As the Gateway Building’s name suggests, it will serve as a “gateway” and representation
for future high-performance buildings, to educate and inspire the ESF College Community and
visitors to achieve sustainable lifestyle choices.1 My proposed lighting design concept for
Gateway Building will support the objectives of the building, as well as highlight special features
in the building to attract occupants and intrigue their interest for the natural environment as a
whole.
In support of the ESF College’s goals of consuming as little energy as possible, my
proposed lighting design will follow criteria set forth by the U.S. Green Building Counsel
(USGBC) for LEED Certification, ANSI/ASHREA/IESNA Standard 90.1, and Illuminating
Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) Lighting Handbook (2011). In choosing new
luminaire and lamp combinations for lighting the four redesigned spaces, my goal is to achieve
to lowest possible Lighting Power Density (LDP), without compromising on task functionality.
The architecture of the Gateway Building provides ample daylighting to many spaces
throughout, which will aid in reducing the overall power consumed by the lighting systems.
During the day, natural daylight will fill most of the four spaces to be redesigned and provide a
bright, open environment for occupants to enjoy the benefits sunlight and appreciate outdoor
views.
At night or during darker hours, to achieve a naturally inviting and cozy, organic lighting
scheme, the proposed luminaires will be integrated with the architecture, which divides the
spaces and is made of natural materials; in some instances, they may be recessed to brighten a
particular attraction without distracting from it, or luminaires will maintain an organic aesthetic
to create an additional connection to natural elements. The publicly lit spaces of the Gateway
Building will provide contrasting environments to…
o subconsciously, guide occupants to their desired destinations.
o attract attention to earthy architectural features.
o provide a cozy, appropriately bright environment for occupants to enjoy what the
Gateway Building has to offer.
The following four pages describe my lighting design proposal for the Concourse and
South Lobby, Café Seating Area, ESF College Bookstore, and Observation Deck/Green Roof.
The lighting design concept for each of the spaces is introduced and followed by a Lighting
Layer table, to summarize the proposed lighting layout. The proposed lighting design precedent
photos and lighting plans can be found in Technical Report 3 (Presentation).
6|Page
The SUNY ESF Gateway Building
Consultant // Dr. Houser, T. Dannerth
Proposal
Erin McCauley
Space 1: Concourse and South Lobby
The goal of my proposed lighting design for Concourse and South Lobby is to…
o
o
o
o
o
o
highlight the south entrance to the Gateway Building.
attract occupants to ESF Exhibit display wall.
guide circulation down the corridor.
highlight architectural elements.
provide sufficient ambient/task brightness.
use low wattage lighting systems.
Table 1. Lighting Layers for the Concourse and South Lobby
Layer Location/luminaire Purpose
S. Lobby
o Highlight Destination
1a
Vestibule Roof
o Highlight Architecture
Mounting
Roof
Surface
Type
flood
Lighting
up;
Ceiling
Source
LED
2a
S. Lobby
Vestibule
o Ambient Light
o Guide Circulation
Ceiling
Recessed
strip
down;
Entry
LED
3a
Central columns
and “branches”
o Highlight Architecture
o Guide Circulation
Floor/Col.
Recessed
spot
up;
Structure
LED
3a
Exhibit wall soffit
Cove,
Surface
strip
up; Wall,
Ceiling
Linear
Fluor.
4a
Exhibit Cases
o
o
o
o
o
5a
Café Servery
6a
7a
8a
Guide Circulation
Ambient Light
Highlight Destination
Guide Circulation
Ambient Light
Ceiling
Recessed
accent
adjustable;
displays
LED
o Highlight Destination
Ceiling
Suspended
globe
omnidirectional
CFL
Café Servery
o Task Light
Cabinet
Recessed
strip
down;
checkout
LED
Concourse seating
area
West Seating
Alcoves
o
o
o
o
Floor
Surface
Ceiling
Recessed
Task Light
Ambient Light
Highlight Architecture
Ambient Light
decorative
flood
up/down;
seating
down;
wood wall
CFL/
LED
LED
Space 2: Café Seating Area
The lighting design for the Café Seating Area will evoke a psychological impression of
openness and relaxation. The area’s spatial relationship to the South Lobby and Concourse
already suggests a continuous, free flowing transition into the Café Seating Area. To maintain
the open extension of surrounding spaces, the proposed lighting design for the Café Seating Area
will draw from lighting layers (3a and 8a) that are used in the Concourse to highlight structural
columns and wood clad, seating alcoves that are also present in the Café Seating Area. These
architectural elements line the perimeter of the Café Seating space
7|Page
The SUNY ESF Gateway Building
Consultant // Dr. Houser, T. Dannerth
Proposal
Erin McCauley
Another lighting feature that will be mimicked from the Café Servery, across the
Concourse, is the use of the same organic, decorative pendants; except in the Seating Area, these
pendants will be larger to match the spatial scale and include an integrated downlight to increase
ambient light levels. Using delicate, earthy decorative pendants over the Café Seating tables will
provide a more intimate atmosphere, with additional touches of natural plant life. The use of
organic lighting fixtures will stimulate occupants’ connection to nature, which is the basis for my
lighting design in promoting a relaxing space.
Because the Café Seating Area is slightly more formal (by the nature of a café eatery)
than the Concourse, I am proposing to add a decorative light sculpture (Layer 4b) suspended
throughout this area’s ceiling structures. Since the structural columns in the middle of the space
have branch-like diagonal support members stemming from mid-column, they resemble bare
trees. My proposed light sculpture is inspired by the warm glowing colors of autumn trees.
Small LED colored globes will be suspended from the ceiling, (either as mono-points or a
conjoined mesh) with the highest concentration stemming from the column next to the Café
Seating Area. This decorative lighting element with add some sparkle to the Café Seating Area,
while encouraging a connection to one of many peoples favorite natural phenomenons.
With more decorative lighting than other surrounding spaces, the Café Seating Area will
become more of its own relaxing space, while still creating an open feeling by lighting the
perimeter with similar methods that are proposed for the surrounding spaces.
Table 2. Lighting Scheme for the Café Seating
Area Location
Layer
Purpose
South Wall o Highlight Architecture
1b
Columns
o Brighten Perimeter
West
o Highlight Architecture
2b
Seating
o Ambient Light
Alcoves
o Brighten Perimeter
o Highlight Destination
Café
3b
o Ambient Light
Seating (A)
o Relaxing, connection to nature
4b
Café
Seating (D)
o Highlight Destination
o Relaxing, connection to nature
Mounting
Floor/Col.
Recessed
Type
spot
Lighting
up;
Structure
Source
LED
Ceiling
Recessed
flood
down;
wood wall
LED
Ceiling
Suspended
lrg
globe
down and
omnidirectional
LED
Ceiling
Suspended
tiny
globes
omnidirectional
LED
Space 3: ESF College Bookstore
The goal of my proposed lighting design for the College Bookstore is to create bright
natural lighting that is adjustable, to focus light on special merchandise displays that will be
changing sometimes. My inspiration for the new ceiling design in the bookstore comes from
clouds in the sky because lighting clouds are often used for special purpose interior spaces.
FILLER
8|Page
The SUNY ESF Gateway Building
Consultant // Dr. Houser, T. Dannerth
Proposal
Erin McCauley
These white organically shaped clouds will have recessed multi-head, adjustable accent lights
within them, as well some cove lighting to mimic the glow of sunlight from behind a cloud.
Near the center of the room (but closer to the cashiers station), the ceiling will have a “break” in
the suspended clouds, where a circular, convex lensed luminaire will be recessed into the ceiling
to provide greater ambient light at the register, while portraying the sun peaking through the
clouds.
Table 3. Lighting Scheme for the ESF College Bookstore Area
Layer Location
1c
Bookstore
Clouds
2c
Bookstore
Clouds
3c
Bookstore
Ceiling
Purpose
o Highlight Feature Display
o Brighten Perimeter
o Ambient Light
o Highlight Architecture
o Connection to Nature
o Highlight Destination
o Ambient and Task Light
o Connection to Nature
Mounting
Type
Lighting
Ceiling
Recessed
multiaccent
adjustable;
displays
Cove
Surface
Ceiling
Suspended
rope
decor.
down
up; ceiling,
clouds
down;
cashier’s
line
Source
LED
LED
LED
Space 4: Observation Deck/Green Roof
My proposed lighting design for the Observation Deck and Green Roof includes three
schematic design options. The lighting in this space will only be used at night and mostly likely,
only when the space is occupied. The lighting design for the Green Roof will enhance its natural
plant life which normally wouldn’t be seen much at night without a full moon. Also, the lighting
will guide occupants along the observation deck and “point out” possible destinations.
Schematic lighting design one draws inspiration from a new Spanish LED luminaire
Halley, by Vibia. The outdoor luminaire is built into a free standing arch, which is very streamline and versatile. The LED strip arches over the area to be lit, similar to a comet 4; it will
provide generous ambient light over benches to provide task lighting and guide circulation.
Also in this lighting scheme, the steel picket fence that surrounds the observation deck will
accented with small LED spot lights between the pickets, similar to the lighting of the Sackler
Crossing (Kew Bridge), designed by Speirs and Major.
Table 4.1 Lighting Scheme ONE for the Observation Deck/Green Roof
Layer Location
1d
Arching Over
Benches
2d
Perimeter of
Observation
Deck
Purpose
o Highlight Destinations
o Ambient Light
o Guide Circulation
o Highlight Arch. & Green Roof
o Guide Circulation
o Brighten Perimeter
Mounting Type
Deck
Surface
Deck
Surface
Lighting Source
down;
linear
bench
LED
arch
areas
spot
up; steel
fence
LED
9|Page
The SUNY ESF Gateway Building
Consultant // Dr. Houser, T. Dannerth
Proposal
Erin McCauley
Schematic lighting design two used only one luminaire type – a ground recessed strip
light. These luminaires will be used on the Observation Deck to guide occupants through the
pathways and the lighting will be more concentrated at benches and building entries to increase
ambient lighting in these locations. Some of the luminaires will also be scattered throughout the
Green Roof to uplight portions of the foliage. This application will add depth and interest to the
Green Roof.
Table 4.2 Lighting Scheme TWO for the Observation Deck/Green Roof
Layer Location
1e
Observation
Deck and
Green Roof
Purpose
o Highlight Destinations
o Ambient Light
o Guide Circulation
o Highlight Green Roof
Mounting Type
Deck
Recessed; linear
Roof
strip
Surface
Lighting
Source
up;
pathway;
plant life
LED/
Linear
Fluor.
The third schematic lighting design draws inspiration from the idea of lightening bug
sparkling throughout a field. Tiny LED puck lights will be mounted on short poles, scattered
throughout the Green Roof plant life, which will light some of the plants and add interesting
layers of light to the roof greenery. This lighting scheme provides the least amount of brightness,
but really allows occupants to become more in touch with their natural surroundings on the
Green Roof. To add some ambient light to the Observation Deck, small in-grade LED uplights
will be spaced along the perimeter of the deck to guide occupants along the pathways.
Table 4.3 Lighting Scheme THREE for the Observation Deck/Green Roof
Layer Location
1f
Scattered through
plant life
2f
Perimeter of
Observation Deck
Purpose
o Ambient Light
o Highlight Green Roof
o Connection to Nature
Mounting Type
Lighting
Source
Pole
puck
horizontally;
foliage
LED
o Guide Circulation
o Ambient Light
Deck
Recessed
puck
up;
Observation
deck
LED
Professional’s Feedback
After presenting my Technical Report 3, Schematic Lighting Design to a panel of lighting
design professionals, I was able to get to feedback on their thoughts of my proposed lighting
design. This is similar to a real life scenario where an owner/architect/lighting team would
evaluate and critique the conceptual light design, so an improvement can be made for the next
phase.
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The SUNY ESF Gateway Building
Consultant // Dr. Houser, T. Dannerth
Proposal
Erin McCauley
Space 1: Concourse and S. Lobby
o
o
o
o
o
Light levels may be too low.
Show all fixtures on one plan.
Try a more natural lighting effect at the west wall seating alcoves.
Look into café servery lighting requirements.
Floor lamps may be too breakable.
Space 2: Café Seating Area
o Don’t worry about the blinds and glare because people will orient themselves away from glare.
Space 3: ESF College Bookstore
o
o
Light levels may be too low.
Make sure the ceiling isn’t too distracting from the merchandise.
o Add more lighting to make the space “pop”.
Space 4: Observation Deck/Green Roof
o
o
o
o
Show the effects of interior lighting on the space.
Add more vertical lighting near the doors.
Show the uplights better in schematic design three.
Add more vertical illuminance.
Tasks and Tools for Executing the Proposed Lighting Design
o Modeling of Spaces:
The four spaces to be redesign will be modeled using Autodesk
Revit Architecture by referencing Construction documents and
renderings by the architect.
o Design Development: In this phase, all of the lamps, luminaires and ballasts will be
selected to provide the desired lighting effects and power
consumption.
o Calculations: Calculations using AGI32 Lighting Analysis will be performed in
the Design Development phase to make sure the proper equipment
is selected. Lighting Power Density and Light Trespass
calculations will also be performed to make sure the selected
equipment is operating under LEED standards.
o Final Renderings and Documentation: Computer generated renderings will be created
using Autodesk Revit Architecture and AGI32 to depict the final
lighting design. A Microsoft PowerPoint presentation will be
made to convey all of the final light design facets.
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The SUNY ESF Gateway Building
Consultant // Dr. Houser, T. Dannerth
Proposal
Erin McCauley
Electrical Depth
The Electrical Depth study for Spring 2012 will cover a redesigning of branch circuit
distribution for the new lighting design, a protective device coordination study, and a short
circuit analysis for the redesigned branch circuits in the following spaces:
o
o
o
o
Concourse and South Lobby
Café Seating Area
ESF College Bookstore
Green Roof and Observation Deck
The two Electrical Depth topics are:
o a comparison study on high-efficiency versus standard UPS systems
o a power factor correction analysis for heavy motor loads.
The Gateway Building has an existing design for a standard, static UPS system. Electrical depth
topic one will compare the cost savings and feasibility of using a high-efficiency UPS system
instead. The second Electrical Depth topic will perform a power factor correction analysis on
the existing motor starters for the building because some have low power factors of 0.8. This
correction could reduce the amount of wasted energy in powering the building’s mechanical
motors and improve their efficiency. Both of my proposed Electrical Depth studies are aimed at
reducing the overall energy consumption of the Gateway Building.
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The SUNY ESF Gateway Building
Consultant // Dr. Houser, T. Dannerth
Proposal
Erin McCauley
Architectural Breadth
The proposed Architectural Breadth study will include: a redesigning of the College
Bookstore ceiling; new architectural columns in the Concourse seating area which will include
tree/branch like aesthetic and integrated lighting; a comparison aimed at substituting more
sustainable finish materials for the walls, floors, columns and furniture throughout the Gateway
Building.
The ceiling in the Bookstore will incorporate architectural ceiling clouds that are
integrated with the new lighting design for the space. Applying a more organic and intriguing
ceiling in the bookstore will draw occupants in and build on the college’s theme for the
appreciation of nature. The new ceiling clouds will be placed at varying heights and they will
have unique, soft shapes. They will be painted to look like real clouds in the sky, but they will
have a subtle design so as not to distract from the merchandise in the Bookstore. Sustainable
materials and practices will be implemented in the construction of the new ceiling. See pages
20-22 in Technical Report 3 for schematic design concepts for this ceiling.
Architectural columns throughout the Concourse seating area will distinguish the area as
a separate space and take the place of floor lamps. The columns would have branches similar to
the larger structural columns but the branches would have task lights on their ends and would be
adjustable by occupants. Like other architectural alterations, sustainable materials and practices
will be implemented in the construction of these columns.
Landscape Architecture Breadth
The proposed Landscape Architecture Breadth will include a fully redesigned Green
Roof and Observation Deck. The pathways and plant bed arrangement will be designed to entice
occupants on a journey through the space to discover the beauty and sustainable benefits of
native plant life that will be integrated with the building (façade). Also, a rain garden will be
incorporated with the landscape which will act as another model for sustainability and feed a
large sculptural water feature, which will in turn provide a symbolic indicator of the amount of
rainfall for the campus. This water feature will be designed by myself and will have on large
origin sculpture which will supply rainwater to smaller sculptural streams that will branch out to
various portions of the green roof.
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The SUNY ESF Gateway Building
Consultant // Dr. Houser, T. Dannerth
Proposal
Erin McCauley
Schedule
Lighting/Electrical Option
Week
9-Jan
16-Jan
23-Jan
30-Jan
6-Feb
13-Feb
20-Feb
27-Feb
5-Mar
12-Mar
19-Mar
26-Mar
2-Apr
9-Apr
16-Apr
23-Apr
30-Apr
Architectural Engineering Senior Thesis - Spring Schedule
Focus
Activity
All
Finalize Schematic Design
Ltg/Arch Finish Model for Concourse and Cafe
All
Revise Proposal if necessary
Ltg/Arch Design Development – AGI/Revit
Arch/Ltg Model Bookstore
Ltg/Arch Prepare Submission for Milestone 1
Elect.
Create new Electrical Dwg for the Concourse and Bookstore
Milestone 1 (27-Jan): Architectural Breadth mostly complete
Ltg/Arch Finalize models main floor models
Elect
Finish Branch Distribution drawings for main floor spaces
Ltg
AGI calcs for main floor spaces
Ltg/Elec Complete most main floor Renderings
/Arch
UPS Depth Study; Prep Submission #1
Elect
Submission #1 (10-Feb): 1st space done; UPS Depth substantially complete
Milestone 2 (13-Feb): Lighting for Spaces 1-3 substantially complete
Elect
Gather data and findings for UPS comparison; Prepare for present./report
Elect
Begin Power Correction Analysis for heavy motor loads
Elect
Continue to work on Elec. Depth topics
Elect
Analyze protective coordination and short circuits for new branch circuits
Elect
Prepare report and presentation for Elect
LArch
Research: tools, techniques and materials
Larch
Schematic Design
Milestone 3 (2-Mar): Electrical Depth mostly complete
Spring Break
LArch
Model Green Roof
LArch/Lt Design Development; Calculations for the Green Roof
Elect
Submission #2 (16-Mar): 2nd space done; PF Correction substantially done
LArch/lt Renderings
LArch
Prepare report/presentation
Elect
Complete new branch distribution drawings for the Green Roof
Milestone 4 (26-Mar): All Depth and Breadth Topics mostly compete
All
Finalize Documentation and Renderings
All
Finalize Presentation
All
Revise and Finalize Report
Final Written Report Due (4-Apr)
Faculty Jury Presentations
Senior Banquet Presentations (4/27)
Finals Week
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The SUNY ESF Gateway Building
Consultant // Dr. Houser, T. Dannerth
Proposal
Erin McCauley
Works Cited
1. College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York.
ESF Gateway Building Description. SUNY-ESF, 2011. Web. 22 Dec. 2011.
<http://www.esf.edu/sustainability/gatewaybuilding.pdf>.
2. Architerra, Inc. JPEGs for ESF Development. N.d. JPEG file.
3. Architerra, Inc. Construction Documents - Gateway Building. N.d. PDF file.
4. Vibia Design. Halley. 2011. Luminaire. Grupo T Diffusion, Spain.
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The SUNY ESF Gateway Building