CHALLENGES
The Convention Center Parking Facility was to be a new parking garage in Center City Philadelphia. The architect's vision was to have a mesh scrim that obscured the view of the parking garage beyond. In addition to this main feature, the garage was to be a "Green" garage featuring Electric car charging stations, a green roof and energy efficient systems.
INSIGHTS
In order to create something interesting to block the direct view of the parking garage, lighting could be used to highlight the mesh, and could even be used to create a unique statement. By selecting the correct fixture, the light fixtures in the garage could be spaced further and use less energy than traditional sources. Because the garage was being placed so close to the adjacent church, fixtures needed to be placed in the alley to light the churches stained glass windows.
RESULTS
The lighting of the facade has 40 presets including lighting designs for Holidays, special events and even a scene where the facade appears to be a piano playing the theme from "Rocky" . The energy usage of the garage is just about 0.2 W/SqFt, while the illumination levels and uniformity are unmatched in a similar facility. The adjacent church is grazed with light and can be viewed from the lobby through a glass wall. This project was awarded an IES Award of Merit at both the Local and National Level.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Owner: Realen Properties
Client: Realen Properties
Date Completed: 2013
Award Winning Project -
National Level IES
Illumination Award of Merit
Philadelphia Section IES
Illumination Award of Merit
VIDEO OF FACADE LIGHTING