Overview
Plans for a renovation project to bring The University of British Columbia’s Forest Sciences Centre theatre up to date included the installation of new LED lighting for the stairs. BL Lighting was called on to provide a decorative and functional solution with BL Fixform ST5921, to create a sleek modern effect and add wayfinding, safety, and accent lighting.
Design Elevation
Improving illumination and safety were at the forefront of the remodel challenge, which involved the removal of inefficient and outdated chair lights, and an upgrade with new LED stair lights to achieve highly visible step delineation, along with energy cost savings. The selected option clearly marks the edge of every single step in the theatre, for easily identifiable changes in elevation. This facilitates ease of movement, and enhances safety, by reducing the risk of trips and slips on the stairs in low light conditions.
Tailored Lighting Solutions
BL Lighting provided a versatile and tailored lighting package by preparing and custom assembling each individual LED strip to specified, custom lengths. The extruded aluminum base track and built in optic lens are easily field cuttable, for efficient adaptation to site conditions. The final installation on site consists of the prefab nosing with built in LED, and an optic lens which removes glare and provides a softening effect, diffusing the down light and protecting the LED from dust and damage. The functional and durable tread nosing is engineered with a built-in step to floor reducer for a smooth and safe transition from one surface to another.
These enhancements permit staff and students to safely navigate the auditorium aisles during darkened lighting conditions, while adding a contemporary linear effect. Even with full house lights on, the BL Fixform ST5921 with the integrated BL Flexform D2 3500K provide just the right light, and the elevated design is both striking and dramatic
Housing the Faculty’s three departments, a cafeteria, study areas, computer labs, office space, teaching laboratories, 11 classrooms and 2 lecture theatres, the UBC Forest Sciences Centre was completed in 1998, and showcases construction using Canadian forest products. Known for providing superior support and delivering sustainable lighting systems, BL Lighting is proud to have been selected to be part of the upgrade, providing a locally manufactured solution that complements the refreshed, modern interior of the lecture hall.
Sean Pacey, President of BL Lighting, commented, ” As an alumnus of UBC, it was such a pleasure to be involved in the theatre rejuvenation project. Our stair lighting provides a perfect solution for safety of staff and students, and I am very happy with the results!”
Mac’s II Agencies Lighting Design Team, in collaboration with O’M Engineering and Steele Electric, executed an effective, and beautiful application of BL Lighting’s BL Fixform ST5921 and BL Flexform D2 lighting package, resulting in an impressive transformation of the space. The twin sets of stairs occupy the heart of the theater, accommodating simultaneous horizontal and vertical motion, in an eye-catching and appealing geometric form.
The Right Step
The final installation uplifts the space to a whole new level, with parallel sets of stairs beautifully revitalized with chic, modern lines, and safety in mind.
With over 30 years of experience in the design and manufacture of step lighting and accessories, BL Lighting offers custom solutions and support with a comprehensive suite of resources that include detailed product and technical information for all our lighting systems.
