ProjeCtUBC Museum of Anthropology

Category Vision Award for interior lighting Design

Lighting deSignerSAES Engineering (Doug McMillan, Andy Su)

LoCationVancouver, BC

oWnerBrannen Bell

PhotograPhy Ema Peter

the Museum of Anthropology required a creative solution to transform a dark theatre space into an inviting, dynamic environment for a new gallery. With only one window, the existing space, had very limited natural light, so a unique approach had to be taken.

The concept was to create a ceiling-mounted softbox lighting system that would form a seamless component of the architectural design and emulate the colour temperature of the daylight outside the gallery. the colour tuning of the fabric ceiling allows the occupant to see the art as it would be seen in its natural environment. Continuously changing lighting provides a different perspective on the exhibit, depending on the time of day and outdoor lighting conditions. this presents the perfect showcase for indigenous artifacts that are intended to be experienced in an exterior setting.

This first-of-its-kind approach required the creation of a custom sensor that would sense the colour temperature and intensity of the exterior daylight. This sensor would then send the information to the interior lighting controls every three minutes. On a bright, summer day, the room would be lit on its brightest setting with the colour matching the daylight. On a cloudy day, the intensity inside would be reduced, and the colour would be cooler. the luminaries can also be overridden manually to ensure flexibility for special events.

the large, luminous ceiling panel creates the sense of openness above, making the room feel larger with the colour temperature matching the natural light of the small window. Visitors experience a level of immersion and dimension forgetting they are standing in an interior gallery.

UBC Museum of Anthropology | Vancouver, BC

aeS engineeringDoug McMillan & Andy Su

IESBC VISION AWARD