REIMAGINING '60S ARCHITECTURE with
LEDs
By RANDY REID
Photo credit: PureEdge Lighting
In the heart of Phoenix, where Central Avenue intersects with Missouri, stands a testament to mid-century modern architecture: the Olympus multifamily dwelling. Built in the 1960s, this structure epitomizes the era’s design aesthetics with its distinctive concrete barrel vaults and exoskeleton that seamlessly flows into the interior of each unit. Yet, while the design remains timeless, the lighting within these spaces required a contemporary upgrade— one that honors the original architecture while infusing modern technology. Chad Rothe, principal of Lightform Lighting, was approached by Janet Traylor, the HOA president, based on a strong referral. Traylor's dissatisfaction with the standard six-inch flat panel LEDs, installed by a contractor, sparked the transformative journey of the Olympus project's lighting design. "We aimed to respect the architecture while delivering on modern lighting needs. The in-wall LED solution we implemented was not just about illumination; it was about paying homage to the building's design," Chad shared. His approach was to employ a brand-new product that would accentuate the building's unique barrel vaults without the need for recessed fixtures, especially important given the arched concrete ceiling. This innovative thinking stemmed from his desire to preserve the essence of the building's design while also enhancing functionality. "Every LED manufacturer produces LED tape, but what Greg Kay of PureEdge Lighting has created is truly forward-thinking. He calls it a Laser Line, and it resembles a laser beam shooting across the sky," explained Chad.
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designing lighting