Senior Thesis in Lighting Booklet

ABSTRACT

Air travel can create a unique type of anxiety and stress for travelers, and airports can often be chaotic, crowded, and hard to navigate. Specific interventions in the lighting design in an airport can create a more pleasant and human-centered travel experience which emphasizes a sense of arrival, mitigates jet-lag & circadian disruption, and keeps foot traffic moving efficiently without contributing to travel anxiety. In order to support the circadian rhythm of air travelers, daylight strategies can be implemented into to the space, as well as including different scenes with variable color temperatures. multiple light layers and features that support wayfinding can reduce environmental stressors by promoting efficient traffic flow. Additionally, ambient lighting can create a calmer and more loungelike environment. Design interventions can make better travel experiences more accessible to all classes of travelers. Intentional lighting design in airport spaces is key to supporting the well-being of the users of the space, as well as functionality, and promoting a better ambiance within the environment.

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RESEARCH

CIRCADIAN SUPPORT

Modern air travel can lead to jet lag, which is caused by the disruption of the circadian rhythm due to crossing multiple time zones Over-the-counter medications, such as melatonin, can sometimes help align the circadian rhythm, but they are subject to user error

Research into airplane design has identified various design interventions that may help alleviate jet lag and circadian disruption:

Airbus designed A350 XWB with LEDs for in-flight lighting

Goal: Combat jet lag, a circadian desynchrony caused by long flights

Jet lag disrupts the body’s internal clock, leading to fatigue and disorientation

A350 aims to expose passengers to changing light aligned with the destination’s time zone

The changing light is intended to simulate the natural progression of day into night.

Potential benefit for regular travelers and those at risk of chronic circadian disruptions.

BIOPHILIC DESIGN

The “biophilia hypothesis” suggests an innate tendency to focus on and emotionally connect with life forms This idea extends to architecture, where adopting a holistic approach that replicates the spatial qualities of natural environments is known to promote well-being and positive human responses Research shows that implementing biophilic design in high-stress environments such as airports, can improve user experience

Recommendations include:

Utilizing organic & curved shapes in the design

Incorporating soft lighting for a soothing atmosphere with minimal visual discomfort

Warm color temperature lighting

Integrating natural materials in the space

Access to daylight

WAYFINDING

Static signage is a crucial wayfinding tool in airports, with the complexity of guiding passengers, staff, and various users through these large and often disorienting spaces Research shows that it is importand to design signage and wayfinding interventions that cater to individuals with different abilities, languages, and cultural backgrounds The study stresses the significance of an effective signage system in preventing delays, reducing costs, and enhancing the overall airport experience

Recommendations include:

Consistent signage family (fonts, styles, colors) and a seamless integration approach across all airport areas

Wayfinding work in airports often involves adapting existing signage rather than creating new ones

Signage should be adequately lit so that it is visible under all electric and daylight conditions

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ILLUMINATION TARGETS

IES RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR AIRPORT HOLDING AREAS

HIERARCHY MAP

H V RATIO AGENT COUNTER 30 fc 10 fc 3:1 BOARDING AREA 30 fc 10 fc 3:1 SEATING 15 fc 5 fc 3:1 YOUNG | 3

15 fc 30 fc

PRECEDENT STUDIES

KANSAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

osaka, japan.

When Renzo Piano, the lead architect of Kansai International Airport, designed the airport terminal, he was inspired by an airplane’s wings, hence the corridors are meant resemble an airplane’s spread wings.The terminal became the longest in the world since the main building’s design extended over 700 meters on either side of the structure.

WAYFINDING

Shoji wall at security checkpoint creates spacial division, shaping the desired flow of traffic

Signage in various areas use backlighting to create a contrast, making it easier to read/navigate through the airport

DAYLIGHTING

Large, curved windows follow the architectural motifs of the overall structure, and let in an abundance of daylight. Light-colored surfaces compensate for the daylight only coming from one side of the building, reflecting light around the space and requiring fewer electric sources.

MATERIALITY

Wood flooring and ceiliing features give the space a warmer feel & provides the benefits of natural materials and finishes

The wood finish reflects light from the window, making it appear warmer than the daylight would if reflected off a different surface

SENSE OF DESTINATION

Luminous Shoji wall incorporates a distinct cultural element into the space, creating a sense of destination. The wall also brings up the light level in an area where there is minimal/no daylight and few electric sources

HAMAD

INTERNATIONALAIRPORT

doha,qatar

HamadInternationalAirportinDoha,Qatar,was conceivedtomodernizeaviationinfrastructureand accommodateQatar’seconomicgrowth Theairport’s designblendssleek,futuristicarchitecturewith traditionalQatariandIslamicelements,prioritizing efficiencyandsustainability HIAembodiesQatar’s commitmenttoaglobalaviationhub,seamlessly combininginnovation,culturalidentity,and sustainability HIAisregardedasoneofthebest passengerterminalsintheworld

WAYFINDING

Signageislegibleandadequatelyilluminated Linear fixturesindicatedirectionoftrafficflow,andcustomer serviceareasarehighlighted

DAYLIGHTING

Glassceiling&columnsallowdaylighttofillthespace fromthetoptosomeofthelowestareas Cut-outsinthe curvedceilingallowdaylighttoenterthespace,without havingtocreateafullglassceilinginanareathatwould easilybecomeover-lit

MATERIALITY

Theinclusionofvariousplants&treesinthespace minimizethetraditional“airport”feel Mixedmaterialssuch asdarkwood,metal,andconcreteaddvarietytothespace anddesignateddifferentareasandtheirrespective purposes

SENSEOFDESTINATION

Theuseoflocalmaterials,patterns,anddesignsreflects theculturalidentityofQatarandcreatesasenseofplace withintheairport Numerousartinstallationsandsculptures placedthroughouttheairportcontributetotheaesthetic appealandculturalambianceofthespace

DENVER

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

denver, colorado.

Architect Curtis Fentress drew his design inspiration from the natural and cultural features of Colorado. The iconic roof of the main terminal mimics the peaks of the Rocky Mountains, paying homage to the state’s mountainous landscape. Native American influences are woven into the airport’s design, reflecting the rich heritage of the indigenous people of the region. The architecture also nods to the western pioneer legacy, capturing the spirit of exploration and settlement. The warm color palette is intended to evoke the hues of a Colorado sunset or sunrise, emphasizing the natural beauty of the state.

WAYFINDING

Horizontal lighting along the walkways acts as a wayfinding element. The combination of warmer and cooler color temperatures createsdistinct layers and shifts into the right; the use of ceiling fixtures ensures that there is sufficient light without daylight present.

DAYLIGHTING

The white ceiling canopy allows for daylight to be diffused throughout the space, providing an even general illumination. Large windows and clerestories on either side of the terminal provide even daylight throughout the space, helping users transition to the local time zone

MATERIALITY

The materials in the space include terazzo flooring, glass walls, light wall finish, stone, and metal. These finished call back to the natural elements that can be found in Colorado.

SENSE OF DESTINATION

The sculpted roof canopy of DIA mimics the snowcapped Rocky Mountains, the rugged covered wagons of pioneer settlers, and Native American teepees. Art installations such as murals and sculptures reflect various parts of Colorado’s history & culture

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SCHEMATIC DESIGN

CONCEPT

MOVEMENT:

move·ment /ˈ moovm(ə)nt/

the act of changing physical location 1 a change or development 2

SKETCHES

Movement extends beyond mere physical motion and can involve the representation of energy, emotion, and change over time. All motion influences other motion and relies on synergy to occur. movement is the travel experience, not only through physical relocation, but through expansion, exploration, and connection Movement is both stimulated & stimulating, reflective & reactive, and by nature, uncertain & exciting.