ART itectural Lighting

I really love my job. Everyday there are more and more things that I get to do that I would never had imagined. Along my pathway of studies, I have been fortunate to study about lighting. Lighting can truly make a project so much more. Interior spaces can change moods by providing the right types of illumination. It isn't so much the fixture selective but how to develop the concept of the "way" you light up the space or activity. 

The exterior of a building is equally important. There are all sorts of ways and theories regarding the philosophy of lighting. Do you light up the entire building? Do you focus on just an accent point like the top or entry? Do you light up from inside? The process can be different for every type of architecture. I have seen some very nice successful examples around Hampton Roads......and I have also seen some extreme failures. Those that thought, "I will just stick this fixture on the wall and it will take care of itself." It doesn't happen that way. Not even close!

I really feel blessed with having been afforded the opportunity to develop these skills over the years. A little help and encouragement from my friends at First Light and a few travels to various Light Fairs have expanded my knowledge of the RIGHT fixtures to use for a job. 90% of the time you want to see the light itself and its effects.....not necessarily see the fixture.

In so many of our projects we can study the lighting effects in our computers models. This gives us a chance to play and perfect our ideas a little beforehand. Much different than in the old days. However on critical issues we still need to do the mock up samples so we can see the effects. Just like last night. 

The thing with mock ups are they all need to take place at night. We couldn't start work until after 8PM but for this task it was super important. The study was illuminating sculptures at a private residence. I have admired these pieces for years but to look at them with a renewed appreciation was to look at them at night with just the right lighting and at the right angle. You could see the art work in a whole new light...PUN INTENDED!

Again, I love my work......oh yeah, it's not work when you have so much fun!

Have an ILLUMINATING Day my friends. If you need help on lighting up your projects, be sure to call us.

Ionic DeZign Studios

www.ionicdezigns.com

D. Eugene Thompson

"Where art and architecture come together."

Lighting IP Rating Guide

An architect has a huge opportunity to make a big difference on a project by choosing proper lighting....

I should really say that the architect has a RESPONSIBILITY to create that architecture with proper lighting. So many times we have had our projects cut short because an owner fails to see the value of quality lighting. There is a difference......and there will be a difference....just wait and see. Now I am all about understanding the budget and working within those perimeters. Not always is it about an expensive fixture....many times it is about creative design strategies with lighting. At IONIC, one of our huge strengths is using and understanding the principles of lighting, along with some help from our friends at First Light.

Let us help you on your next project. Here is a chart below for you to see when it comes to the rating system of fixtures......just one small piece in the puzzle of figuring out the right light for your project.

IPFirst number - Protection against solid objects

0	No special protection
1	Protected against solid objects over 50 mm, e.g. accidental touch by persons hands.
2	Protected against solid objects over 12 mm, e.g. persons fingers.
3	Protected against solid objects over 2.5 mm (tools and wires).
4	Protected against solid objects over 1 mm (tools, wires, and small wires).
5	Protected against dust limited ingress (no harmful deposit).
6	Totally protected against dust.

IP Second number - Protection against liquids

0	No protection.
1	Protection against vertically falling drops of water e.g. condensation.
2	Protection against direct sprays of water up to 15o from the vertical.
3	Protected against direct sprays of water up to 60o from the vertical.
4	Protection against water sprayed from all directions - limited ingress permitted.
5	Protected against low pressure jets of water from all directions - limited ingress.
6	Protected against temporary flooding of water, e.g. for use on ship decks - limited ingress permitted.
7	Protected against the effect of immersion between 15 cm and 1 m.
8	Protects against long periods of immersion under pressure.

Ionic DeZign Studios

www.ionicdezigns.com

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

president + founder

Lighting DeZign

This last week I was afforded the opportunity to visit a major lighting manufacturer in Milwaukee to how they design, market, and manufacture their products.  We been blessed with the ability to see many LightFair Conventions where literally thousands of lighting manufacturers are presenting their wares. Many times these shows are only able to present their newest products to the site seerers. These shows are great to get a quick overview of all the pertinent vendors. Perfect glimpse of the lighting possibilities.  I have enjoyed each and every one of these.

What could be better? Being able to see the manufacturer in a one on one setting. Our visit to Visa Lighting in Milwaukee allowed to create a personal relationship with the manufacturer with thanks to our local representative Lighting Virginia. Without these fantastic team members we at IONIC have been afforded the best option to succeed. With team members like these, who can possibility fail? You might have already read on some of our posts about how we promote the idiosyncrasy of the value to team members and our promotion of unity. IONIC means team!

Rick and Jimalee presented an awesome view into their team with presentation of the company's newest marketing efforts, product launch and proposes of environmental and economical strategies supporting our client and our design perimeters. By focusing on these financial issues that are beyond the realm of quality lighting and affordable value. This is some thing at we at IONIC value.  My friends in Milwaukee, you just won our loyalty.

A presentation this last week in their current lighting library including the new introduction of family fixtures was inspiring.  I came away with many ideas on the projects that we could use them on. Our small visiting group received the opportunity to see and understand better their manufacturing capabilities. We walked through their plant with Mark and saw their production process and how they resort to modify standards to meet the needs of custom designs. A very accommodating approach to our of our design desires.  Many thanks to Dan and Bonnie for their contribution to our trip. They gave us a warm feeling of "home" while we were there. Information and sharing was their priority. I thank you for that. A special thanks to Tracy as she kept us running, kept us on time, kept us well fed, and was a special host!

IONIC looks forward to the many project collaborations in the near future......And visits to the Milwaukee area!