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the store. This will prevent flat, dull and uninviting spaces. The
goal of retail lighting should always be improved merchandizing
and higher sales.”
The design of the Ceil Newport Beach store presented a
unique lighting challenge to the design team. The store-layered
space design and the mix of furniture displays and small accessories
displays dictated a diverse approach to lighting. It was
decided early on in the design process to downplay the source
of light, in keeping with the minimalist design as a background
to the products on display.
The store features five distinct lighting themes. Theme one is
designed to provide ambient and accent lighting within the
hard gypsum board ceiling. Black track lights carrying low voltage
50 W MR 16 lamps were recessed above the ceiling within
rectilinear cutouts. The space above the cutouts was painted
black to conceal the lighting luminaires. This solution allows
for clean uninterrupted ceiling plan and at the floor level flexibility,
brightness and fluidity. The lighting provides additional
rhythm and sense of order.
Under the exposed structure, displaying and lighting furniture
required a different solution. Low voltage cable lighting
systems with small 50 W MR 16 lamps stretch inconspicuously
between wood beams, highlighting individual groupings of
furniture or “rooms” in intensity, clarity and specificity unique
to this lighting source. This solution allows for flexibility that is
needed for the ever-changing display in the furniture store. It
provides sparkle, creates intimacy in the space, adds interest
and attracts patrons to explore the
various displays.
The third lighting condition
responds to the need to provide
flooded light localized within each
recessed display niche. The designers
looked for a cost effective solution
that would be easy to maintain
and would be low in heat generation.
After reviewing different
options, it was decided to use
3000K T8 fluorescent fixtures with
electronic ballasts, which were
placed in a concealed space specially
designed for each display
niche. The end result is a soft light
that floods the products without
any glare.
For the cash wrap area, the
designers decided to introduce a
different and contrasting light source. By spacing pendant
lights over the uniquely shaped service island, a distinction is
made between this area and the rest of the store.
The fifth and last lighting condition is specific to the circulation
corridor connecting between the various furniture display
“rooms.” This 4 ft wide corridor is defined by steel columns
and wood beams with a 4 in. void in between. luorescent strips with T8 lams
and electronic ballasts were integrated into the void; the lamps are coated with
color gel and the effect is a pattern of light, rhythm and color.
Ciel Home at Fashion Island is attractive to patrons when viewed from the
outside, and when they enter the store, the first impression is positive and the
visual clarity is high. Patrons feel safe and comfortable due to balanced ambient
lighting. The merchandise is well illuminated with enhanced colors.
Lighting is layered and creates elements of interest that attract people to linger
longer. According to Louie, “Good lighting design will enhance the look of the
store while taking in consideration human feelings
and physiological responses.”
Ciel Home stands out among the stores at
Fashion Island as an example of a welldesigned
store that responds to the need for
proper lighting. The lighting design for the
store received an International Illumination
Design Award of Merit.
The designers: Arie Louie, LC is a
lighting designer with numerous
International Illumination Design
awards. With more than 16 years of
architectural lighting design experience
and a background in theatrical
and motion pictures lighting, his
designs range from corporate and
office spaces, to retail, hospitality and
restaurants, historical sites, residential
and landscape lighting. He has been a
member of IESNA for seven years.
Ilan Baldinger is a registered architect
in the states of Arizona and
California. In 20 years of architectural
practice Baldinger has compiled a
substantial body of architectural work, varying in scope
from uniquely crafted residential projects to mix-use high
rise urban complexes.
(above) The product wall is illuminated by concealed
3000K T8 fluorescent fixtures with electronic ballasts.
(right) Inside a false wall, MR 16 ceiling detail provides product lighting.
(opposite) For the cash wrap area the designers
decided to introduce a different and contrasting light source.
By spacing pendant lights over the uniquely shaped service
46 LD+A/May 2001 www.iesna.org