Presidio Chapel Historic Structure Report - Presidio Trust

PRESIDIO CHAPEL (BUILDING 130)SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIAThe chandeliers are currently on two switches, with one controlling the candlesand the other controlling the lights within. This arrangement would stay thesame, but both circuits would be dimmable. These fixtures could also be hungslightly lower to facilitate re-lamping with a standard-size ladder.There are also two existing sconces flanking the pulpit. They are not original tothe building and have been electrified using Wiremold. They are too underscaledto be effective in the chapel, but they could be reused in another location if thedesign team feels that they should be retained.AmbientThe main chapel ceiling is a beautiful element that falls virtually into darkness.A layer of dimmable indirect lighting on the chapel ceiling would create a muchmore inviting space and allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of the ceiling detailing.Indirect lighting could be created by adding subtle, shielded indirect lightingon top of the existing beams that run parallel to the floor. This solution wouldrequire maintenance of these fixtures.A more easily accessible solution would be to install custom indirect, opaque wallsconces that are of a period or industrial style which would be mounted belowthe insets under the stained glass windows.Task/AccentThe pulpit area is illuminated with a two-headed fixture mounted at the apex ofthe arch. This fixture is glaring, unattractive, and presents considerable expenseto replace burned-out bulbs. A pair of three-headed luminaries mounted on theback side of the arch provides additional lighting.A two-circuit track system would offer accent light, task light, ambient lightand theatrical effects. Each circuit can be dimmed and controlled separately formaximum flexibility, and the system can easily be adjusted or re-lamped from astandard 8’ or 10’ ladder.Cloister / Mural RoomDecorative/NaturalPoorly-installed wiring in the cloister visually detracts from both the architectureand the art. The three chandeliers are not original to the building and interferewith the viewing of the mural. These should be removed. There is one wallsconce that is original to the building, although the glass has been replaced with a1960s amber-patterned glass. Refurbishing the existing sconce and replacing theglass with a frosted version would visually tie the fixture to the chandeliers in thechapel. The windows offer a good level of natural light during the day but wouldbe replaced with a UV-inhibiting glass or augmented with a UV-filtering film.Accent/AmbientThe mural is illuminated by a light channel that uses expensive, short-livedincandescent lamps. These produce UV and heat detrimental to the mural.The mural would be best illuminated by bouncing a series of indirect lightsources off the ceiling. This will eliminate glare and reduce the possibility offading from the effect of UV light coming from a light source aimed directly atthe art. The indirect light sources would be mounted above the capitals of thecolumns located on the opposite side of the room, with wiring running discreetlyalong the lower edge of the header above the windows. This uplighting wouldalso show off the dramatic beamed ceiling while adding a subtle layer of invitingambient light.Lower LevelDecorative/NaturalPresently there are a series of glaring fluorescent fixtures with noisy magneticballasts. These are not dimmable.Because this area has no original fixtures, the lighting can be designed froma clean slate. While the upstairs is very church-like, the lower level (and thenew gallery addition) can be more universally appealing. Once the overheadPART IV: APPENDIXPage & Turnbull129