Research matters - Illuminating Engineering Society

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PROJECT
Most of the LEDs were placed at
the folds of the vine, while
others were mounted to
the underside of large leaves
that hang off the vine.
guided by Levy. Clear Channel Spectacolor provided
overall project management.
An additional wash on the face of the
beanstalk is provided by LEDs mounted to the
underside of large leaves that hang off the
vine. Smaller leaves, each with one LED fixture,
were used, at final construction, to fill in
dark spots on curves and sections that protrude
beyond other fixtures. LEDs had several
tremendous advantages for this project: They
are small, lightweight, energy-efficient, low
maintenance and programmable.
A chief source of green vine power is provided
by 20 standard 1000-watt metal
halide fixtures at the base of the vine, shooting
upward. “Wherever possible, I wanted to
keep the thinking simple and standard.”
says Levy. Ten sportslights “produce a concentrated
beam, sending streaks of light up
the beanstalk, highlighting the depth and
dimension carved into the skin of the
beanstalk.” These bear a hybrid dichroic
and glass lens in custom green, ensuring
long filter life and color consistency.
Another 10 create an intense ambient wash
of green light.
Timing
The lighting portion of the project took five
months of planning, from April through
September 2003. Programming of the LEDs
was done last, over a few nights, just before
the project went live. Programmer Mark
Panzini spent several nights on an exterior
catwalk creating the light show while Levy
was on the ground across the street on a cell
phone relaying light cues. All lights were
installed by Interboro Sign & Maintenance,
Inc. of Long Island City, NY, under Levy’s
supervision.
About The Designer: Ira Levy, IALD,
Member IESNA (1999), is owner and
principal lighting designer of Levy
Lighting Inc. He oversees the design and
specification of a wide variety of lighting
projects, including large scale architectural
projects, as well as unique temporary
installations. Current and recent projects
include: a new flagship store for Burberry in Tokyo, Japan;
a shopping center near Rio De Janeiro, Brazil; and the
Columbus Hotel, soon to be opening across from the
Time Warner/AOL tower in New York City.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June . . 2004 . . . LD+A . . . 46 . . . www.iesna.org
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