FX – August 2019

LIGHT + TECH 077

The design of the museum flows

smoothly into the curve of the plaza, itself

a reflection of the curves of the iconic

Eero Saarinen-designed Gateway Arch.

The brief was to create a stunning design

that would allow visitors to make a smooth

transition from the vast, unobscured daylit

park and plaza through the glazed

entrance to the underground floors while

remaining within project constraints. The

light emanating from the underground

plaza invites visitors into the renovated

train lobby that leads them to the

expansive exhibition space.

To mitigate the contrast with daylight

and to ensure the integration of the lighting

involved working with the architect, ceiling

manufacturer and lighting manufacturers

at an early stage, as well as full-scale

mock-ups and detailed calculations. ‘Vital

decisions were made regarding material

choices, finishes, installation, and how to

handle the complex wiring and location

coordination for conduits and drivers,’

says lighting designers Tillotson.

The glowing lobby ceiling designed

by James Carpenter features tunable

white LEDs integrated and concealed in

aluminium tubes. Multiple runs of the LEDs

are separately zoned for gradual dimming

or alterations to colour temperature –

ranging from 2700K to 5500K – as the

ceiling curves down towards the

exhibition space. These can also be

programmed for event scenes.

The design also includes glowing

perimeter light coves inside each of the

coffers, creating a transition space

between the dark exhibition and the low-lit

underground tram entrances. ‘This offers a

mellow environment for visitors to meet,

rest or dine,’ says Tillotson.

GATEWAY ARCH MUSEUM, ST LOUIS, MISSOURI

LIGHTING DESIGN Tillotson Design Associates

AWARD Award of Excellence

PROJECT INFO

Architect Cooper Robertson,

with Trivers Associates

Architects

Ceiling design James

Carpenter Design Associates

Landscape lighting design

Randy Burkett

Rod ceiling manufacturer

Durlum

JUDGES’ VERDICTS

‘A fantastic expression of

the architectural form.’

‘A demonstration of how

to ... ensure a smooth and

comfortable experience for

visitors so that the lighting

is not oppressive or

overwhelming, but a gentle

guiding presence.’

BENNO VAN DEN BOGAERTALL IMAGES: SAM FENTRESS