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 GRAFIK Eye Lighting Control Case Studies |
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| HOUSE OF WORSHIP Lighting Control Case Study Project Client Lighting Consultant Architect Lutron Products GRAFIK.systems Products GRAFIK.systems Custom Controls GRAFIK.systems Software Installation Instruction Sheets Specification Submittal Sheets Lighting Control Case Studies |
St. Anne's Church Houston Texas |
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 New
lighting control system creates a flexible environment and dramatic effects at the touch
of a button. |
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| The interior of St. Anne's Church
in Houston, Texas, was recently renovated as a result of Vatican II recommendations to
accomodate the new liturgy. A new lighting system was included in this renovation in order
to highlight these changes. Michael John Smith, project lighting designer, wanted to
reveal the unique architectural features of the space without drawing attention to the
light sources. His goal: "To alter as little as possible while revealing more than
ever before." Control flexibility and simplicity were among key client
requirements. Lutron preset multi-scene controls were selected because of their simple,
touchbutton operation and capability of handling up to 16 scenes. The main controls were
placed in the sacristy and at the entrance from the rectory. Recognizing that the church has many functions, each requiring different lighting, led Michael John Smith to specify preset lighting control. Smith programmed the controls to the appropriate light levels for each activity. Fade times were employed to add drama. There is convenient access to the controls and the system is able to subtly focus the congregation's attention through changes in scenes during different services. |
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 Savings in energy usage and operating costs have also been
realized. The lighting system requires less energy when lights are dimmed. Dimming also
extends lamp life and reduces the need to change difficult-to access bulbs as often.
Lighting maintenance labor costs have not increased despite the fact that 20 original
fixtures were replaced by approximately 100 new fixtures. |
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| Dimming is always part of Smith's lighting design for a project such as this. "We dim for lamp life extension and to reduce maintenance costs... as well as for aesthetics. Gradual changes in the lighting level allow for a subtle reinforcement of activities. Focal lighting draws the eye of the congregation while providing a varied luminous environment." | |
 Unveiling the SystemThe new lighting was installed during the 40 days of Lent, and the evening Easter Vigil was the first service to be performed. From semi-darkness at the beginning of the service (for a somber mood), the lights were brought up to full (at the Easter Gloria) with the choir singing for a breathtaking, powerful and emotional event. (The congregation gasped and then applauded at seeing the renovated space in a new light.) |
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