DDi - April/May 2010 - (Page 34)

34 | Right Light Lighting Super Section Transforming D.C.’s Eastern Market A fire-stricken historic market is reborn with daylit grandeur By Vilma Barr, New York Editor Additional downlight is provided by Lithonia’s recessed linear fluorescent luminaire, 24 in. wide by 48 in. long. Two 28-watt T5 lamps are shielded by a thick, patterned acrylic lens. A second level of lighting was created by Lightolier’s track system, which utilizes their Lytespan track with pendant-mounted Alcyon tracks supported by a unistrut system. For accent lighting, Sexton specified 20-watt MR16 metal halide lamps, augmented by a linear spread lens. Individual retailers were given the opportunity to personalize the lighting in their space by selecting functional downlighting from three versions within a classic market-hall family of fixtures. While these luminaires were rated for a maximum of 200 watts, Sexton specified 100-watt BT15 halogen lamps. The return of Eastern Market—with a brilliant updated lighting program—brings a refreshed vitality to the D.C. market scene. To e-mail this article, visit www.ddimagazine.com/magazine. N ow classified as a National Historic Landmark, Washington, D.C.’s Eastern Market has been in continuous operation since the opening of its first building, the Italianatestyle South Hall in 1873. Located at Seventh and C streets in the Capitol Hill district, it was designed by architect Adolf Cluss, whose functional layout for the Market’s main South Hall—200 ft. long by 50 ft. wide—is 42 ft. high at its peak. Cluss adapted the traditional European open plan stall arrangement, with abundant natural light. In April 2007, a fire severely damaged much of the South Hall. But thanks to $22 million in grants, the Market was rebuilt and re-opened about two years later. The D.C. office of Quinn Evans Architects was retained to lead the renovation process, while D.C.-based international lighting design consultants George Sexton Associates set out to integrate a modern illumination system. “The character of the space influenced our approach,” says George Sexton of the self-named firm. “It was not a strict preservation project, but rather, enhancing a vibrant market, a great market shed with a rich heritage that is thriving in today’s economy.” He describes the previous illumination of the halls as “a hodge-podge of lighting based on individual vendor needs for task and display that was inconsistent and, in many cases, inadequate.” In the renovated space, generous daylighting beams into the hall from a refurbished skylight and numerous original arched and circular windows at the ceiling line. Working within a tight budget, Sexton’s solution for architectural, ambient and display lighting used all off-the-shelf fixtures. “General illumination of the entire hall has uniform long-life, dimmable indirect lighting systems,” Sexton points out. Linear luminaires from Elliptipar, which utilize an integral electronic ballast and glass lens, were pendant-mounted to the building’s strut system. | April/May 2010 www.ddimagazine.com Photo: Quinn Evans Architects http://www.ddimagazine.com/magazine http://www.ddimagazine.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of DDi - April/May 2010

DDi - April/May 2010
Contents
From the Editor
Newsworthy
Consumer Insights
Greentailing
Editor’s Choice
Design Snapshot
Channel Focus: Department Stores
Sporting Authority
Lighting Super Section
Lighting the Way
Viva Mexicano
Right Light
Product Spotlight
GlobalShop Show Coverage
Calendar
Advertisers
Classifieds
Think Tank

DDi - April/May 2010