Bellevue, Nebraska, USA by HDR
The Bellevue University Sustainability Lab is a modern workshop championing horticulture and agricultural research. The design connects students with the university’s sustainability mission and provides a hands-on experience in studying sustainable resources. As a result, the lab’s architectural presence and high-tech utility are prominently displayed on campus.
The design includes custom horticultural lights with movable mountings, custom controls, and custom glazing. Paramount to academic study and experimentation, the luminaires provide full spectrum photosynthetic active radiation and high photometric photon flux density and are movable for flexibility. Lights attach to movable framing using plug-and-cord connections and toolless hardware for precise adjustments and easy maintenance. Custom glazing with ribbed optics comfortably diffuses direct solar glare while providing 86% light transmission for photosynthesis. The glazing also provides soft translucency for an interior glow that silhouettes the structure and creates a visual presence on campus. The control system includes a custom algorithm to verify performance and quantify illumination for experimentation. Photosensors, timeclocks, and digital dimming allow users to intuitively modulate horticulture lights with a touch screen interface and quantify incident daylight.
