LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired

The LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired moved into their new headquarter offices, educational facility and short-term residences in the Fall of 2016. Located on the top three floors of a downtown office building, the new facility gives the organization a design that specifically addresses the needs of its staff and students. The facility encompasses a prefunction space and multipurpose room, meeting rooms, lounges, large teaching kitchen, technology centers, studios and computer labs, fitness room and retail store, all connected by a new central staircase.

Auerbach Glasow provided architectural lighting and daylighting design services for the project, collaborating with the architect and the entire team on a multi-sensory design solution. Central to the design approach was the understanding that visual acuity can be maximized through lighting, contrast and finish selection. The high light levels achieved using low glare fixtures throughout the facility are tremendously advantageous to both staff and students. The team incorporated user accessible lighting controls to accommodate a wide range of dimming solutions in all areas of the building.

Auerbach Glasow worked closely with the design team to petition the City to allow a special accommodation to exceed the State energy code wattage allowance. Auerbach Glasow wrote the lighting and technical explanation portion of the petition. The City granted the allowance in support of universal design and visual accessibility for the project.

Architect:  Mark Cavagnero Associates
Size:  45,000 SF
Cost: $20,000,000
Completion: 2016