The renovation of the Linde + Robinson Laboratory for Global Environmental Science achieved LEED platinum certification and is one of the lowest-energy research labs in the United States.  The 1934 building was originally designed as academic offices and classrooms, but also as an astronomical instrument of building scale.  Renowned artist, architect, engineer, and instrument designer Russell Porter created the Robinson Coelostat as an integral part of the original building and it stands as the precedent for all modern solar telescopes operating today.

SERVICES

Daylighting improves the quality of visual comfort while reducing energy use. We use scale physical models and calibrated simulations with RADIANCE software and proprietary scripts to:
• Predict and evaluate illumination levels and light distribution
• Predict and analyze luminance gradients and glare potential
• Analyze thermal and energy use implications of daylighting design
• Design and evaluate daylighting to exhibition and curatorial performance criteria
• Predict energy savings from daylight harvesting
• Coordinate daylighting and electrical lighting design
• Post-occupancy HDRI analysis of luminance and visual comfort
We provide full-service lighting design for building interiors, exteriors and landscape as well as specialized lighting for art. We work with the architect to reflect the aesthetic of the design and support the spatial experience with high performance and visually comfortable lighting.
• Specify luminaires, sources and layouts for electrical lighting
• Provide accurate renderings of lighting for evaluation
• Provide illumination levels for design evaluation as well as code requirements
• Provide lighting controls narrative and diagrams
• Arrange desk-top, lighting lab and/or in-situ mockups as appropriate to the project
• Provide aiming and lighting control observation
• Design custom fixtures
• Provide LEED credit documentation for lighting credits
We find opportunities to design a sculptural approach to experiencing light in and around buildings. This may involve beamed sunlight carried through a space by fiber optics, sunlight striking an interior courtyard at designed times, or programmed LEDs that create patterns or change colors. We are open to possibilities and use our full toolbox of simulations, mock-ups and fabrication to develop the sculpture, program the controls and supervise installation.

The solar tracking capabilities of the coelostat are fully restored and automated.

The coelostat directs a 24″ diameter column of light to the basement of the building, illuminating eight solar light fixtures and providing a free beam of light for scientific research.

During the laboratory building remodel, Loisos + Ubbelohde proposed to reactivate and automate the coelostat. The coelostat is now used to provide daylight into underground laboratories, supply a beam of light for scientific experimentation, and create a large real time projected image of the sun visible in the main corridor of the building. Loisos + Ubbelohde designed and fabricated the optics and light fixtures for the project.

Reflected sun is beamed down the original octagonal shaft providing a real time image of the sun, direct beam for climate research, and light for fiber optic fixtures in below grade laboratories.

AWARDS

2012 Project of the Year, USGBC LA Chapter

2012 Governor’s Historic Preservation Award

2012 Los Angeles Conservancy Preservation Award

2012 USGBC LEED Platinum

2012 Green Building Award, 42nd Annual Los Angeles Architectural Awards, Los Angeles Business Council

2009 AIA East Bay Unbuilt Merit Design Award for Coelostat Re-Activation