The Adam Joseph Lewis Center for Environmental Studies houses the Environmental Studies program at Oberlin College in a 13,600 sf facility with an additional 58,000 sf of ecologically managed landscape. Designed as a teaching tool, the complex includes classrooms, offices, an auditorium, a Living Machine for waste water filtration and recycling, as well as an atrium that is used for receptions, workshops and concerts. Building energy consumption is significantly reduced through the integrated design of passive heating, natural ventilation and daylighting, and is supported by 45 kilowatts of photovoltaic panels on the roof. Critical reviews have identified the daylighting and visual quality of the building as a major success. Even with its popularity as a venue for evening events and classes, the Center has been found to consume over 70 percent less light energy than typical education buildings or other buildings on campus.

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

See examples of our Daylighting Projects →

Visual and thermal comfort in high-performance buildings rely on integrated glazing and curtain wall design. We use advanced simulation techniques to:
• Analyze visual performance of glazing alternatives
• Evaluate advanced glazing applications, including light redirecting glass and internal shading systems
• Predict and evaluate thermal performance of curtain wall systems
• Predict occupant comfort conditions for curtain wall alternatives
• Identify and coordinate value engineering tradeoffs for integrated high-performance facades

See examples of our Glazing Selection Projects →

Effective shading reduces glare and minimizes solar heat gain without impeding the use of daylight for visual tasks. We assist the architect to design shading appropriate to the program, the climate and context of the project. We use scale physical models and calibrated models with RADIANCE software to:
• Analyze site conditions for solar access and shade potential
• Design sun control and glare control alternatives for local skies and climate conditions
• Evaluate shade alternatives for visual and thermal comfort

See examples of our Shading Design Projects →

AWARDS

US Department of Energy 30 Milestone Buildings of the 20th Century

AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Projects, 2002

Build America Award, 2001

Green Building Challenge Award Winner, 2000

The Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Award, 1999

AIA Committee on Architecture for Education Honor Award, 1999

Early daylight studies examined light levels in a physical model of a classroom measured in an artificial sky.  We also designed shading using section diagrams and shading masks to minimize overheating in the summer but allow passive solar in the winter.

Loisos + Ubbelohde assisted in developing daylighting and shading designs and glazing alternatives throughout the building. Classrooms are designed to work with daylight during long winter months of overcast skies, as well as on clear sunny days. We used physical models and a mirror-box sky simulator to evaluate the illumination levels and visual comfort in the classrooms, offices and atrium. These studies resulted in a design that reduces the use of electrical lighting and associated cooling loads, works with passive solar heating strategies, improves visual comfort and connects the interior and exterior environments. To this end, classroom glazing works in concert with high, reflective ceilings, pendant lighting with both occupancy and photosensor controls, and light walls and carpeting. Direct sun is controlled by manually operated mini-blinds pending addition of a shading trellis. On the upper floor, classroom ceilings are curved and float over the wall separating the hallway and classroooms, bringing balancing light from the north clerestory. The curved roof continues well past the wall, providing an overhang for shade during summer months. Hallways and stairwells also are daylighted in keeping with the rest of the building. North side faculty offices are light-colored, with the windows adjacent to a side wall, which increases visual comfort and minimizes glare.