The NASA Biosciences Building is used to study the impacts of spending long periods of time in space on the human body. Research seeks to understand how low or no gravity can decrease bone density and how space radiation impacts the body and its cells. Scientists study what extreme conditions a microorganism can survive in, the best techniques astronauts and researches can use to find evidence of life on other planets.

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
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
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

A louvered shade canopy and catwalk function as a unifying element, creating a powerful presence along Durand Road.

The form and design of the building, with an iconic shade canopy and open lab layout, actively engages its context.

The lab spaces are well daylit. Electric lighting supplements daylight and provides a functional, and visually comfortable luminous environment after dark. High illumination levels required on the lab bench worksurfaces are delivered from a combination of asymmetrical pendants above the front edges of the worksurfaces and undershelf task lighting. The ceiling above the lab benches are washed from a concealed cove, promoting visual comfort by reducing contrast ratios in the visual field. The worksurfaces along lab corridors are illuminated by asymmetric ceiling recessed fixtures and undershelf task lights, with spill sufficient for the circulation route.

Light fixtures are well integrated into the shade structure, nearly unnoticeable in the day.

At night, the hidden fixtures accentuate the architecture.

Top: Simulation results for lab showing luminance (surface brightness) in cd/m2, as a falsecolor map (image on left), and illuminance (amount of light falling on surfaces) shown in footcandles, as iso-contour lines (image on right).

Bottom: Photograph of completed lab space.

Top: Simulations of exterior lighting to ensure desired aesthetic effect and appropriate illumination levels on the stair.

Bottom: Photo of completed project.

AWARDS

USGBC LEED Gold Certified, 2020