Sustainable, High Efficiency Lighting in a Municipal Library

Eugene, Oregon Public Library
100 W 10th Ave
Eugene, Oregon 97401

Lighting Design: Gregory C. Hansen, LC, Balzhiser and Hubbard

Architect: Robertson|Sherwood|Architects PC

Design Architect: Shepley Bulfinch Richardson and Abbott, 2 Seaport Lane, Boston, MA 02210 www.sbra.com

Energy Studies: G.Z. Brown, University of Oregon's Energy Studies in Buildings Laboratory

Photographer: Randal Smith, LDL for all photos except the first exterior view, which is from the Robertson|Sherwood|Architects PC website.

Notable Lighting:
After nearly 50 years of use, the old Eugene Public Library was bursting at the seams. Unable to successfully adapt to the demands of library patrons and the requirements of the 21st Century, it was time to build a new home for the Library. The City of Eugene worked closely with the designers to solve several problems at once. They created a building for the Library with room to grow for many more years. This new home is energy efficient, low maintenance, and filled with daylight. The electric lighting respond to daylight, increasing the comfort of patrons and reducing energy costs.

In some ways the new Eugene Public Library has become the new center of the downtown. Adjacent to the transit mall, commuters are greeted by the new temple of knowledge as they come and go. Before closing time in the dark Pacific Northwest winter nights, the glow of the Library cuts through the gloom. Behind the scenes, the lighting has its' own impressive story to tell:

• Energy Efficient - well below the requirements of Oregon Energy Code
• Integration of daylight and electric light - perimeter lighting is dimmed in response to daylight availability
• Users controls for convenience and energy savings - over 80% of the lighting is dimmed
• Maintenance is minimized - light sources were chosen to reduce the costs of relamping
• Airy and spaciousness is emphasized by using wall slots to illuminate interior vertical surfaces
• Really beautiful signature pendants in the external atrium spaces (I confess to having a bias regarding large Louis Poulsen fixtures)

Lastly, since the building was designed to grow into, it currently is not completely filled by the Library. Instead, other City of Eugene offices that had been in leased spaces have moved in. The money previously spent on the leases is applied against the cost of the new facility, helping to mitigate the O&M expenses.

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Visit Lighting Award Winners

Eugene Public Library Exterior - photo credit Robertson|Sherwood|Architects. The sweeping curves of the building set the library apart from downtown. The glow of light from the building in the evening creates an inspiring site for passersby. Reportedly, receptions at the DAC find people clustered at the windows, gazing at the Library.

Lobby - The entry lobby is spacious, bright, friendly and inviting.

Central Stairwell and skylight - The stairwell seems slightly askew in a whimsical salute to all the regal domes since the Parthenon. A design on the floor emphasizes the off-kilter illusion.

Children's Library - Pendant hung sound-absorbing clouds are intermixed with the direct-indirect lighting pendants. The clouds were donated by Weyerhaeuser after the lighting design plan was done, so the lighting design was not able to take them into account.

Book Stacks Area - Linear fluorescent pendants of different types illuminate the study carrels and book stacks. The space feels bright and comfortable.

Stack Lights - Narrow profile linear fluorescent pendants light the book stacks.

Reading Rooms - A mix of lighting in the reading areas. The workhorse lighting is recessed 1x4 troffers with T5HO and specular reflectors. The pendants are jewelry intended to add elegance to the space.

Library Parking - One of the most pleasantly lighted parking garages you will ever visit. The walls are washed by fluorescents and the pendants use induction lamps for low maintenance costs.