The Legislative Chamber’s 1970’s lighting system consisted of halogen and fluorescent fixtures. The system upgrade was constrained by the need for strict adherence to the energy code and the goals of decreasing utility costs, improving flexibility, and maintaining the heritage architecture.
The primary functions of the space are television broadcast events, which require high levels of illuminance, and public viewings, which need lower light levels and greater flexibility. Flexibility of the lighting level and zone controls was essential to meet both use cases, allow for easy and quick programming for broadcasts or public viewings, and minimize energy consumption to meet ASHRAE 90.1 2016.
The upgraded system reduced the risk of fixtures not working during live broadcasts and eliminated the need to stockpile halogen fixtures that were increasingly difficult to procure. Time spent maintaining fixtures was dramatically decreased and wiring and controls were brought up to modern standards.
Lighting controls that once had to be manually adjusted now have the capability to automatically turn on, dim, turn off, or white tune, saving energy, time, and resources. Colour-tuning white LEDs are used in all fixtures and are dimmable and tunable between 2200K and 6500K. Dome light fixtures are connected to a colour and intensity sampling sensor placed on the building’s exterior to automatically adjust the fixtures’ colour temperature to match the exterior light’s colour temperature by utilizing the DMX drivers and DMX lighting control system. The control system’s multiple zones highlight architectural features and allow maximum flexibility.
Lighting quality and control exceeded expectations of facilities managers, broadcasting technicians and end-users. The flexible control system can override the tunable LEDs when needed and can be expanded for future zones. The touchscreen control interface is easy to use and accessible in both the control room and on the chamber floor, making lighting modifications user-friendly.
