Building Information Modeling, or BIM, is continuing to reshape how designers work. In years past, realistically render- ing lighting in a space was produced in software programs, like Radiance or 3ds Max. Although these programs have many complex capabilities, they are not often used in mainstream architecture projects. BIM, which is increasingly being embraced by the architectural com- munity, integrates lighting design and has the ability to quickly show clients lighting mock-ups. Smith’s firm is using BIM whenever possible. “It allows us to dive into a space much more than CAD would let us,” he says. “We can quickly add lighting to BIM models to show clients options or help our own design team understand how lighting affects complex spaces.”
A Bright Future When asked what the future holds for the lighting world, Smith expects the short term will solidify LED usage, including the design of more fixtures specifically for LED technology and not retrofitted from fluorescent technology. “We will see more LED product develop- ment for smaller, more delicate and, in some instances, crazier packages,” Smith notes.
He adds, “In the long term, we are going to see much more development of products, like organic LEDs, quantum dots and other technologies that will al- low us to shed the notion of a traditional light fixture and allow lighting to become integrated with the structure and be more artistic.” Although it remains to be seen what
the future holds, we can be sure LED technology will be solidly at the forefront for many years to come. “It’s an exciting time to be a lighting designer,” Smith says. “I’m excited that I get to play with all of these new toys, even if it can be a daunting task to keep up with all of the new information that comes out on a daily basis.”
BIM, which is
embraced by the architectural community, integrates lighting design and has the ability to quickly show clients lighting mock-ups.
increasingly being
Architects and Contractors Agree - Huggers Make Re-Roofing Easy!
Call Roof Hugger and let us show you our simple and cost effective retrofit solutions.
* THE OLD ROOF STAYS IN PLACE * NO DISRUPTION TO BUILDING OPERATIONS * WORKS WITH ANY NEW METAL ROOF * FITS NEARLY ALL EXISTING METAL ROOFS * FULLY-ENGINEERED SYSTEM TO MEET CODE * STRENGTHENS EXISTING PURLINS * COMPENSATES FOR ADDED WEIGHT * ENERGY SAVING SYSTEM WITH RENEWABLE SOLAR OPTIONS * LEED POINT QUALIFIED * ONLINE ACAD DETAILS & SPECS * LOAD & BUDGET ESTIMATES
ROOF HUGGER®
The Leader in Metal-over-Metal Retrofit Re-roofing Systems
800-771-1711 Or fax us at: 877-202-2254
www.roofhugger.com See us at MetalCon Chicago- Oct.9-11 Booth 1119 September October 2012 // RETROFIT 55 ®