James Bedell - Lighting Designer

James Bedell - Lighting Designer http://jamesbedell.com Beautiful Sustainable Lighting posterous.com Thu, 23 Feb 2012 03:28:00 -0800 Wired Pop-Up Store Photos http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/JamesBedell/~3/S6LiyCEjlDc/wired-pop-up-store-photos http://jamesbedell.com/wired-pop-up-store-photos <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-23/emdhsmkdbAbpGeaEmsFlzdFCIFqBtEfxdsCagdCirCDsClxaaxthbFkDhBgJ/011_louis_seigal_dsc2901.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="011_louis_seigal_dsc2901" height="333" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-23/emdhsmkdbAbpGeaEmsFlzdFCIFqBtEfxdsCagdCirCDsClxaaxthbFkDhBgJ/011_louis_seigal_dsc2901.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-23/mtcGdnbEiCeihucpwewuHBpAlcEhcAytCqiExIegJAzqllxBpxxCtebnajpv/013_louis_seigal_dsc2919.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="013_louis_seigal_dsc2919" height="333" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-23/mtcGdnbEiCeihucpwewuHBpAlcEhcAytCqiExIegJAzqllxBpxxCtebnajpv/013_louis_seigal_dsc2919.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-23/tfJGFqbbvAadrfmElofBFDeqEsovcuHHjIlpmeJHxpzsciCtfxzqgoDvpCiB/IMG_2075.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2075" height="333" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-23/tfJGFqbbvAadrfmElofBFDeqEsovcuHHjIlpmeJHxpzsciCtfxzqgoDvpCiB/IMG_2075.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-23/ifdEIyCEqibIDDcBjitdvrBvJythvrzotAmzlfhiqtuwIfxqlDeevzqFhtJc/IMG_2082.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2082" height="333" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-23/ifdEIyCEqibIDDcBjitdvrBvJythvrzotAmzlfhiqtuwIfxqlDeevzqFhtJc/IMG_2082.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-23/HwJzEeHylDilynxmuhCpxoleHrzDgbCrkoEBFdCtemIlbaBrIqhgaltHwFff/buick-wired-store-image.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Buick-wired-store-image" height="333" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-23/HwJzEeHylDilynxmuhCpxoleHrzDgbCrkoEBFdCtemIlbaBrIqhgaltHwFff/buick-wired-store-image.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-23/nvxxGIvpgtAAzciFaludFzaspqGrricIqjHjyseskFJsbrlpuklwHHftccky/036_louis_seigal_dsc5046.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="036_louis_seigal_dsc5046" height="333" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-23/nvxxGIvpgtAAzciFaludFzaspqGrricIqjHjyseskFJsbrlpuklwHHftccky/036_louis_seigal_dsc5046.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-23/hBAfECAhjpIooEptpchmEwdEDoGjruhowrFieucIAEyrFJcybGmhandCvmbg/IMG_2075.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2075" height="333" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-23/hBAfECAhjpIooEptpchmEwdEDoGjruhowrFieucIAEyrFJcybGmhandCvmbg/IMG_2075.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/wired-pop-up-store-photos">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> I just got some professional photographs back from the Wired Pop-Up Store. I thought I'd share them here. </p> </p> <p><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/wired-pop-up-store-photos">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://jamesbedell.com/wired-pop-up-store-photos#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/JamesBedell/~4/S6LiyCEjlDc" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/875024/DSC_0236_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4avJ4qB9cT0R James Bedell James James Bedell http://jamesbedell.com/wired-pop-up-store-photos Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:33:00 -0800 Event this weekend in Trenton NJ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/JamesBedell/~3/N4ckJVJtxZ4/event-this-weekend-in-trenton-nj http://jamesbedell.com/event-this-weekend-in-trenton-nj <p> <p>Friends, </p> <p>This morning's blog post is a simple announcement. This weekend I'll be part of an event being held in Trenton, NJ centered on social empowerment and green living. Nominally, I'll be discussing <a href="http://jamesbedell.com/pages/losing-edison">Losing Edison</a>, but if you're interested in how you can save energy and live a more beautiful, sustainable life with better lighting, then I'll be there to answer any questions you have. </p> <p>You can<a href="http://framingthefuture1.eventbrite.com/"> register and get more details here</a>. </p> </p> <p><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/event-this-weekend-in-trenton-nj">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://jamesbedell.com/event-this-weekend-in-trenton-nj#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/JamesBedell/~4/N4ckJVJtxZ4" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/875024/DSC_0236_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4avJ4qB9cT0R James Bedell James James Bedell http://jamesbedell.com/event-this-weekend-in-trenton-nj Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:37:26 -0800 Why Do We Tolerate Design the lacks Beauty and Sustainability? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/JamesBedell/~3/3OCveMPhkeY/why-do-we-tolerate-design-the-lacks-beauty-an http://jamesbedell.com/why-do-we-tolerate-design-the-lacks-beauty-an <p> <p>Sustainability might not be something we think about every day when we walk into our office park or that skyscraper or our front porch (as I do) to start working. We don't think about how beautiful a space could be. We don't think about what impact we're having on the planet simply by working this way. Why?</p> <p>I have a few ideas but mostly, I think this is all about habit. A recent <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/19/magazine/shopping-habits.html?pagewanted=all">NY Times Magazine piece</a> described it this way...</p> <blockquote> <p><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">One study from Duke University estimated that habits, rather than conscious decision-making, shape 45 percent of the choices we make every day, and recent discoveries have begun to change everything from the way we think about dieting to how doctors conceive treatments for anxiety, depression and addictions.</span></p> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, times, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left; font-size: small;">If that is indeed true that a big part of why we don't care about the built environment is that we are trained not to from and early age and that training is reinforced every day of our modern life.  </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, times, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left; font-size: small;">When we shuffle into our nearby chain drug store with the high ceilings and the fluorescent light we reinforce the idea that retail environments should be flat and boring - buy the commodity and leave. </span><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, times, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">When we walk down into our office and the linear fluorescent strip buzzes overhead we condition ourselves to associate that with work. </span></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-21/uEmhBrhAwwkhHihkcwwBGncgsqDdbwDIpGvJDJgghmoFDfkFhbAlswAlconc/IMG_3658.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_3658" height="500" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-21/uEmhBrhAwwkhHihkcwwBGncgsqDdbwDIpGvJDJgghmoFDfkFhbAlswAlconc/IMG_3658.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, times, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">You might be thinking, "hey, I work for a big company. I can't actually effect change on something like this, my company doesn't even own this building." You're right of course. My fear is that this condition, the habit of working in poor buildings becomes engrained in decision makers as well. They've learned to tolerate this poor design as much as we all have...and so, nothing changes. </span></p> <p style=""><span style="text-align: left;">We need to find ways to fundamentally break this conditioning and to show people how good the built environment can be. Here are a couple of ideas...</span></p> <p style=""><strong><span style="text-align: left;">Eat out at a nice restaurant. </span></strong></p> <p style=""><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, times, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">I know there are no guarantees there, but if you go to a decent restaurant odds are some thought was given to the interior. Look around. Shouldn't some of the same thought go into where you work every day?</span></p> <p style=""><strong><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, times, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">Go to a landmark or park. </span></strong></p> <p style=""><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, times, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">Parks are a wonderful thing. As the weather gets warmer people will begin to flock outside to enjoy the warm sun on a bench. Yet most people forget someone designed and someone else built that park. Which means we can design amazing spaces. Why not design an place to work?  </span></p> <p style=""><strong><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, times, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">Have a mindful garbage day.</span></strong></p> <p style=""><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, times, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">I do my best to reduce my consumption daily. Yet every Friday when I take out the trash my mind is blown by how much I have created. Our office buildings teach us not to care about the resources we use up. Someone else, after all, takes out the trash. Be mindful of your own garbage day and then look around the office. We're all doing it. </span></p> </p> <p><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/why-do-we-tolerate-design-the-lacks-beauty-an">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://jamesbedell.com/why-do-we-tolerate-design-the-lacks-beauty-an#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/JamesBedell/~4/3OCveMPhkeY" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/875024/DSC_0236_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4avJ4qB9cT0R James Bedell James James Bedell http://jamesbedell.com/why-do-we-tolerate-design-the-lacks-beauty-an Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:24:53 -0800 A sustainable lighting future requires beauty in design. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/JamesBedell/~3/01js7uCDVYY/a-sustainable-lighting-future-requires-beauty http://jamesbedell.com/a-sustainable-lighting-future-requires-beauty <p> <p>Yesterday, I went on a bit of a rant on twitter. </p> <blockquote class="posterous_short_quote"> <p /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Why is it in working environments we are so afraid of textured light?</p>— Jamesbedell (@Jamesbedell) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jamesbedell/status/171267249984913408" data-datetime="2012-02-19T16:17:49+00:00">February 19, 2012</a></blockquote></p> </blockquote> <p>You see I was going back through some of my photos and I kept noticing the same things over and over again. It wasn't something new...but I was reminded that the light we love tends to be textured, full of contrast and shadows. Not flat.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-20/wcyhiGCAeFeliDprbabBpaCmguuAGhEDgEdeCwlgpiklzryrjvnJAHmylEhJ/IMG_4036.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_4036" height="500" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-20/wcyhiGCAeFeliDprbabBpaCmguuAGhEDgEdeCwlgpiklzryrjvnJAHmylEhJ/IMG_4036.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-20/iyidgBadlCGvpGeowwjboxpuqHcHaFgAJBGhkJnCbzqDJkgAyIiceidujdAj/AA18380D-52AC-4368-B5D6-2BD96B39A6AF.jpeg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Aa18380d-52ac-4368-b5d6-2bd96b39a6af" height="500" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-20/iyidgBadlCGvpGeowwjboxpuqHcHaFgAJBGhkJnCbzqDJkgAyIiceidujdAj/AA18380D-52AC-4368-B5D6-2BD96B39A6AF.jpeg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-20/BFJghBoHwxieAqAvhFkbqmGHpHrGeHnyjEkpscqJrJxkJsdmlJrrHirzfcfH/IMG_4034.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_4034" height="500" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-20/BFJghBoHwxieAqAvhFkbqmGHpHrGeHnyjEkpscqJrJxkJsdmlJrrHirzfcfH/IMG_4034.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-20/GoiAgowipIfpvrxgwqGqgcfugpGzACsuyGcatyxxHeBejpxxBimiHIkjCizb/IMG_0978.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_0978" height="375" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-20/GoiAgowipIfpvrxgwqGqgcfugpGzACsuyGcatyxxHeBejpxxBimiHIkjCizb/IMG_0978.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/a-sustainable-lighting-future-requires-beauty">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> Yet for some reason we expect people to work 8-12 hours a day in light that looks like this....</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-20/czJgAdwujnqduHhbbwwaIszEBiyaAuusCaCDuAHJExbhkjmqkmiJswbrabHF/Modern-Office-Cubicles-Wall.jpeg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Modern-office-cubicles-wall" height="423" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-20/czJgAdwujnqduHhbbwwaIszEBiyaAuusCaCDuAHJExbhkjmqkmiJswbrabHF/Modern-Office-Cubicles-Wall.jpeg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <img alt="Smith20bucklin-workstation20area2" height="370" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-20/jlyqzAzeiuJpnBdwhrpaFxceFxFdCGjrvkbwsesflDdAttGpfhBimusEfAHd/Smith20Bucklin-Workstation20Area2.jpeg.scaled500.jpg" width="477" /> <img alt="Interior-office-cubicles" height="211" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-20/zuHCqnzbJHvplDEnhzFauprfcijxgcDfFtsngigrEFGlIpfhizptpochbdfm/Interior-office-cubicles.jpeg.scaled500.jpg" width="300" /> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/a-sustainable-lighting-future-requires-beauty">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> Take a look at the spaces above..horrific right? Here's the scary part. Some day someone is going to walk into that building, maybe a new tenant, or maybe an energy auditor and say, "you know what? If you swapped these fluorescent fixtures out for LEDs this space would look amazing!" The tenant or the building manager will make the swap and everyone will be thrilled, they are getting more light using less energy. Look how green we are!</p> <p>Yet, the deeper problem will not be solved. A few months later once the transition is no longer new the people that actually work under that light every day will realize that they are still working in a shadowless, colorless husk. A space that is too bright in the evenings and early mornings and not bright enough in the midday. A space that never changes and never gives their eyes a new place to rest. A space designed with the intent of being as flat and as boring as the screen they are made to stare at every hour of every day. </p> <p>That's not green or sustainable. No one values a space like that. No one loves it and no one would fight to keep it. It's just a shell people are forced to sit and work in. You can waste the embodied energy in upgrading the equipment as much as you want. It will never make a space that's poorly designed truly valuable. </p> <p>I say if you want true sustainability, then we must design and build beautiful spaces. Spaces that people find valuable and future tenants would love to move into. We creatives are few compared to the larger population. We must constantly sell the value of beauty beyond the simply being pleasant to look upon. </p> <p><strong>People don't tear down beautiful spaces - we celebrate them. </strong></p> <p>Shouldn't everyone work in a space like that. </p> </p> <p><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/a-sustainable-lighting-future-requires-beauty">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://jamesbedell.com/a-sustainable-lighting-future-requires-beauty#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/JamesBedell/~4/01js7uCDVYY" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/875024/DSC_0236_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4avJ4qB9cT0R James Bedell James James Bedell http://jamesbedell.com/a-sustainable-lighting-future-requires-beauty Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:33:00 -0800 Intro to Light It Up Blue at the Unisphere http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/JamesBedell/~3/mhbwaDkG7hI/intro-to-light-it-up-blue-at-the-unisphere http://jamesbedell.com/intro-to-light-it-up-blue-at-the-unisphere <p> <p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OI0Lwn9WS_E" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p> <p>In this brief video I introduce a project I'm working on...lighting the Unisphere Blue in honor of Autism Awareness Month</p> </p> <p><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/intro-to-light-it-up-blue-at-the-unisphere">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://jamesbedell.com/intro-to-light-it-up-blue-at-the-unisphere#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/JamesBedell/~4/mhbwaDkG7hI" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/875024/DSC_0236_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4avJ4qB9cT0R James Bedell James James Bedell http://jamesbedell.com/intro-to-light-it-up-blue-at-the-unisphere Fri, 17 Feb 2012 02:05:00 -0800 You're invited to a Google+ Hang out on Light Sources and Color today at 4PM Eastern Time http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/JamesBedell/~3/8rCUelffUeU/youre-invited-to-a-google-hang-out-on-light-s http://jamesbedell.com/youre-invited-to-a-google-hang-out-on-light-s <p> <p>Hello everyone! </p> <p>Today, I'm experimenting with Google+'s hangout feature. I'll be holding a public hangout to talk about light sources and color. It won't be an exhaustive conversation, just a chance to show off a few light sources and talk their effects on color. If you're interested, <a href="https://plus.google.com/117239431804628673954/posts">circle me on G+</a> and I'll see you at 4pm !</p> <p> </p> <p>Hope to see you there!</p> </p> <p><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/youre-invited-to-a-google-hang-out-on-light-s">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://jamesbedell.com/youre-invited-to-a-google-hang-out-on-light-s#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/JamesBedell/~4/8rCUelffUeU" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/875024/DSC_0236_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4avJ4qB9cT0R James Bedell James James Bedell http://jamesbedell.com/youre-invited-to-a-google-hang-out-on-light-s Thu, 16 Feb 2012 02:56:00 -0800 Future Proofing for Sustainable Lighting Design http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/JamesBedell/~3/L68aaBUuKSA/future-proofing-for-sustainable-lighting-desi http://jamesbedell.com/future-proofing-for-sustainable-lighting-desi <p> <p>We're at an interesting moment when it comes to lighting technology and sustainability. We seem to be getting concurrent messages from lighting manufacturers. </p> <ol> <li>LED has arrived! It's time to jump in!</li> <li>LED is getting better and better wait till you see next years!</li> </ol> <p>So which is it? Should I specify LED now or later? </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-16/CmpddunjezrFdsgteFADlrFGsxmBgqkIngbkukFzwblcdeqJkDEjeHtbGsbF/photo_2.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_2" height="667" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-16/CmpddunjezrFdsgteFADlrFGsxmBgqkIngbkukFzwblcdeqJkDEjeHtbGsbF/photo_2.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-16/bpvzvdhhHaFaiIAGmJzsfzstCiqJbboeFEicmbrzbDEItseiqlrHmukugAJk/photo_1.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_1" height="375" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-16/bpvzvdhhHaFaiIAGmJzsfzstCiqJbboeFEicmbrzbDEItseiqlrHmukugAJk/photo_1.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/future-proofing-for-sustainable-lighting-desi">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> Deciding whether or not LED will work for your project is a judgement call. I believe in many applications LED is ready for prime time. Here's my list of what to move on and what (maybe) to wait on. </p> <p>GO!</p> <ul> <li>Coves</li> <li>Undercabinet</li> <li>Linear Recessed (in ceiling) Applications</li> <li>Shelf Lights</li> <li>Task Lights</li> <li>Wall Grazers</li> <li>Color Changing Applications</li> <li>Entertainment Projects</li> <li>Many Backlighting applications. </li> </ul> <p>Wait!</p> <ul> <li>Most Art Lighting</li> <li>Spot Light applications (track mounted or recess mounted)</li> <li>Color Sensitive applications</li> <li>A-Lamp Replacement </li> </ul> <p><em>A brief discussion of the Go! list versus wait list. The Go! list means very often LED is a better choice than halogen or fluorescent applications. "Wait" doesn't mean "don't" it means TEST TEST TEST. Make sure you're comfortable with the brightness color and consistency before pulling the trigger on LED is these applications. </em></p> <p>What did I miss? What applications are you thinking about shifting to LED?</p> <p>Future Proofing</p> <p>So if you decide LED isn't right for your art or product lighting application today, how can you future proof it? LED is coming to the most commonly used light bulb form factors first. So think medium screw base PAR30 and PAR38 envelopes (these also happen to be the easiet to dissipate heat from) the quality of these lamps is better because the engineers can essentially put more LEDS on the face of the lamp, creating more brightness and consistent color. LED is replacements for the MR16 are also here and of course there's the A-Lamp. Whether or not you think it's ready is a matter of personal taste. The folks at Macy's and Starbucks think they are...other major designers don't. I can't tell you what to specify. I can tell you that it's a smart move to make sure the fixtures you specify today will be able to drive LED in the future. </p> </p> <p><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/future-proofing-for-sustainable-lighting-desi">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://jamesbedell.com/future-proofing-for-sustainable-lighting-desi#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/JamesBedell/~4/L68aaBUuKSA" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/875024/DSC_0236_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4avJ4qB9cT0R James Bedell James James Bedell http://jamesbedell.com/future-proofing-for-sustainable-lighting-desi Wed, 15 Feb 2012 05:00:00 -0800 The Importance of Dimming When it comes to Sustainable Lighting http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/JamesBedell/~3/j5fyOwx2QpI/the-importance-of-dimming-when-it-comes-to-su http://jamesbedell.com/the-importance-of-dimming-when-it-comes-to-su <p> <p>Here's a Sustainability Tip from <a href="http://jamesbedell.com/pages/losing-edison">Losing Edison</a>.</p> <div> <blockquote> <div style="">It’s impossible to overstate the role dimming plays in making lighting more sustainable. Dimming your lights reduces electricity usage immediately, but just as importantly, it extends the life of your light sources, no matter what type. The rated life of a given light source assumes its run at maximum brightness. There’s no hard and fast rule for how much longer a bulb will last if dimmed (it varies by light source, shape, input voltage and other factors), but dimming your lamps over the life time of owning your home will dramatically reduce how often you replace the bulbs thus reducing your maintenance costs. </div> </blockquote> <div style=""><span style="font-size: small;">There are essentially three types of Lighting Control systems. </span></div> <div style=""> <ul style="font-size: 12px;"> <li><span style="font-size: small;">Local Dimming/Switching (i.e. dimmers on a wall)</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: small;">Single Room Digital Systems (and example would be the Lutron Grafik Eye Series)</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: small;">Whole Home Dimming System (all lighting in the house controlled by a single digital system.) </span></li> </ul> </div> <div style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Deciding which system is right for you is a matter of budget, priorities and lifestyle. Here are three important factors to consider. </span></div> <p /> <div style=""><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cost</span> - Local Dimming/Switching is by far the cheapest, but there are drawbacks. First, dimmers take up a lot of space on the wall and can be unsightly. Second, and more importantly (to me) they do an inconsistent job dimming your lights and will do worse over time. A single room system is the middle of the road both in terms of cost and capabilities. The whole home system is the most expensive but also the most capable system of the three. </span></div> <div style=""><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Scope of Renovation</span> - Installing a whole home system into a completely wired house is much more difficult and costly, than installing one if you're doing a gut renovation. Nothing is impossible, but it's always easier to run the mass of wires required for a whole home system if access to the walls and ceilings isn't a problem. Most of the time, installing local dimmers (especially for halogen and LED lights) is very simple for any electrician. If you're renovating a high traffic/high value area of your home like the kitchen or dining room, consider installing a lighting control system for just that area. </span></div> <div style=""><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Lifestyle</span> - are you the type of person who will always want to tweak a dimmer every time you turn the lights on? Do you love the idea of pressing a button and setting your dining room to "entertain" mode? Do you have kids who always leave the lights on in some corner of the house when you go to bed? Would you love to be able to turn every light in the house off from a bedside button? These are personality and lifestyle questions that no one can answer for you. Some people love the idea of home automation, others hate the idea of "yet another computer" in their home. These are factors only you can answer. </span></div> <div style=""><span style="font-size: small;">For more on dimming systems, consider picking up a copy of <a href="http://jamesbedell.com/pages/losing-edison">Losing Edison</a> for your iPad or Kindle. Or shoot me an <a href="mailto:jp@jamesbedell.com">email.</a> </span></div> </div> </p> <p><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/the-importance-of-dimming-when-it-comes-to-su">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://jamesbedell.com/the-importance-of-dimming-when-it-comes-to-su#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/JamesBedell/~4/j5fyOwx2QpI" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/875024/DSC_0236_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4avJ4qB9cT0R James Bedell James James Bedell http://jamesbedell.com/the-importance-of-dimming-when-it-comes-to-su Tue, 14 Feb 2012 04:11:21 -0800 A Gentleman's Guide to Pinterest http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/JamesBedell/~3/dgRX5gAWxWc/a-gentlemans-guide-to-pinterest http://jamesbedell.com/a-gentlemans-guide-to-pinterest <p> <p>This post is a little bit of a diversion from my usual lighting content, but I thought it was relevant enough for my audience that it was worth commenting on here. One quick stat:</p> <blockquote> <p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">Pinterest is now driving more referral traffic on the web than Google+, YouTube, Reddit, and LinkedIn — combined. That’s according to Shareaholic’s January 2012 referral traffic</span><a href="http://blog.shareaholic.com/2012/01/pinterest-referral-traffic/" style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #64a0c8; text-decoration: none; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">report</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">, which is based on aggregated data from more than 200,000 publishers that reach more than 260 million unique monthly visitors each month.</span></p> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://gigaom.com/2012/01/31/pinterest-referral-traffic-google-plus-twitter/">More Here</a></span></p> <p>Yet the knock on Pinterest has been that it's a site for women. Perhaps the it's the slightly feminine UI design or that the heaviest pinners tend to be women, but for whatever reason, the ladies are dominant on Pinterest, at least by reputation. The truth is registered users on Pinterest are 58% female. More importantly, gentlemen if you're interested in visual design, it's time to drop the stigma and start following some pinboards...some quick tips.</p> <p> </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/224194887669930702/" target="_blank"><img src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/224194887669930702_lvn92LTg_c.jpg" border="0" height="450" alt="" width="600" /></a></div> <div style="float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;"> <p style="font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">Source: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/markitectme/6866960811/in/set-72157629237411083/" style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">flickr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/markjohnsonfaia/" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">Mark</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;">Pinterest</a></p> </div> <p> </p> <p>A Gentleman's Guide to Using Pinterest:</p> <ul> <li>You don't have to follow every board someone creates. Take the time to select the boards you might care about i.e. "classic wood furniture" and skip the one's you might not i.e. "cute kittens."</li> <li>It's Fashion Week - Get over it. At certain points of the year, you're going to see more high fashion than you might be used to, it's OK, it only hurts for a second. Hey you might actually learn something. </li> <li>Pinterest is not for personal photos. I know you want to drive traffic to the blog post for your big opening night party, but that's what flicker is for...people come to Pinterest to find interesting design elements. Don't abuse it. </li> <li>Pinterest is an overwhelmingly positive environment. It's not tumblr. So if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all. If you have a critique of an image...find a way to positively present it. Remember, every image is something someone created and someone else curated, you wouldn't walk into an artist's show in a gallery and drop f-bombs.</li> <li>Find your niche - I follow lots of interior designers on Pinterest, because I'm interested in interior design. Find your niche(s) and follow it/them. </li> <li>Expand your horizons - Pinterest is an amazing way to look into design cultures you're not familiar with...I encourage you to go for it. </li> </ul> <p>That's it - Now get Pinning! </p> </p> <p><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/a-gentlemans-guide-to-pinterest">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://jamesbedell.com/a-gentlemans-guide-to-pinterest#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/JamesBedell/~4/dgRX5gAWxWc" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/875024/DSC_0236_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4avJ4qB9cT0R James Bedell James James Bedell http://jamesbedell.com/a-gentlemans-guide-to-pinterest Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:50:34 -0800 New Project: 15amps and a Driveway http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/JamesBedell/~3/3GmR0eNZaGU/new-project-15amps-and-a-driveway http://jamesbedell.com/new-project-15amps-and-a-driveway <p> <div>Every so often I try to come up with a project that challenges me as a designer that I can share with readers. Here's a new one I want to pursue…I'm calling it "15amps and a Driveway". </div><p /><div>First, a little background:</div><div>I live in Astoria, NY. My apartment (the first floor of a 2 story attached house) is accessible by a communal driveway behind the house. The driveway has always intrigued me because it's not manicured in anyway. It's paved (barely) but the retaining walls have shifted, the fences are rusty, the trees at one end burst through the concrete. It's real and interesting. I've always thought it would make a great subject for a lighting design. </div><p /><div>At the same time, I want to challenge myself a little. So I want to have some limiting factors beyond the subject matter. The first is power….whatever portion of the driveway I light I will only be able to use 15amps…from an outlet in my apartment.  </div><p /><div>But what about the light sources? Well that's where it gets interesting…I'm looking for samples from any manufacturer willing to ship them. Whether it's that new outdoor LED flood light, or that RGB strip light you've wanted to show off…whatever you've got I'll use. Of course, there are some guidelines… </div><div><ul><li>I'll be working alone. So anything you send should be able to be wielded by one person. </li><li>I'm working with 15amps and only 15amps…so low power fixtures and light sources are preferable. </li><li>Any samples provided should be complete and working with cord and Edison plug. </li><li>If you're fixture requires control gear (and RGB LED for instance) then provide it. </li></ul><div>If you send samples…here's what I can promise you:</div></div><p /><div><ul class="MailOutline"><li>I will use the gear.</li><li>I will write a review of the gear as part of a blog post sharing the photos of the design. </li><li>You will be able to comment on the review.</li><li>I will send you high-res copies of the photos for your company's use. </li><li>Your gear will never be exposed to moisture. (Unless you want it to be…I'm all for proving real-world use) </li></ul><p /></div><div>If you're interested <a href="mailto:jp@jamesbedell.com">email me</a> or shoot me a message on Twitter. </div><p /><div>Thanks!</div><p /><p /><p /><br /> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/jamesbedell/0bXVAx3YDMOVYPGE9PB3mjYdyOENzUXZyXbLPkNhhhb39cAA7vSRf8yvlfUl/IMG_0837.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_0837" height="375" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/jamesbedell/qrszdPhtWnvhwyhu7rnYaEwGwz6TX1hvEePiRa7SGCdu0YKG5Uhwe1VszFEd/IMG_0837.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p><p></p><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/jamesbedell/wBS68SmksUtAky1VZOozpraIZ8ViflqU4ZwfaQX9GYtdQIJ55ZsA6M7TVQtg/IMG_0839.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_0839" height="375" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/jamesbedell/kpTSXimsE5fFBs6FPItk7Ze8g3CtO7C6JVsuA9Dyq6BPlOaJ1jmNeVSrvTrF/IMG_0839.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/new-project-15amps-and-a-driveway">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://jamesbedell.com/new-project-15amps-and-a-driveway#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/JamesBedell/~4/3GmR0eNZaGU" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/875024/DSC_0236_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4avJ4qB9cT0R James Bedell James James Bedell http://jamesbedell.com/new-project-15amps-and-a-driveway Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:43:00 -0800 In Memoriam: Anne Lommel http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/JamesBedell/~3/nO1H7AOIfXI/in-memoriam-anne-lommel http://jamesbedell.com/in-memoriam-anne-lommel <p> <p>[[posterous-content:pid___0]]An old friend and mentor to me has passed away. Anne Lommel was a set and costume designer based here in NYC. We met nine years ago at Pace University, where I studied lighting design. In my years at Pace I lit at least 8 sets Anne designed. Her creativity was only equaled by her passion for theatrical design and her willingness to do whatever it took to get the job done. Equally skilled at the sketch pad and with a Hudson sprayer Anne was the consumate theatrical professional and the theater will sorely miss her passion, her creativity and her art. </p> <p>I hadn't known Anne was sick and her passing is a shock to me. Anne had a deep impact on me during my formative years as a lighting designer. Her kindness, her work ethic, and her inspiration still teach me today. </p> <p>Anne - thank you for being an amazing teacher, an artist and a passionate professional. You will be deeply missed. </p> <p>As details emerge about Anne's memorial services I will post details here. </p> <p> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/in-memoriam-anne-lommel">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://jamesbedell.com/in-memoriam-anne-lommel#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/JamesBedell/~4/nO1H7AOIfXI" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/875024/DSC_0236_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4avJ4qB9cT0R James Bedell James James Bedell http://jamesbedell.com/in-memoriam-anne-lommel Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:46:00 -0800 Sustainable Lighting for the Stage - Event in NYC http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/JamesBedell/~3/L3T2g5iVyfU/sustainable-lighting-for-the-stage-event-in-n http://jamesbedell.com/sustainable-lighting-for-the-stage-event-in-n <p> <p>If you're going to be in NYC toward the end of the month and you're interested in sustainable lighting design, specifically, for the stage then come out to the Broadway Green Alliance's next event... </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: medium;"><strong>GOING GREEN IN THEATRICAL DESIGN: LIGHTING</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH</span></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Product Demos Start at 5:30pm</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Workshop and Discussion from 6:30 to 8pm</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Location: Loewe Theater, 2nd Floor</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>721 Broadway, New York, NY</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'll be there and I'll be discussing what practical real-world steps you can take to design a more sustainable show, complete with examples from recent projects. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you're interested you need to reserve a ticket as space is limited. See the attached PDF for contact information.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;">Hope to see you there!</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-09/hxJhwenuytkivofpBqJqczixrAqwJopCGzFEljgsaeEllGyAADvAGxDDfuou/Green_Lighting_Workshop_flyer_2.7.12.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Green_lighting_workshop_flyer_2" height="656" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-09/hxJhwenuytkivofpBqJqczixrAqwJopCGzFEljgsaeEllGyAADvAGxDDfuou/Green_Lighting_Workshop_flyer_2.7.12.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/sustainable-lighting-for-the-stage-event-in-n">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://jamesbedell.com/sustainable-lighting-for-the-stage-event-in-n#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/JamesBedell/~4/L3T2g5iVyfU" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/875024/DSC_0236_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4avJ4qB9cT0R James Bedell James James Bedell http://jamesbedell.com/sustainable-lighting-for-the-stage-event-in-n Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:14:00 -0800 How Natural Light Can Inspire Even in Unnatural Settings http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/JamesBedell/~3/KArBZSBBOPc/how-natural-light-can-inspire-even-in-unnatur http://jamesbedell.com/how-natural-light-can-inspire-even-in-unnatur <p> <p>I do an awful lot of blogging about natural light and using it to inspire better design. Here's an unlikely example of how you can feel the influence of natural light even in a rather unnatural project. I recently lit the Jersey Couture Pop-Up Beauty Bar here in NYC in conjuction with MKG. </p> <p>So how can this...</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/sIJjjjodjmJliEIjvkspubFyGqDEktzHGyhDnEgAJbGbihxtbaACEuIfvkIy/IMG_4027.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_4027" height="375" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/sIJjjjodjmJliEIjvkspubFyGqDEktzHGyhDnEgAJbGbihxtbaACEuIfvkIy/IMG_4027.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Inspire This…</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/wtnCJuvCegbksfEHpterkqfsIDqJHiqadmAtnEejkpvGxdECDHBFvBkxawCD/IMG_3929.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_3929" height="500" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/wtnCJuvCegbksfEHpterkqfsIDqJHiqadmAtnEejkpvGxdECDHBFvBkxawCD/IMG_3929.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/cqFltlmnxisEptJubcjGocEsvoFmmAzjaiBzBsvyhdnmjGhfwirygBczymIv/IMG_4030.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_4030" height="500" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/cqFltlmnxisEptJubcjGocEsvoFmmAzjaiBzBsvyhdnmjGhfwirygBczymIv/IMG_4030.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/how-natural-light-can-inspire-even-in-unnatur">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p> </p> <p>Let's look at the lighting for our the 9 foot dress form made of over 7500 fresh cut flowers. </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/wIDkbaEBbnAbcefAntkhFfnubdjsvomcvaepbibdeujcBGjzdnhBEBedrfFi/IMG_3931.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_3931" height="667" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/wIDkbaEBbnAbcefAntkhFfnubdjsvomcvaepbibdeujcBGjzdnhBEBedrfFi/IMG_3931.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>When I approached this form I thought about lighting a standing tree. More specifically I thought about how the sun lights a tree. Here's the inspiration image. </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/DqatblqrvoAowuxiGvbjlkdpykgDJBzmmFlJCojdAAwketcxqndvDCJljDbm/IMG_4030.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_4030" height="500" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/DqatblqrvoAowuxiGvbjlkdpykgDJBzmmFlJCojdAAwketcxqndvDCJljDbm/IMG_4030.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>So how did I follow my inspiration image in an industrial setting? The form needed to be visible from the street and lit from 360 degrees which is obviously unnatural. However, I could still nod to natural light and accomplish the design aesthetic. </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/JjrEynkqyqxmngpHhgoqHxhHkEGocumFczrDDiucxsnhdAiunyxpnvCbphgn/IMG_3938.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_3938" height="667" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/JjrEynkqyqxmngpHhgoqHxhHkEGocumFczrDDiucxsnhdAiunyxpnvCbphgn/IMG_3938.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>I lit the form more intensely from the front window side of the store, conceding the need for curb visibility. In doing so I allowed some natural shadowing around the bust and waistline of the dress. This also allowed the flowers to create endless natural shadows. </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/cJsckzDcBwIhwuxvtCrueAaBhJBpHDuIICffJnusfyjnpgzEDlCztiakJJku/Flower_Dress_Markup-1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Flower_dress_markup-1" height="798" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/cJsckzDcBwIhwuxvtCrueAaBhJBpHDuIICffJnusfyjnpgzEDlCztiakJJku/Flower_Dress_Markup-1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Lighting the form this way gives is natural shape as our eye works to model the form. Behind the form is a white wall. So to make the form pop from the wall I lit it with an intense blue (all the color of the store had to pop, so the blue was more vibrant than nature might create). That intense background color created sharp contrast and brought the dress form into sharp relief. </p> <p>When lighting retail or event location a big key is getting strong key light to the places you need it and the Jersey Couture project was no exception. Sometimes it is with ambient light, not key light that you get to make your statement. </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/EyqqDnsqhvqlqtcmqyxkjtmEhsFJDFnnqjxuAzrhiakuJbruqglmJytDJGsD/Floor_Markup.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Floor_markup" height="354" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/EyqqDnsqhvqlqtcmqyxkjtmEhsFJDFnnqjxuAzrhiakuJbruqglmJytDJGsD/Floor_Markup.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>As you can see in this photo, while there is definitely strong key light light on the key areas we want to focus on, there is also walking lane to be lit. In this case, using a simple breakup gobo I was able to create soft natural shadows inspired by natural light. With the hot magenta, I was able to keep in the color scheme of the store which is vibrant and modern. </p> <p>So there you have it. Below is a gallery with a few more photos of Jersey Couture project and if you're interested in where the inspiration came from head over to <a href="http://amazingmrb.posterous.com/natural-light-gallery">this gallery</a>. </p> <div><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/BecFGariClbnsGgiIBsisCkjIuzrJDrHJwwJAcpmiHsDEzcEauttspjrrejc/IMG_3929.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_3929" height="500" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/BecFGariClbnsGgiIBsisCkjIuzrJDrHJwwJAcpmiHsDEzcEauttspjrrejc/IMG_3929.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/kjdAFkgvlwtvjfFBnphummFjsArklvetqwjsCuIaDpgGcxclurmJqwebeaFd/IMG_3937.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_3937" height="375" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/kjdAFkgvlwtvjfFBnphummFjsArklvetqwjsCuIaDpgGcxclurmJqwebeaFd/IMG_3937.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/BFoojGEbaekejegGcblrdHmGokoFlDnrciCiehtuscwcxoomfilijgjJDIyi/IMG_3939.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_3939" height="667" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/BFoojGEbaekejegGcblrdHmGokoFlDnrciCiehtuscwcxoomfilijgjJDIyi/IMG_3939.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/rwsuHHIniuBryFdctnEbynjdmiGxrhzlsDaAitFhHmvunzJfmsapaoBDvciB/IMG_3940.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_3940" height="667" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/rwsuHHIniuBryFdctnEbynjdmiGxrhzlsDaAitFhHmvunzJfmsapaoBDvciB/IMG_3940.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/nbDutJHgiJjqGsftxCHrtEgCrtkjwojrxuoIaJDDriFsqhmGvGkoCDegpsnC/IMG_3935.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_3935" height="375" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/nbDutJHgiJjqGsftxCHrtEgCrtkjwojrxuoIaJDDriFsqhmGvGkoCDegpsnC/IMG_3935.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/rEsmrvtyqubinyFrgIngIhanIhfanzhbyzAnxlpohcoAzjekHqduxBkgmuAJ/IMG_3943.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_3943" height="375" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-07/rEsmrvtyqubinyFrgIngIhanIhfanzhbyzAnxlpohcoAzjekHqduxBkgmuAJ/IMG_3943.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/how-natural-light-can-inspire-even-in-unnatur">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div>  </div> <p> </p> <p> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/how-natural-light-can-inspire-even-in-unnatur">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://jamesbedell.com/how-natural-light-can-inspire-even-in-unnatur#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/JamesBedell/~4/KArBZSBBOPc" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/875024/DSC_0236_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4avJ4qB9cT0R James Bedell James James Bedell http://jamesbedell.com/how-natural-light-can-inspire-even-in-unnatur Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:50:19 -0800 The Jersey Couture Pop-Up Project http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/JamesBedell/~3/JB8foAZ5iOs/the-jersey-couture-pop-up-project http://jamesbedell.com/the-jersey-couture-pop-up-project <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/jamesbedell/wzuxerEDIBGcjufHeksouoGIEyEqqfACktjnytlCqfcuBFrmrpycsFcuDiGz/p799.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P799" height="500" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/jamesbedell/wzuxerEDIBGcjufHeksouoGIEyEqqfACktjnytlCqfcuBFrmrpycsFcuDiGz/p799.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p>Yesterday and last night I was lighting the Jersey Couture pop-up store in Noho. I'll have more pictures soon. But the project is a little bit of an experiment in old school color. <p>If you're interested in seeing some instagram photos just search #jerseycouture on twitter.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/the-jersey-couture-pop-up-project">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://jamesbedell.com/the-jersey-couture-pop-up-project#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/JamesBedell/~4/JB8foAZ5iOs" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/875024/DSC_0236_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4avJ4qB9cT0R James Bedell James James Bedell http://jamesbedell.com/the-jersey-couture-pop-up-project Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:54:00 -0800 Simplicity http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/JamesBedell/~3/4aKjkn9ulYk/simplicity http://jamesbedell.com/simplicity <p> <p>My neice, Olivia has been staying with me all week so morning blogging has been supplanted by morning getting-stuff-done-before-the-two-year-old wakes up. </p> <p>This morning I'm thinking about how to simplify lighting statements. It's tempting to make things complicated, but that's not necessarily solid design. When I think back on some of the best moments I ever created on stage for instance, I think of the simplest. </p> <p>How do you simplify?</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-02/wInprveBpjlmFxdFkyrnmnFcxJDjwbAAIovoEkamHFfpDtktJAbrBrcIpErv/Camino_3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Camino_3" height="326" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-02/wInprveBpjlmFxdFkyrnmnFcxJDjwbAAIovoEkamHFfpDtktJAbrBrcIpErv/Camino_3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <img alt="Crw_2492" height="600" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-02/HiqDbakbvGihtCfvuIvpokxzvhlhbbliEiqaodIgwyAsEqctmBcnrstmHJou/CRW_2492.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="399" /> <img alt="1797284522_de42a56850" height="334" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-02/uCGaDvEFkFqHGpiDhbyjrbJymppcqpuCkDcuFpICcpqkIrxyujkspwdiBGqj/1797284522_de42a56850.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-02/tyssrnefaFCsgzfeCJeFCJBEgstcsImbAadjabuEBborinsyCAyhngJrrBIf/ShakespeareNYC_-_Julius_Caesar.jpeg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Shakespearenyc_-_julius_caesar" height="750" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-02/tyssrnefaFCsgzfeCJeFCJBEgstcsImbAadjabuEBborinsyCAyhngJrrBIf/ShakespeareNYC_-_Julius_Caesar.jpeg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/simplicity">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/simplicity">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://jamesbedell.com/simplicity#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/JamesBedell/~4/4aKjkn9ulYk" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/875024/DSC_0236_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4avJ4qB9cT0R James Bedell James James Bedell http://jamesbedell.com/simplicity Mon, 30 Jan 2012 03:14:00 -0800 The Best Lit Nation on Earth - A Jobs Bill http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/JamesBedell/~3/qgOiUyMcMF4/the-best-lit-nation-on-earth-a-jobs-bill http://jamesbedell.com/the-best-lit-nation-on-earth-a-jobs-bill <p> <p>In case you haven't heard there's a Presidential primary going on. Right now, and I'm sure for a few more months to come Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum and Ron Paul are slugging it out to see who gets to compete against President Obama in November. With our very slow economic recovery still weighing voters minds every candidate is proposing ways to increase jobs here in the US. </p> <p>As a humble lighting designer I have my own jobs bill, OK maybe not a bill, but a sketch of a bill. I all it "The Creating the best Lit Nation on Earth to make more Jobs and Increase our Energy Independence Act." It's based on a <a href="http://jamesbedell.com/doe-releases-lighting-report">recent DOE report</a> showing how much energy the US uses through lighting. In total we use about 700 tera-watt hours of electricity through light sources - about 20% of the total US energy consumption. We can reduce that total, create jobs and make the nation more sustainable by taking up the following actions.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Create a Federal Loan Program for Cities and States to Upgrade their Public Lighting. </strong>The majority of our public lighting is High Pressure Sodium, Mercury Vapor or Metal Halide. We can radically improve our exterior lighting and spur innovation by fostering the retrofit of our street lighting with LED heads that produce the same quantity of light with better color and less energy consumption. States can pay the loan back with the energy savings created by the new lights. This could potentially create thousands of jobs across the country.</li> <li><strong>Expand and revamp the L-Prize Program. </strong>The L-Prize program was designed to spur innovation within the lighting industry to create an energy effiecient alternative to the 60 watt incandescent lamp. Thus far the contest yielded one new product that could change everything. The Philips L-Prize winner is set to hit the market this month. We should expand the program to go after linear fluorescent sources, which make up a huge amount of our lighting consumption. </li> <li><strong>Make all Federally Owned Buildings LEED Certified by 2020. </strong>Rather than mandate specific retrofits, the government should mandate that all federally owned buildings are LEED certified. Open up the design and build process to bidders from around the country and mandate the products used are made here in the USA. You'll be employing architects, lighting designers, general contractors and factory workers across the US. These buildings are a net investment over time as they consume fewer resources and reduce the public energy burden. If the program is successful, expand it to include state owned buildings. </li> <li><strong>Partner with Lighting Designers and US-Based Manufacturers on Public Lighting Projects.</strong> Here's the idea. The Federal, State and Local governments open up small pieces of land that are currently unused to lighting designers. Designers compete to design the space pro-bono and US lighting manufacturers sponsor the build by providing the products and covering the cost of labor to install it. Not only do you create some jobs in the local economy, but your promote lighting and lighting design as ways to improve the built environment, spurring investment from private business in their own property. </li> </ul> <p>There are lots of other things we could do like re-work the minimum luminance level requirements written into many building codes and more rapidly reduce the power density requirements to improve energy effieciency, but I thought we could stick with the carrots on this bill and save the sticks for when the economy is stronger. </p> <p>So GOP candidates and Mr. President. If you're reading this, feel free to steal liberally from this idea. I don't need credit, I just want to see us design better lighting and create a more beautiful country. We can do it. </p> </p> <p><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/the-best-lit-nation-on-earth-a-jobs-bill">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://jamesbedell.com/the-best-lit-nation-on-earth-a-jobs-bill#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/JamesBedell/~4/qgOiUyMcMF4" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/875024/DSC_0236_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4avJ4qB9cT0R James Bedell James James Bedell http://jamesbedell.com/the-best-lit-nation-on-earth-a-jobs-bill Fri, 27 Jan 2012 04:13:04 -0800 DOE Releases Lighting Report http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/JamesBedell/~3/2cjEyZyU3Sk/doe-releases-lighting-report http://jamesbedell.com/doe-releases-lighting-report <p> <p>The Department of Energy has released a <a href="http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/ssl/tech_reports.html">comprehensive report</a> on the state of lighting in the US. It breaks up lighting energy use by light source type and market segment. </p> <p>Some Key Points:</p> <ul> <li>Lighting makes up about 19% of Total U.S. Energy use at 700 terawatt hours. </li> <li>Over the 10 years about a billion more lamps went into active service from roughly 7 billion to over 8 Billion. </li> <li>U.S. Lighting has gotten more effiecient in 2001 we averaged 45 lumens per watt in 2010 it was 58 lumens per watt. This is attributed mostly by the reduction of incandescent lamps in favor of CFL and better linear fluorescent technology. </li> </ul> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-27/wghDkDzybbIFnhDrsHqEttyuFmjiAAwlJbnjoDbjAFhdmEwbwDFAFwsJylfi/2010-lmc-summary-jan-2012.pdf_page_1_of_2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="2010-lmc-summary-jan-2012" height="306" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-27/wghDkDzybbIFnhDrsHqEttyuFmjiAAwlJbnjoDbjAFhdmEwbwDFAFwsJylfi/2010-lmc-summary-jan-2012.pdf_page_1_of_2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Two things really jumped out at me.</p> <p>First, roughly a quarter of all US lighting is still incandescent, mostly in the residential sector. </p> <p>Secondly, LED barely registered on the overall chart in 2010. The potential for a vast improvement in sustainable lighting is remarkable. </p> <p>When this report is released again in 2020 I imagine the two major trends will continue to...more demand for light and increased efficiency. Take a look at the summary report.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_file_embed'> <a href="http://jamesbedell.com/doe-releases-lighting-report"><img alt="" src="http://posterous.com/images/filetypes/pdf.png" /></a> <div class='p_embed_description'> <strong>2010-lmc-summary-jan-2012.pdf</strong> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-27/vkBbtbJthfxdqfzHrJoephiFkrsbhueyFCzvDDqFrwFyowulhbqlfaahEIEJ/2010-lmc-summary-jan-2012.pdf">Download this file</a> </div> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/doe-releases-lighting-report">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://jamesbedell.com/doe-releases-lighting-report#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/JamesBedell/~4/2cjEyZyU3Sk" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/875024/DSC_0236_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4avJ4qB9cT0R James Bedell James James Bedell http://jamesbedell.com/doe-releases-lighting-report Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:47:00 -0800 The Most Beautiful Light http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/JamesBedell/~3/M_OUYBcHUWo/the-most-beautiful-light http://jamesbedell.com/the-most-beautiful-light <p> <p>I've been thinking through several projects this week and when I think of inspiration I keep going back to the most beautiful light I can think of, natural sunlight. I'm trying to draw on natural forms in some of my upcoming work to make the spaces I light feel more alive, more real and more interesting. Stay Tuned. </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-26/tHAilejDsnutBstCbocAaIADFlqIifvbkAzmClAzlnzAxvGEoccynAuGximA/IMG_0981.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_0981" height="667" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-26/tHAilejDsnutBstCbocAaIADFlqIifvbkAzmClAzlnzAxvGEoccynAuGximA/IMG_0981.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-26/cqqzlcfBrkCxpCxgfuqdCifhryDgnnwzbEibsDHbFkxaefszguiwnAxcqvwi/IMG_0984.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_0984" height="375" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-26/cqqzlcfBrkCxpCxgfuqdCifhryDgnnwzbEibsDHbFkxaefszguiwnAxcqvwi/IMG_0984.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-26/sEyHlejdejFDplpcmAHpxCFBEEvDDpmJikgsugeBmmHvccIgdDwkDHjnbdmI/IMG_0980.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_0980" height="667" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-26/sEyHlejdejFDplpcmAHpxCFBEEvDDpmJikgsugeBmmHvccIgdDwkDHjnbdmI/IMG_0980.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-26/BzEBukjibHJngFjnEHIqCCsEhFDyoigmxmgJFIrgdeoyCfBsdCkvufHkzxEz/IMG_0978.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_0978" height="375" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-26/BzEBukjibHJngFjnEHIqCCsEhFDyoigmxmgJFIrgdeoyCfBsdCkvufHkzxEz/IMG_0978.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/the-most-beautiful-light">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/the-most-beautiful-light">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://jamesbedell.com/the-most-beautiful-light#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/JamesBedell/~4/M_OUYBcHUWo" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/875024/DSC_0236_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4avJ4qB9cT0R James Bedell James James Bedell http://jamesbedell.com/the-most-beautiful-light Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:22:49 -0800 Test Everything http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/JamesBedell/~3/cpiwcJac8TE/test-everything http://jamesbedell.com/test-everything <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/jamesbedell/btskaEbJfpvDAGiAkcAeicJglmmheBsDxHDkdxtBvBsgEsqdmfjzlfxeucbC/p263.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P263" height="375" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/jamesbedell/btskaEbJfpvDAGiAkcAeicJglmmheBsDxHDkdxtBvBsgEsqdmfjzlfxeucbC/p263.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p>Perhaps I sound like a broken record. I don't care. In the age, of rapidly hanging light sources and rapidly improving technology it's imperative that you test everything. Color, consistency, brightness - you need to look at everything yourself. In this day and age the cut sheet is just the beginning. </p> <p><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/test-everything">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://jamesbedell.com/test-everything#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/JamesBedell/~4/cpiwcJac8TE" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/875024/DSC_0236_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4avJ4qB9cT0R James Bedell James James Bedell http://jamesbedell.com/test-everything Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:41:00 -0800 Taking Cues from Natural Light http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/JamesBedell/~3/QALOMaAeV1c/taking-cues-from-natural-light http://jamesbedell.com/taking-cues-from-natural-light <p> <p>There's <a href="http://www.gizmag.com/dynamic-luminous-ceiling-sky-office/21005/">this photo that's be circulating around the internet</a> of office lighting that is meant to replicate the sky. The idea, as I understand it, is that LEDs change color behind a lensed ceiling and the minor variations are meant to replicate the sky. People are supposed to feel happier and healthier as they work. </p> <p>Here's the photo: </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-24/mqbBjDCztBzqguymjmfEHxDCvtFuAJJtblAEgDCwjiGJFuGtdFGCzkExigih/skyceiling.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Skyceiling" height="274" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-24/mqbBjDCztBzqguymjmfEHxDCvtFuAJJtblAEgDCwjiGJFuGtdFGCzkExigih/skyceiling.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> Now don't get me wrong. I applaud any effort to make our work environments more pleasant and it does seem that there are some really interested programming breakthroughs on this project. But I highly doubt working under this ceiling will make anyone feel like they are working under natural light. Here are some photos I've taken recently outside. I think they're all pretty solid examples of of what I mean.</p> <p> <p>Notice a few things:</p> <div><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-24/zAlxsmzbCtfgGvzAADBhnDxJGAFjGFCamnruCApChuvsormGFIphfeyChGFz/IMG_3772.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_3772" height="667" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-24/zAlxsmzbCtfgGvzAADBhnDxJGAFjGFCamnruCApChuvsormGFIphfeyChGFz/IMG_3772.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </div> <div>Shadows - We create shadows in natural light, shadows create contrast, contrast creates interest. </div> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-24/FgwBvzAevraoFflCnEGaoIocamzcphIfztkcmIbzxlIkmxvEjmCGqeCneCIG/IMG_3763.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_3763" height="667" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-24/FgwBvzAevraoFflCnEGaoIocamzcphIfztkcmIbzxlIkmxvEjmCGqeCneCIG/IMG_3763.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Darkness - Natural Light allows for darkness. Darkness gives us a sense of time. Shifting light and shadow help too. </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-24/jCIwgxIimmAkrwovzJrsglnIAsopsgdgouoJhfGcDdepkmFBsldntoccJddz/IMG_3757.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_3757" height="500" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-24/jCIwgxIimmAkrwovzJrsglnIAsopsgdgouoJhfGcDdepkmFBsldntoccJddz/IMG_3757.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Reflection - Natural light in all of its subtle hues bounce off clouds and grass and building and puddles and windows and make all kinds of interesting textures. Texture feels real. </p> <p>So while this seems like it might be a cool ceiling effect, I think it largely misses the point. What makes the sky so amazing is that it surprises us, it changes throughout the day, and it allows us to fill in the blanks of darkness. </p> <p> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://jamesbedell.com/taking-cues-from-natural-light">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://jamesbedell.com/taking-cues-from-natural-light#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/JamesBedell/~4/QALOMaAeV1c" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/875024/DSC_0236_2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4avJ4qB9cT0R James Bedell James James Bedell http://jamesbedell.com/taking-cues-from-natural-light