Planning a Glass Fibre Optics
Functional Lighting Project

Before the first nail is hammered, there has to be a meeting of the minds between the client and the team assembled.

Adequate planning that anticipates near future requirements, eliminates the need for additional construction soon after completion of the initial work.

Once the lighting “wish list” is determined, there should be at least one meeting among ALL the participants of the project.  In that way, a logical schedule can be created that eliminates duplication of effort.  Near-future requirements should be anticipated so that additional work won’t have to be done immediately after completion of the project.

Each discipline or trade should comment on methods and procedures that would best do the job without impacting on an adjacent system.

Mock-ups on site or in a research lab should always be done in the presence of decision makers to avoid any surprises later. 

Every member of the team, from the architect to the first-year apprentice should be made aware of the glass fibre optics equipment.  Then they won’t waste time on the job satisfying their curiosity about it, and will be careful not to accidentally damage it while it is waiting to be installed.

 Provide experienced guidance for first-time users.  With craftsmen’s innate ability, they will catch on fast, and even offer clever solutions for unexpected situations.

WHY IS GLASS FIBRE OPTICS THE MOST SUITABLE TECHNOLOGY FOR SOME APPLICATIONS?

CLI is called in for projects whose lighting parameters cannot be met conventionally. Lighting wish lists include the following criteria:

1.    Easy installation that does not affect original design or fabric
3.    Minimum maintenance that does not disturb displays or pedestrian traffic
4.    Highest energy-efficiency for economical operation complying with the ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1 (Energy Conservation), EPAct (the latest national energy code), state and local building codes, and LEED
5.    Absence of infrared and ultraviolet rays so destructive to fugitive organic materials
7.    Unobtrusive lighting hardware that requires the smallest penetration of decorative surfaces   and fits into tight clearances
8.    Since no electricity flows through the light guides, it is safe both for materials and also occupants of all ages, children to seniors
9.    Vandal proof
10.   Sturdy components can be easily reassembled for traveling exhibits
11.    MegalonTM proprietary sheathing is halogen-free and self extinguishing
12.    Automated “scenes” of color, motion and dimming
13.    Authentic historic color and light levels can be reproduced
14.    "Green” sustainable materials are impervious to the environment
15.     Miniaturized to be unobtrusive - only the light, not the hardware is visible
16.     Able to be retrofit into most existing chandeliers, wall sconces, table- and floor lamps
17.      One lamp powers many points of high-level equal points of light
18.      Minimum maintenance –only needs relamping and dusting the boss on the projector
19.      Illumination is delivered to exactly where needed
20.      Safe underwater
21.      Prompt payback on initial cost through substantial savings over the life of the system