Illuminart Transforms the Ford Experience Center with Innovative Lighting
In 2018, independent lighting design firm Illuminart, a Division of Peter Basso Associates embarked on a remarkable journey alongside Ghafari to illuminate the Edsel B. Ford II Experience Center, an integral part of Ford’s 305-acre Dearborn campus transformation. This fully immersive environment was envisioned by Ford Motor Company as a place where employees, dealers, customers, and thought leaders could converge to shape the future of mobility.
Video courtesy of Illuminart
The Ford Experience Center is a dynamic venue, catering to a wide range of functions all hosted within the building’s main lobby. This gathering area required a lighting design that captured the essence of Ford while offering flexibility to tailor color to suit the various tones of the events hosted there. Illuminart, renowned for lighting designs that enhance environments, was brought in by Ghafari Associates to focus on the impactful space. Robert White, IALD, LC, IES, and Elizabeth Williams, LC, IES led the creative endeavor.
Elizabeth explained that one of the design goals was to enhance the subtle architectural elements that served as nods to the iconic curve of the Ford logo. Even the building itself, with its oval shape, served as a silent yet powerful statement of Ford's presence. Elizabeth stated, “One of the goals was to make it very much a Ford building, kind of having a sense for where you are without them having to be explicit about having branding logos in any place."
Specifying QTL’s flexible encapsulated Q-CAP fixtures allowed lines of light to punctuate the brand tie-in. Robert added, "The lighting design not only strengthened brand messaging, but also became pivotal in creating an immersive experience.”
Q-CAP’s side bending KURV profile was selected due to checking off a number of boxes: its flexible nature allowed it to follow the curved lines of the glass railing, it could be used to create seamless continuous runs, and the way light pushed out from the fixture via its built-in parabolic curve. This internal reflector allowed light to be focused up the railing’s glass panels, casting accents of illumination onto the ceiling of the lobby and attached corridors. It was also used to push light down from the top of the staircase onto the floor below. Robert further explained, “This created nuanced layers of light and added an element of wayfinding to guide visitors from the entertaining space to working areas deeper in the building.”
Selecting an RGBW light engine also gave building ownership the ability to create any color, including the Ford blue, copying the hue of cars on display, showcasing holiday themes, or transitioning CCTs from energizing cool tones to a warm hospitality feel. Elizabeth emphasized, "The versatility of the RGBW light engine allowed us to adapt the lighting to different themes and moods, enhancing the overall visitor experience."
The Ford Experience Center stands as a testament to lighting design’s ability to inspire occupants. Due to thoughtful placement of Q-CAP fixtures, Illuminart’s design allows Ford to reflect the company’s rich history while inspiring the future of the brand. This dynamic lighting design not only reinforces Ford's identity but also transforms the visitor experience, seamlessly adapting to different themes and moods. By elegantly merging form and function, Illuminart has not only illuminated the space but also ignited a sense of wonder and inspiration within this iconic center.
