Prairie Shores, located in Chicago's historic Bronzeville neighborhood, offers residents a distinctive living experience with panoramic views of Lake Michigan and convenient access to the lakefront. This community consists of five high-rise apartment buildings, but it lacked the contemporary amenities desired by today's residents. To address this, the building owners embarked on the construction of a stunning amenity center designed to foster a sense of community while providing luxurious amenities. This center includes fitness areas, grilling spaces, a rooftop terrace, cafe, game room, and co-working lounge, serving as a vibrant hub for residents. As part of the neighborhood's revitalization efforts, Gensler collaborated with Erin Flaum, Partner and Design Director of Architectural Lighting Design at Zutalé Design, to incorporate architectural lighting solutions that would enhance the overall ambiance and aesthetics of the community.
The primary goal of the lighting design for Prairie Shores' community center was to create an enchanting and visually captivating environment that seamlessly complemented the contemporary reimagination of the neighborhood. This vision was brought to life through the implementation of a backlit facade that cast a lantern-like glow, turning the building into a captivating focal point for the community. Additionally, the lighting design aimed to infuse the space with a warm and inviting atmosphere, effectively bridging the gap between commercial and hospitality settings.
Erin Flaum collaborated closely with the esteemed architectural firm Gensler, which led the project. Overcoming challenges such as deep soffits that restricted access to lighting fixtures, Erin opted to partner with QTL, renowned for its exceptional optics and collaborative approach. The selection of a static white, 3000K VERS GRAZER, along with customized enhancements, including a unique handle for easy fixture detachment, demonstrated QTL's commitment to meeting specific project requirements.
In conjunction with the electrical engineer, Erin developed an intuitive control system aimed at enhancing the user experience for the building's occupants. The primary focus was on configuring light levels, allowing for precise calibration during installation. This effort encompassed dimming capabilities enabled by key LED power supply units—the QOM-eLED, QTM-eLED, and QZ models. These LED power supply units collectively played an integral role in achieving the desired dimming levels, reaffirming the project's dedication to adaptable illumination.
Through the collaborative efforts of Gensler, Erin Flaum, the design team at Zutalé Design, and QTL, the Prairie Shores project stands as a testament to the transformative potential of architectural lighting. The Chicago apartment community has been elevated to new heights, utilizing innovative lighting to craft a visually striking and inviting environment that enchants both residents and passersby.
