For over five decades, the Yale School of Architecture has been a trailblazer in architectural education, offering students a hands-on experience that extends beyond traditional classroom learning. The First-Year Building Program, a hallmark of the school's approach since 1967, provides architecture students with a unique opportunity to design and construct structures as part of their graduate education. These projects typically result in the creation of dwellings in underprivileged local neighborhoods, and since 1989, they have delivered affordable housing to over 50 families. QTL proudly supported this initiative by donating lighting for two consecutive years.
In 2022, the program's construction project focused on an accessory dwelling unit, shedding light on critical urban planning and architectural challenges such as the housing shortage and the lack of affordable living spaces in the United States. Adam Hopfner, the program's director, emphasized the fundamental role of shelter in architecture and its service to people. Nicole De Araujo, a student involved in the project, highlighted the significance of lighting in a space with limited natural light. For this project, the students carefully selected LED lighting fixtures, such as the LALO fixture for task lighting in the kitchen area, to ensure functionality and a pleasant ambiance. The choice of the SW24/3.0 LED strip with a CCT of 3000K added warmth and comfort to the space, aligning with the project's eco-friendly and community-oriented principles. QTL's contribution to this endeavor reflects its commitment to improving underprivileged areas and fostering collaboration between the lighting industry and aspiring architects.
