ART+TECHture_001:Light Meter Display

To start off TRPinc's weekly series of the "ART & TECH" of architectural sketching, we've decided to combine it with one of our "product posts".

Recently, the Las Vegas Plumbers & Pipefitters Union (UA Local 525) asked TRPinc to conduct an energy & environmental study for their current Union Hall & Training Center (both of which were designed by TRPinc). This analysis involved looking closely at the current LEED® for Existing Buildings certification standards to determine if any improvements could be made. One of our goals was to not only inform, but to educate our client (in a casual & fun way) on how certain changes could have a big effect on their building. With that in mind, we created this Light Meter Display that allowed us to not only test different light bulbs for the best efficiency & wattage usage, but it also became an awesome presentation piece to show off! Here's how the process went:

Concept Sketch

After the initial idea was conceived and discussed, working drawings began to develop. This type of design development is essential to work out all the problems associated with any such design, which is why physical drawings are so useful. We can draw, redraw and draw some more, all leading up to a final solution that embodies the initial concept, but also works in its entirety.

Working Drawings: Elevation/Section

Working Drawings: Plans/Elevation

And our favorite outcome from these drawing exercises...the finished product!

Final Product

Initial results from the TRPinc Light Meter Display:

LAMP	COST/LAMP	LIFE EXP.	KWh USED @ 8 HRS
STD 60W INCANDESCENT	$2 EACH	1,000 HRS	.56 KWh
HALOGEN INCANDESCENT	$9 EACH	2,000 HRS	.41 KWh
COMPACT FLUORESCENT	$12 EACH	20,000 HRS	.11 KWh
LED	$40 EACH	50,000 HRS	.09 KWh