Dubai College

Projects > Dubai College

UAE, 2023

Acoulite collaborated with Godwin Austen Johnson (GAJ) and Al Tayer Stocks (ATS) to provide lighting, acoustics and controls for the new Dubai College space. This educational facility, crafted to embody principles of interdisciplinary learning and modern teaching methodologies, aimed to establish new benchmarks in educational infrastructure of the modern world. The project successfully achieved LEED GOLD certification from USGBC, scoring 74 points, and setting new standards for sustainability and energy efficiency in educational buildings.

Project Details

Completion Date: 2023

Brands Lamp, Intra, Luxxbox, LLD, Muuto, Fagerhult, Whitecroft

Completion 2023

Interior Designer GAJ

Fit-out Contractor Al Tayer Stocks

Scope Lighting, Automation and Controls, Acoustics

Country UAE

Challenges:

Balancing Functionality and Aesthetics:
· Ensuring lighting solutions enriched functionality, ambiance, and aesthetics while harmonising with the architectural vision.

Natural Light Integration:
· Responding to the client and designer's desire for abundant natural light, requiring precise coordination with existing sunlight patterns and additional lighting for evening events.

Sustainability Goals:
· Meeting sustainability targets for LEED Gold certification, focusing on energy-efficient technologies and smart design to maximise natural light usage.

Uniform Illumination in Classrooms:
· Providing glare-free lighting conducive to optimal learning, requiring tailored specifications to ensure uniform illumination across teaching spaces, walls, and whiteboards.

Structural Constraints:
· Addressing the challenge of integrating suspension cables due to construction constraints around a staircase, necessitating innovative solutions for hanging lighting fixtures.

The Solution:

In response to the challenges, Acoulite and its partners implemented meticulously planned lighting solutions that enhanced aesthetics and functionality. Dimmable lights and task-oriented fixtures were utilised to create a balanced environment. Integrating energy-efficient lighting technologies addressed sustainability goals while strategic placement of fixtures harmonised with natural light patterns.

· Structural Integration: To overcome the structural constraints, one suspension cable was attached from the soffit, creating the necessary support to hang the product without multiple cables interfering with the construction.

· Daylight Harvesting: Motion sensors were installed throughout the facility to adjust lighting output based on the natural light available at different times of the day.

· Classroom Lighting: Prioritising glare-free lighting conducive to optimal learning, Whitecroft fixtures were specified by us due to its high specs and at an 80 CRI, ensuring accurate colour representation for the students and non-glaring illumination to avoid any discomfort.

· LEED Gold Certification: Dubai College broke records by obtaining LEED gold scoring 74 points, the target was 60. This is the highest score in the MENA region for school. Only one of three schools in the Middle East to receive this certification as such careful product selection was important. All lights had to be recyclable, and sensors and load calculations were meticulously planned to meet stringent standards.

· Acoustic Solutions: The acoustic lighting used helped manage noise levels, especially in the library, while the shapes and colors helped enhanced the design of the space. Vertical lighting was used in open spaces, while horizontal lighting was implemented in study areas.

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