PARRISH ART MUSEUM – NYSERDA/ LRC FIELD STUDY

“DELTA monitoring showed that 81% of the time the museum was open in spring, the skylights allowed the museum to keep the electric lights off in the galleries. For the remainder of the time, electric lights were dimmed from full output. Therefore, for the seven galleries using skylights for illumination in spring (April to June), DELTA estimates that the skylights and use of lighting controls resulted in 82% lighting energy savings. Energy savings would have been even greater (89%) if compared to the maximum allowable power density used for all hours the museum was open.”

– Lighting Research Center publication “Field Test DELTA Snapshots: Glazing with Integral Honeycomb Baffles”

Panelite ClearShade skylight glazing was specified by architects Herzog & de Meuron and daylighting engineers ARUP to achieve their goal of providing a naturally daylight environment, similar to that of artists’ studios, for viewing the collection at the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill, New York. Since most of the galleries’ illuminance comes from skylights, electric light usage is minimized, substantial energy savings are achieved and user experience is enhanced. Both energy savings and user experience were quantified by the Lighting Research Center (LRC) team in their DELTA (Demonstration and Evaluation of Lighting Technologies and Applications / Lighting Case Studies) publication.
ClearShade honeycomb glazing technology is suitable for facades, clerestories, and skylights, allowing architects, engineers and building owners to meet daylighting, energy efficiency, user comfort and aesthetic goals in a single product.

Field Study Scope

• NYSERDA (NY State Energy and Research Development Authority) funded a research project to evaluate the potential energy savings for New York State of ClearShade honeycomb glazing technology. Under the grant, Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute conducted a field study of ClearShade skylights at the Parrish Art Museum by Herzog & de Meuron Architects.
• The object of the study was to take field measurements to analyze the light quality and energy savings provided by the ClearShade skylights, to define any reduction in air pollution, as well as to interview staff and visitors to assess the occupant experience of the skylights.

Design Intent

• The design team at Herzog & de Meuron used skylights to illuminate the art with natural light, similar to the light quality of an artists’ studio.
• Two types of skylights were used. On the north slope of the roof, ClearShade honeycomb glazing units were installed to diffuse and optimize daylight, while allowing for partial views of the sky. On the south slope, conventional translucent skylights with neutral density film were used .
• Fluorescent strip lights were installed to amplify ambient lighting as necessary.

Summary of Field Study Findings

• 81% of the time the museum was open in spring, electric lights were not needed. The remainder of the time electric lights were dimmed from full output. Compared to the museum’s allowable power density, the skylights and use of lighting controls saved 89% in lighting energy.
• Energy savings also resulted in reduced air pollution: 4.6 lbs of SO2, 5.2 lbs of NOx, and 6,219 lbs of CO2.
• 73% of visitors considered the illumination of the Parrish galleries to be better than other museums.

FULL FIELD STUDY FINDINGS BY LRC – DELTA PUBLICATION

CLEARSHADE OVERVIEW

Questions about the field study or about using ClearShade for daylighting and energy-savings? Call us at 323-297-0115 or fill out our technical support form to have us contact you.