University of Michigan
Project Description
Property History
Founded in 1817, Ann Arbor’s University of Michigan is the oldest institution of higher education in the state. The university campus spans 3,177 acres, and has a student population of well more than 50,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Project Scope
Grand Light designed and fabricated a variety of custom light fixtures for the University of Michigan. We manufactured a number of unique luminaires, including a globe chandelier, wall sconces, and multiple types of pendants.
Each fixture went through a comprehensive design process involving the creation of 2D line drawings and 3D models. Once final designs were approved for production, we began the manufacturing process. The frames were custom manufactured from steel and fitted with acrylic diffuser panels. Each different fixture variety was wired with a unique LED strip assembly designed specifically for its particular housing.
A number of octagonal linear pendants were made for this job. The steel and aluminum frames were fitted with custom LED system including GU10 uplights, a mounted downlight, and an internal T8 tube assembly. The fixture features eight 1/2 circle acrylic panels designed to allow for high degree of light transmittance.
The large hanging globe fixture manufactured for this job features a dedicated chip-on-board LED core. The system features a 4 foot tall cob-style LED strip with dimmability and a remote driver. The globe was finished with high transmittance acrylic panels as well.
Services Performed
Lighting Design & Engineering
Our process begins with reviewing existing documentation including sketches, architectural drawings, historical photographs, and an on-site inspection to gather the full scope of the project requirements. From there, Grand Light will develop a detailed proposal. As required Grand Light conducts research to assure the historical accuracy of all historic projects.
The creation of Custom Drawings, Modeling, Simulation, and Rendering is an important part of the process when it comes to the production of custom lighting. Whether it be a replication or modification of an existing lighting fixture, the client’s design, or a creation by Grand Light’s engineering team, our designs will serve as the blue print for our production process.
Our designs and subsequent mock-ups address the smallest of detail, allowing our clients to fully visualize the fixture before it goes into production, which reduces the possibility of error, and allows Grand Light to fulfill its commitment of delivering high quality lighting fixtures on schedule.
Material Fabrication
Grand Light has created custom lighting fixtures of every style and for every application. Our team of professional metal workers excel in Forming, Forging, Spinning, Stamping, and Hydroforming various materials such as Steel, Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Brass, Bronze, and Copper.
Grand Light’s production process in machining and manufacturing custom lighting fixtures and components in both large and small quantities; from minor components to the complete fabrication of full sized lanterns or other custom lighting fixtures, our artisans can accommodate any client specification or deadline.
With our automated lathes, stamping, and welding equipment aid in our ability to craft metal components to project specification with unparalleled design, quality, and durability. Our custom lighting team stands confidently behind their work with years of experience and dedication to quality craftsmanship.
LED Energy-Efficient Systems
Our Energy-Efficient LED Advantage Systems update the lighting element, wiring, and components to significantly increase the lighting quality of an area while minimizing total energy consumption and reducing maintenance costs. When incandescent lamps are upgraded to an LED system, the result is a room that is up to (3) times brighter, savings up to 80% in annual(recurring) energy costs, and extended operational lifespan.
Improvements can also be achieved through the implementation of photometric testing, intelligent controllers, photocells, motion detectors, and light lifts. All of these, often in combination, can significantly reduce operating costs and provide long term return on investment.
Project Updates
Computer-Aided Fabrication – Bringing Custom Lighting Concepts to Life with 3D Modeling
Grand Light specializes in custom lighting fabrication, a process that balances historic character with modern energy-efficient performance.
