In many ways, artwork lighting infrastructure requires formulaic solutions, yet as this project demonstrates, a holistic solution is a complex and precise task. Over the past three decades, required lighting levels have become progressively tighter, with demands for ever lower light levels on the artwork pieces.

During the same period, expectations of presentation have risen, creating a conflict between requirements. Prints and drawings galleries are amongst the most restrictive in terms of their requirements as papers are highly sensitive to light. In this space, the solution was not only to manage the light levels of the artwork lighting itself, but to manage outside light ingress and particularly, careful use of material finished.

The architects, wHY Architecture, lighting worked to develop a dark color palette which successfully absorbs most bounce light and, while it permits wall washing, prevents reflected light from flattening the space. Balanced with limited accenting, each piece pops from the wall through its own integrity, rather than through explicit illumination.

One huge advantage that the Art Institute of Chicago brings to such spaces is the depth of experience of their Physical Plant Department, who have decades of experience. This is invaluable in implementing artwork lighting as a flexible system is only as good as the implementation for any given exhibition.