You want products that are efficient, smartly designed, toxin-free, low maintenance, easy to install, and good value for your money. Sky Factory EcoSlim Luminous SkyCeilings™ are an answer.
How Lean? EcoSlim LED™ lighting is an advanced edge-lit lighting system that shrinks the entire SkyCeiling package from 9" to less than 3.5" deep. Yet, EcoSlim maintains the perfect corner-to-corner illumination that is the hallmark of Sky Factory SkyCeilings™.
How green? The dimmable EcoSlim system is characterized by high energy efficiency on par with the best of fluorescent lighting *, maintenance-free longevity (50,000 - 100,000 hour life), daylight balanced light, and freedom from toxic elements (zero mercury). EcoSlim SkyCeilings respond to the Architecture 2030 Challenge while simultaneously raising the aesthetic and practical bar for sky image ceilings.
How good? Because of the thin profile, the image tile is only ¼ inch below the uniformly illuminated edge-lit light-guide. This configuration produces a far brighter image than in any other system. Other systems attempt to achieve thinness, brightness and uniformity by doubling the lamping and energy consumption and still fail to produce the flawless uniformity of EcoSlim.
EcoSlim Luminous SkyCeilings are fully compatible with all MRI applications. Further, being dimmable, it's ideal for linear accelerator suites, and any other location where precise 0-100% light control is desired. Do you need a sealed system? Sealed EcoSlim SkyCeilings™ are gasketed for protection against contaminants.
Stay tuned for leaner, greener Luminous Virtual Windows™ for walls.
* While LED is far more energy efficient than incandescent, many mistakenly believe that LED lighting is more energy efficient than quality fluorescent. This is not actually the case on a lumen/watt basis. But, in spite of higher initial investments, quality LED technology does result in cost savings and far longer life.
Last year's big problem was an installation of Luminous Virtual Windows in the reception area of Dr. Michael Margolis' orthodontic practice in Wilbraham, Massachusetts. This was a 2004 Sky Factory installation that utilized third-party components that we have long since redesigned and now manufacture ourselves.
The Margolis renovation designed by Green Curve Studios specified two groups of Luminous Virtual Windows. These were key elements in the design, a beautiful installation that must have been jinxed - the outer protective panels just wouldn't stay attached.
A couple of years ago we flew to Massachusetts and spent a day trying to fix the problem. It seemed OK for awhile, but last year the problems popped up again. Following a company wide meeting and a unanimous decision, we replaced the entire installation - over $20,000 worth of new technology and several thousand dollars more for the re-installation - and we ate it. And…Dr. Margolis ate chocolate (from a box of Askinosie fine chocolates that we sent in gratitude for his patience with the long process of perfecting his installation).
The majority of Sky Factory products go into healthcare environments. Naturally, you want to know that they will provide tangible benefits. There is a solid and growing body of scientific research associated with Evidence-Based Design that supports the use of images of nature in healthcare settings.
With overwhelmingly positive feedback from clients we make references to the general research with confidence. But, you've asked for scientific evidence specific to Sky Factory SkyCeilings.
So, we've begun a program to support independent research on Sky Factory SkyCeilings. Two studies are now underway, one by a university psychology dept. will look at the effects of Sky Factory illusions of sky on stress relief, and another study in a cancer treatment ward will look at the effects on patient comfort and well being during apheresis therapy sessions. These studies are only the beginning.
To deliver the research that you want, we are actively seeking researchers and organizations that may have interest in the psycho-physiological impacts of illusions of nature. The white paper, Scientific Research and Sky Image Ceilings, outlining our hypotheses, gives an overview of related research, and suggests potential research topics. You can learn more by requesting a copy.
Do you know someone who might conduct research on Sky Factory products? Please forward this newsletter to them or send us their contact information and we'll get in touch.
Are you outside the USA, or do you serve clients world-wide? The Sky Factory now has Authorized Partners covering 30 countries. To locate the list of International Partners, go to the International section of the Contact Us web page. No partner in your area? We serve numerous clients in countries where we do not yet have partners.
As a U.S. architect, you need 18 CE credits a year and we can help. Several hundred architects have already taken the Sky Factory's Use of Illusion in Architecture course, and the reviews are positive. Use of Illusion is a thought provoking exploration of illusion's importance to the whole of architectural design, and examines how it can be used to positive physiological affect.
To make it as easy as possible for you to get your credits we now offer the AIA course to A&D firms and others via live webinar. The webinar format significantly reduces the carbon impact of the course since we no longer fly around the country to present it.
To schedule a webinar for your firm visit the Education page of our website or contact Dawn Murphy.
SkyFactory.com is the place to get the information you want. The website is your paperless catalog for all things Sky Factory. You might enjoy revisiting several sections that have recently been updated:
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