Cutting Edge, Responsible Lighting Has a New Place to Stay in Chicago

Lightswitch Architectural Brings Light to a New City Hotel

Chicago, IL (April 9, 2009) - Lightswitch Architectural, an architectural lighting design firm known for its responsible lighting design practices, is proud to participate in the opening of the Wit Hotel in Chicago next month. Destined to truly make a statement in Chicago's entertainment district, the property is a state-of-the-art hotel that blends the vision of developer, ECD Company, and architect, Koo & Associates, to create a property that combines glamour and sophistication with intellect and humor, adding a jolt of urbane energy into this State Street gateway to Chicago culture and entertainment.

A design partner throughout, Lightswitch Architectural was charged with innovation and creativity and has created a range of lighting environments that reflect the desired sophistication and complement the architecture. The lighting systems are first of their kind, using new, cutting edge design elements while taking into account energy efficiency and fiscal responsibility for both development and long term maintenance costs. Responsible lighting design was the goal and multiple technologies and techniques in the design have the Wit anticipating that their lighting will be 30% more energy efficient than other hotels of its size. Lightswitch Architectural Partner, Avraham Mor, provides some details, “Solid State Lighting (SSL) is at the core of the design and used where practically and economically feasible. SSL is known for ultra long source life with low power consumption and low heat emission, making it optimal in environmentally conscious design.”

Mor continues, “Automating fixtures using daylight monitoring and astronomical time clocks set the mood between day and night ensure efficient use of resources.” Additionally, the conference rooms use a newer technology that allows the fluorescent lighting to be controlled individually or as a group. A major attraction for the hotel is the state-of-the-art private screening room that uses SSL technology and fiber optic lighting to create the perfect backdrop for the projection and acoustics.

Mor concludes his comments about this exciting project by saying, “The success of this job is also due in large part to JMS Electric, the installing contractor and Evergreen Oak Electric, the distributor. Without their know-how and expertise in supporting responsible design practices, our designs would never make it off the pages.”

About Lightswitch and Lightswitch Architectural

Lightswitch is an industry leader in designing exciting lighting for live events and architectural environments. The Lightswitch team is a design consortium with offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando and San Francisco. Specifically focused on architectural projects, the Lightswitch Architectural Division is known for innovation and cutting edge creations. Clients include developers, architects, property owners and managers who are seeking dynamic and responsible lighting and media design for corporate buildings, residential properties, museums, schools, hotels and indoor and outdoor architectural spaces. For more information visit www.Lightswitch.net.