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The Cradle of Aviation is a museum telling the hyper-local story of the origins of aviation on Long Island from grass fields to the moon landing. It spans over 150,000 square feet and showcases 75 air and space craft, including a real Apollo Lunar Module. Its original theatrical fixtures were an operational challenge, and energy hog, negatively impacting the visitor experience due to outages, glare, and insufficient equipment. A unique renovation approach involving ERCO and Reed Burkett Lighting Design focused on improving overall visual quality, reduced glare, better storytelling, and dynamic experiences for key exhibits. Using Parscan New 120V spotlights, Eclipse 120V spotlights and Invia 48V Light Structure, the museum was also able to achieve a nearly 85% reduction in energy reduction.
When it came to relighting the museum, ERCO provided support and advice. Instead of simply replacing the luminaires, ERCO offered a more comprehensive solution. We quickly realized that a simple one-for-one replacement wouldn't be enough given the scale and unique needs of the space, Richard Fisher, National Cluster Culture Manager at ERCO, explains. With my background in lighting design, I advised them that they should consider a complete redesign rather than just focusing on energy efficiency. This approach would address the overall lighting quality and visitor experience, but it would also come with additional costs. This is where the close collaboration with Reed Burkett Lighting Design began.
The Parscan New 120V and Eclipse 120V spotlights allow for a wide range of interchangeable distributions, with symmetrical beam angles from 28° to 54°, along with linear distributions and framing, offering maximum flexibility during commissioning. Each luminaire was individually fine-tuned with Casambi Bluetooth controls.
Information panels and wall graphics are illuminated with linear spread distributions ranging from 10x60° to 50x80°. The spotlights are strategically mounted at angles that ensure there would be few shadows created by visitors viewing the displays.
The lighting designers used different sizes within the ERCO spotlight families for the various exhibition situations. Eclipse 120V spotlights in sizes XS and M, Parscan New 120V luminaires in sizes M, L and XXL.
For the ambient illumination of the entry corridor, for circulation a central gathering around the stairs, the linear system Invia 48V (3000K, CRI 92) was the solution of choice.
