The Illinois State University had a unique concept for a trio of residence halls on its campus. Rather than design a homogenous complex, the university contracted a different architect for each of the buildings in the hopes of creating specific identities for the residential halls. Morlights was brought on by one of these chosen architects to create the lighting for the exteriors and common areas of Haynie Hall, crafting a design suited to the dual goals of safety and enjoyable campus life.
Morlights began the design process by taking the architect’s daytime rendering and showcasing how the addition of a comprehensive lighting design would elevate the new building, gaining quick consensus and buy-in by clients. After initial understanding, we set about creating an academic atmosphere that is as safe and well-lit as it is playful. We implemented downlights under a canopy to create a rectangular geometric pattern that provides ample light as well as an intriguing architectural detail. Above the canopy, we sourced lighting that cast a shadow of an over-arching cylinder, and added to our design with red LED strips for a neon aesthetic on the canopy arc — without the high cost and maintenance of neon. This inventive design continued with luminaires under a bench to create a floating seat illusion, as well as lighting on columns for a theatrical element. Our final delivered design ensured that the campus’s goals of unique identity and campus security were met, providing a practical design without compromising innovation and excitement.
