Dynamic Acoustic Lighting Provides Architects and Designers Adaptable Solutions

Fitness centers present architects and designers with unique challenges: large and open areas with few walls, tall ceilings and often exposed ductwork—none of which is conducive to sound absorption. Like aesthetics, lighting and air quality, sound is an integral component of the club experience. And, if managed well, it complements and enhances the environment. However, if noise is ignored and left to its own devices, it can produce unpleasant moments that lead members to stop coming in. 

People have a bandwidth capacity to process only 1.6 human voices at any given time. Any more becomes added noise. Hypertension, impaired cognition and general lack of concentration are all results of a poor acoustic environment. In addition, public spaces require a certain level of speech privacy for both productivity and legal reasons. 

Forward-thinking luminaire manufacturers recognize that lighting can go beyond the purpose of illumination and address myriad challenges. 

[Related: 4 Principles of Regenerative Design]

Lighting and Sound Attenuation 

Lighting is generally out of the direct visual field in fitness centers. However, it is perfectly positioned to help control acoustics. By looking to solutions that combine lighting with acoustic panels, architects and designers now have unparalleled design flexibility. Easily installed, acoustic lighting absorbs vibrations and sound, greatly reduces ambient noise and creates a more pleasant experience for everyone, particularly in fitness centers with high ceilings and hard materials from which sounds reverberate.  

Lighting as Wayfinding 

While using lighting as a wayfinding tool is not new, it’s extremely effective. For high-traffic areas, particularly where visitors are coming in and out of the space, lighting can be used to provide direction and symbolize stopping points, such as at a reception area. Light fixtures can catch the eye and draw visitors. For example, by hanging geometric lighting above a reception area, visitors are informed that this is a place to which they should be attracted. 

Setting the Tone 

The way light is arranged and used in a space can have a big influence on the overall nature of a built environment. Lighting doesn’t just affect the way a space looks—it can also affect how it feels. Light has biological and psychological effects that can impact people’s health and wellbeing, issues at the forefront of fitness centers.  

These facilities rely heavily on lighting to create the ambiance associated with their brand while also positively affecting the physical and mental state of their members. 

[Related: Back to Business: Re-Rethinking the Open Office]

Dynamic Acoustic Lighting in Action 

Founded in Edmonton, Alberta, in 2015 by Jon Cheung, Evolve Strength is a family of strength and health fitness facilities. Based on a philosophy of wellbeing, the company brings together a gym and health facility that includes a wide variety of health and wellness professionals under one roof. Members can work out, have a massage, get adjusted by a chiropractor and visit their massage or physio therapist all at the same location. 

Edmonton-based Synergy Builds began renovation in October 2021 on Evolve Strength Seton in Calgary, which was previously leased by Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC). The facility opened in February 2022 and encompasses 30,000 square feet. 

Canadian-based Bold Interior Design, Inc. (Bold Design), was retained by Evolve Strength to design their new Seton location. Troy Dashney, principal at Bold Design, had many renovation challenges with this very large, big-box interior, such as the 30-foot ceiling heights, massive timber features hanging on either side of the space flanking the central entrance and acoustical issues with combining a gym and wellness offices.