Friends Meeting House
New York, NY | 2005
The quiet dignity of this landmarked 19th-century Quaker meetinghouse in Manhattan belies its busy schedule of worship services, school classes, events and theater productions. New lighting illuminates these wide-ranging activities while complementing the elegantly restrained period architecture and simplicity of Quaker values. Custom fixtures designed by Aurora Lampworks are made of the same period glass as the windows so that the view of the trees outside remains unimpeded. To orchestrate the subdued yet efficient lighting, the design focused on the Quaker virtues of “simplicity and frugality.” The lighting system balances the different needs of the meetinghouse’s many constituencies by prioritizing flexibility, ease of use and energy efficiency.
