on view
Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines, IA
Wells Fargo Arena, part of the Iowa Events Center, has been a key feature of Des Moines since its opening in July 2005. With a seating capacity of approximately 17,000, the arena got a major update in 2024 with a new roof and an exterior lighting system. The project included an RGBW LED lighting system, featuring Lumascape fixtures, designed to elevate the guest and client experience for events held there. The lighting spans about 2,000 linear feet of grazers, 76 floods, and 576 LED lights around the roof.
As the lighting system enables the facility to “change its colors” it offers customized themes to match concerts, holidays, and celebrations. It features pre-programmed “scenes” with light sequences that can be quickly and easily adjusted for any occasion. Mercer Zimmerman worked alongside our industry partners to provide lighting expertise, making this event space an experience for everyone visiting.
The Players:
Electrical Contractor: Commonwealth Electric Company
Architecture/Engineering & Lighting Design: Shive-Hattery, Inc.
Lighting Concept & Design Consultant: Teknephos
insight to light
Enhancing Office Well-Being with Circadian Lighting
An Interview With Janine Mighton LC, Director of Marketing, BIOS Lighting
What is circadian lighting and why does it matter?
Circadian lighting, sometimes called “human-centric lighting,” is designed to have a biological impact on the human circadian system. Our circadian rhythms regulate nearly every aspect of our daily lives, including sleep and wake times, mood, alertness, productivity, and focus. They even influence our reaction times and motor skills.
Circadian lighting sends signals to the brain’s master clock, informing our bodies when it is daytime and when it is night, as well as what functions we should perform at various times.
Unfortunately, most electric lighting found in offices and homes does not provide the appropriate light spectrum needed to support quality sleep, sustained daytime energy, and long-term health. The goal of circadian lighting is to deliver sufficient light signals to the brain to reinforce the natural light/dark cues we would receive from the sun if we spent more time outdoors.
Is all circadian lighting created equally?
Most circadian lighting systems utilize LEDs as their light source, but the most effective systems employ “spectrally optimized” high-quality white LEDs. This allows for the implementation of circadian lighting indoors without excessive brightness.
Research has shown that effective circadian lighting should include a “sky blue” wavelength (490 nm), which directly interacts with human circadian biology via a non-visual photoreceptor in the eye. This wavelength sends signals to the brain to help regulate our internal clock and various biological functions throughout the day. While this wavelength is present in natural daylight, it is often absent in traditional LED lighting systems.
Spectrally optimized white LEDs—such as those featuring BIOS SkyBlue™ Technology—contain this “sky blue” wavelength (490 nm for peak circadian sensitivity) within the 3000, 3500, and 4000K color temperature range preferred by most office workers and facility managers. This results in a white light that provides a high daytime circadian stimulus, enhancing energy and concentration. Simultaneously, this key wavelength can be reduced or eliminated during the evening hours to help you relax and prepare for restful sleep, without compromising light quality.
How Do Workplaces Incorporate Circadian Lighting?
As awareness of the connection between light and health grows, circadian lighting has become a higher priority for businesses and industries. BIOS provides spectrally enhanced LED solutions for a wide range of workplace lighting manufacturers, equipping designers with the tools needed to create human-centric office environments that owners increasingly demand.
Overhead LED lighting can be achieved through recessed, ceiling-mounted, or suspended luminaires—or a combination of these types. To promote circadian entrainment, the lighting should ideally be layered with sufficient light, often a little brighter than 300 lux with SkyBlue™. To receive the amount recommended by RP-46-23, we should light our space over 400 lux with SkyBlue™ Technology. The lighting design should carefully consider luminaire spacing and light intensity distribution, ensuring an effective amount of light reaches workstations horizontally and especially vertically to maximize circadian effectiveness.
Even with the addition of diffused daylight, overhead lighting may not always provide sufficient vertical illuminance to the eye for optimal circadian entrainment during critical work hours. In such cases, it is highly recommended to supplement ambient lighting with spectrally optimized individual task lighting, like table lamps or other glare-free desktop luminaires.
BIOS has recently ventured into new products. Can you elaborate?
BIOS Lighting has introduced an exciting new technology called SkyView™, which represents a platinum standard in circadian lighting. It was recently awarded a $1 million grant from the Department of Energy. Stay tuned; we will be announcing it soon!
Many of the lighting manufacturers Mercer Zimmerman represents utilize BIOS Lighting circadian lighting technology. Contact us today to learn how you can light your offices to promote better health, productivity and creativity!
fact-ology
The A: 36,000 Feet, or 6.8 Miles
The Q: How much low voltage cable was needed for the lighting controls system at KU’s new football stadium?
Mercer Zimmerman is proud to be working in partnership with the numerous players on the design/construction team for the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium at the University of Kansas. The lighting and controls system that we assisted with accentuates the beauty and functionality of the stunning new football complex, which is slated for completion in summer 2025. Considered to be a one-of-a-kind venue in the country, the stadium design was inspired by the Kansas landscape of wheat fields and limestone. Features include seating that brings fans closer to the field, more food and beverage offerings, expanded Club seating, unique social zones—and of course, beautiful, functional lighting.
Check out our controls products and services!
lighten up
Customers Share Their Aspirations for 2025
Abby Montiel | Electrical Project Designer, Alvine Engineering | Omaha, NE
“This year, my resolution is to be more present – whether with my family, friends, or even myself. Life moves so fast, and it’s easy to get swept up in the chaos, only to look back and feel like you missed it. This year, I want to slow down, appreciate the moments, and truly soak in the memories.”
Denise Staples | Senior Interior Designer, Bell Knott & Associates | Leawood, KS
“My goal this year is to remember that it’s 2025, not 2024. Aspirational yet attainable!”
Erin Fogarty | Interior Design Principal, HDR | Kansas City, MO
“In the year ahead, I am committing to embracing new challenges and delivering exceptional results in all areas of my work. My focus will be on fostering collaboration, driving design and innovation, and contributing to the success of my team and the projects we are fortunate to be a part of. I am also committing to remembering what is important and enjoying time with my kids and my husband.”