CBB’s lighting design for the restored Sterling Memorial Library Nave – one of Yale University’s most treasured venues – played a key role in returning the historic space to its original splendor.

Uplights with a grazing asymmetric distribution articulate each end of the lounge, illuminating the wood-paneled walls and reflecting a warm, soft glow into the space. Elegant, customized table and floor lamps illuminate the renovated surfaces and provide task lighting. Refurbished historic pendants are re-lamped with LED sources.

Diagonally across the Nave is the new Hanke Exhibition Gallery. The vaulted ceiling is illuminated to highlight the drama and grandeur of the gallery’s Collegiate Gothic architecture. Reflected light off the vaulted ceiling provides the gallery’s ambient light through an open ceiling grid.

The lighting solution plays a key role in creating a welcoming lounge and study space serving the needs of modern library users and revitalizing an array of themed exhibits featuring Yale Library’s diverse special collections.