[ Jennifer Chen ] E-X-I-T

EXIT is a custom exit light produced for The Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas, Texas. Interloop Architecture designed and fabricated the exit lights, working with engineers, fabricators, UL technicians, and the graphic design firm 2x4. In keeping with city, state, and federal safety standards, every emergency light fixture must undergo extensive testing by the Underwriter Laboratories Testing Center to meet a wide range of design criteria. These stringent technical requirements typically thwart innovation by limited new design, requiring the exclusive use of existing UL approved components.

With EXIT, the majority of electronics are detached from the lamp itself so that the acrylic letters E-X-I-T, and minimal stainless steel brackets are the only visible elements. This approach was achieved by using a low voltage light-emitting diode (LED) configuration and light gauge wiring so that the power source could be installed remotely, up to twenty feet from the light fixture. The letters were detached and given a thickness by milling acrylic to produce a lens with a structural shape. Custom circuit boards and stainless steel backing plates were then laminated to this translucent lens to create a stable diaphragm, eliminating the need for large enclosures or heavy brackets.

Ceiling Mounted Exit Light, Bracket #4A. Photographer: Chad Loucks ?2005

Stainless steel backing plate (left) and custom LED circuit board (right).

Ceiling Mounted Exit Light, Bracket #4. Photographer: Chad Loucks ?2005

Ceiling Mounted Exit Light, Bracket #4A. Photographer: Chad Loucks ?2005

Assembly Detail, Safety StickersApproved by Underwriter Laboratories 2004 (left). Assembly Detail, Stainless Steel Backplate (right)

Photograph of milled acrylic lens during fabrication.

EXIT Light Safeguards and Installation Instructions, Approved by Underwriter Laboratories 2004. Detail: Installation Components (right)

EXIT Light Safeguards and Installation Instructions, Approved by Underwriter Laboratories 2004. Ceiling Mounted Exit Light, Bracket #4A Step 1: Connect Male/Female Snap Connectors (right)

Wall Mounted Exit Light, Bracket #5, Installed in the Main Gallery of The Nasher Sculpture Center