The newly remodeled café in Stanton Gerber Hall at East Tennessee State University was the canvas for a bright, active array of Sabin BLOCK pendants. The pendants feature one of Sabin’s unique offerings: fabric strap suspension. Straps introduce a material detail and a playful feeling. As an alternative to aircraft cable, they frame the array as floating art instead of utilitarian lighting. Each small BLOCK fixture is lit to 4,000 lumens and the larger fixtures reach up to 5,000 lumens, so the area feels airy and brightly lit, but they’re also working to quiet the space at the same time. Made entirely of felt, BLOCK is a dense acoustic absorber. When applied in an array, sound waves from activity are trapped and absorbed amongst the fixtures, eliminating distractions and allowing for increased capacity. Also included in the remodel is a large TAPER. This pendant reaches 5,000 lumens of diffused, bright lighting and accents the table as a gathering point. The blue Gulf inner felt highlights Sabin’s two-toned color capabilities, made possible by our signature sewn construction and personalized craftsmanship. 2025 Lighting Representative: Lighting Trends Photographer: Erin Lyle

Focal Point, a leader in architectural and acoustic lighting solutions, undertook a strategic renovation of its Bistro and Hub amenity spaces to enhance both acoustical comfort and aesthetic appeal. Excessive reverberation and echo made both environments less than optimal for hosting customers or getting the employees together for events and training. As noise levels increased, voices became muddled and conversations strained, diminishing the usability of the spaces for education and collaboration. Understanding the need for acoustically balanced environments in modern workplaces, the company leveraged its own acoustic lighting solutions to transform these areas into inviting, functional, and visually striking spaces. The renovation incorporated AirCore Blade™ and Seem® 1 Acoustic in the Chestnut finish from The Naturals collection in the Bistro. The Naturals is Focal Point’s collection of nature inspired finishes, offered for several acoustic solutions and architectural luminaires. The Hub was outfitted with Mora™ Inspire custom pattern, an acoustic ceiling system, comprised of TruBlade™ Acoustic baffles, complemented with ID+ 3.5" Pure Cylinders for effective illumination. The renovation project was driven by the following key objectives: • Increase productivity and well-being • Showcase Focal Point’s innovative solutions • Improve acoustic comfort • Enhance aesthetic appeal Sophisticated Texture for a Bistro Built to Impress The Bistro, as the name suggests, is a gathering space for employees and guests that is outfitted with a large pantry, a bar complete with a beer keg, and several high and low tables. It is used to host customers that attend factory visits, for special events, and by employees for meetings and other activities. The combination of open ceiling and reflective materials makes the space loud during large gatherings. Shaping Sound to Shape Experience The Hub serves as a multi-purpose, collaboration and breakout space, where employees gather for training, informal meetings, brainstorming sessions, and social events. Surrounded by a semi-circular glass wall with a high open ceiling with clerestory windows letting in the natural light, the Hub suffered from similar reverberation issues as the Bistro. The hard surfaces caused sound to bounce freely, making the space acoustically harsh and unfriendly for group activities. Focal Point’s renovation of the Bistro and Hub spaces was a successful display of its innovative acoustic and lighting solutions. By addressing crucial sound challenges while maintaining architectural elegance, the company transformed these spaces into comfortable, visually engaging environments that enhance the visitor and workplace experience. These spaces serve as a central hub for Focal Point’s daily operations and culture. They are regularly used to host client tours, offering visitors a firsthand experience of our acoustic and lighting solutions in a real-world setting. In addition, the areas support leadership and team meetings, fostering collaboration and strategic planning. Beyond work, they also provide a welcoming environment for company-wide social events, reinforcing connection and community at the heart of Focal Point. The project serves as a blueprint for modern workspace design, showcasing how thoughtful integration of lighting and acoustics can create an ideal balance between style, comfort, and functionality.

Architect: Hastings Architecture Photographer: Garrett Rowland Photography

A New Language of Light: Reimagining Architectural Integration and Performance