Case Study: A True Work of Art - Features

One of Los Angeles’ trendiest art galleries is now also the greenest. The nonprofit Pharmaka gallery, housed in an historic building in downtown L.A., has recently undergone a sustainable transformation thanks to Richard Byrd of the eco-luxury building firm, Byrd Development. The unique challenges of the Pharmaka space, along with the gallery’s progressive attitude in bringing both art and environmental awareness to the community, made it the natural candidate for a recent episode of Planet Green’s newest program, Alter Eco, a makeover series hosted by Adrian Grenier.

The Pharmaka gallery (www.pharmaka-art.org) space was experiencing uncomfortable temperatures from the glass windows and incandescent lighting system, making it necessary to find a sustainable cooling solution. The cost and energy consumption of running the HVAC system at the level needed to cool patrons and employees was not environmentally sound nor cost effective. The renovation not only improved Pharmaka’s style and sustainability quotient, but visitors and staff alike are able to enjoy the comfort provided by unique solutions.

Air Movement

The formerly sweltering space is now cool in every sense of the word thanks to the addition of the all-new Element by Big Ass Fans (www.BigAssFans.com), a 12-foot diameter air movement solution spinning above the gallery. Element keeps gallery visitors comfortable and energy consumption low as the use of a Big Ass Fan enables occupants of a space to feel up to 17 degrees cooler on average while producing no emissions. Lauren Gropper, principal and founder of Lauren Gropper Consulting, helped advise Pharmaka on the sustainable addition of the fan. She knew immediately that using Big Ass Fans would provide a great benefit to this space. “When I started the Pharmaka Gallery project, one of the big problems with the building was poor air circulation. I immediately thought of Big Ass Fans from seeing them at Greenbuild. I suggested using a Big Ass Fan as an energy-efficient solution to improve air circulation.”

The silent, air-moving technology also makes a visual statement in the chic gallery, capturing the attention of visitors and neighboring businesses. The fan allows the thermostat to be set higher in the summer with cool breezes, and re-circulates heated air in the winter for lower energy costs and consistent temperatures. Adjusting the thermostat can allow 3 percent to 4 percent in HVAC energy savings for each degree of difference.

Efficient Lighting

Pharmaka faced another sustainability challenge with its lighting scheme. Prior to renovation, Pharmaka was illuminated by fifty 75-watt incandescent bulbs consuming a total of 3,750 watts, which heated the gallery and was not suitable for protecting the valuable artwork on display. This inefficient lighting scheme was replaced with the newest, long-lasting LED technology from GreenTorch (www.greentorch.com). Recessed can lighting, as well as LED lighting from the GreenTorch Optique and Balance series, was used throughout Pharmaka to reduce the total lighting system energy consumption to 400 watts.

Local Furniture

Pharmaka also relied on a local furniture business to round out the new renovation. Ford Brady furniture (www.fordbrady.com), located in a restored 1920s theatre in L.A., was the perfect place to find green accents. Pharmaka purchased reclaimed and recycled teak wood benches and chairs from Ford Brady.

Even the simplest changes can have a great impact on energy consumption and the environment. A sacrifice between style and sustainability no longer has to be made — products like Element by Big Ass Fans, GreenTorch LED lighting, and recycled furniture from Ford Brady used in the green overhaul of Pharmaka do double-duty: contribute to sustainability goals and make stylish design statements.

With more than 35,000 6-FOOT TO 24-FOOT DIAMETER INDUSTRIAL GRADE CEILING fans in operation, Big Ass Fans is the authority on innovative air movement solutions, says marketing professionals Laci Poulter and Emily McCarthy. Visit www.bigassfans.com.