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U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union
Albuquerque, New Mexico
U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union (FCU) Project
Designer
Alisha Tyler for NewGround
Lighting Specifier
Alisha Tyler for NewGround
Client
U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union
Location
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Date of Completion
Dec 17, 2020
Background
NewGround’s partnership with U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union (FCU) includes four previous designs. The high profile Albuquerque branch, constructed to replace an outdated existing branch, was conceived to introduce digital innovation to unique branch architecture and streamlined project management. The 3,408 square foot branch was intended to serve as a prototype for new Eagle FCU branches.
“The design goal was to physically manifest our client’s brand, which is a stylized eagle, with a highly visible and instantly recognizable building that will serve as their new prototype branch.”
Goal
“The design goal was to physically manifest our client’s brand, which is a stylized eagle, with a highly visible and instantly recognizable building that will serve as their new prototype branch,” NewGround designer Alisha Tyler explained, adding that the lobby has a 22-foot high curved ceiling designed to be “bright, open and lofty.” The lights, also suspended from the ceiling, can be left on to highlight the lobby at night.
Factors
This commercial space was designed to include:
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Bar where FCU members can use technology
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Large-format video wall
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Suspended eagle facsimile to accentuate the credit union brand
The waiting area would afford both comfort and further establish the branding. Design elements would create “unified branded space” and “set up the design framework for future branch projects.”
Challenge
NewGround’s Tyler reports that the “design of this building was ambitious and bold, but it actually came together quite quickly with very few changes from the initial concept. Our biggest design challenges were trying to mitigate the difficulties around the amount of glazing—glare on any interior screens, heat gain, shading, etc., but our team worked together to find solutions that were in support of the initial vision.”
A perennial lesson in proper lighting design is to invest plenty of time in planning. Inadequate planning can result in added costs and construction delays. Reflect on the architectural goals for your building and consider how lighting can further the design narrative, then trust your architect or lighting designer to care for the details.
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