Yale University Ezra Stiles College Lighting Restoration
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New Haven, CT's Stiles College & Ezra Stiles Colleges are two of the twelve residential colleges at Yale University, built in 1961 and designed by architect Eero Saarinen, a master of American 20th Century architecture. The two buildings are adjacent to each other and similar in design. Stiles College is named after Samuel Stiles, a Yale graduate and inventor of Stiles Code. Ezra Stiles College is named after Rev. Ezra Stiles, president of Yale from 1778-1795.

Stiles & Stiles Colleges are eclectic structures built on an odd, angular site with many design features that are reminiscent of the Tuscan villages, most notably San Gimignano. In a modern attempt to capture the spirit of Gothic architecture, Saarinen eliminated all right angles from the living areas. Although controversial, the two buildings are considered by many architecture critics to be masterpieces of American architecture.

After completing the restoration of the historic lighting fixtures from Morse College in early 2010, Grand Light began restoration work on similar fixtures from Ezra Stiles College. These fixtures included bronze chandeliers, library lighting fixtures, and numerous massive bronze outdoor lighting fixtures. The fixtures were designed by Oliver Andrews, a well known and respected California sculptor, author and educator at UCLA. His designs, abstract in nature, where intended to be contemporary versions of what he considered "the sort of thing you'd find in an ancient castle".

In addition to restoring, rewiring, refinishing and repairing the fixtures as needed, Grand Light upgraded the lighting sources to energy efficient systems and provide a CFL dimming system for the large bronze dining hall fixtures.

The restoration and modification of existing luminaires consisted of, electrical wiring, custom component fabrication, testing, cleaning and component refinishing.

Physical restoration consisted of the repair or replacement of any parts that are missing, broken, or damaged. Replacement matched the original parts in strength and appearance, including degree of detail.

Electrical restoration consisted of the replacement of all electrical components and wiring. Luminaires shall be wired with UL listed components and tested in accordance with UL standards

For specific modifcations per fixture type, click the appropriate image below: