NIH Porter Neuroscience Research Center, Bethesda MD
Project Overview
The Porter Neuroscience Research Center at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, is a cutting-edge facility designed to advance the study of brain science and foster cross-disciplinary collaboration. With a focus on transparency, openness, and modern design, the Center’s expansive lobby and open-plan public spaces serve as both a welcoming hub and a symbolic core of innovation.
To meet the challenges of high-ceiling architecture and the need for visually comfortable, energy-efficient lighting, Belfer Lighting’s Reflex RX1320 indirect LED system was specified and installed throughout these key areas.
The RX1320 indirect LED fixture by Belfer Lighting is engineered for architectural integration in spaces where light quality and visual comfort are paramount. At the NIH Porter Center, these fixtures were mounted in custom-designed columns to illuminate the expansive lobby and connecting atrium spaces.
The indirect distribution of the RX1320 provides a soft, diffuse glow ideal for large, open environments—reducing harsh contrasts and complementing the facility’s natural daylighting strategies.
Lighting Objectives
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Deliver uniform ambient lighting across large open volumes
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Minimize glare and shadows in high-ceiling spaces
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Enhance architectural features with clean, modern lighting
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Support visual comfort for researchers, staff, and visitors
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Provide energy-efficient performance for a federally managed facility
Architecture Firm: Perkins + Will
Lighting: Gilmore Lighting Design
Photography: Alain Jaramillo
