Union Public Library, Union, NJ

Project Overview

Union, New Jersey—known for its quiet charm and proximity to Manhattan—has long been one of the most desirable areas to live in the greater New York City metropolitan region. To enhance its community amenities, the Township of Union undertook the construction of a new Main Public Library at 1980 Morris Ave, with a focus on creating a 21st-century community hub.

The library features a range of modern spaces, including a black box theater, educational center, meeting rooms, art gallery, sensory and recording rooms, private study areas, and an outdoor patio, all designed to serve as a versatile resource for residents of all ages.

Design Challenge
The design team aimed to balance functionality and aesthetic appeal throughout the library. They prioritized minimalistic yet high-performance lighting solutions that enhanced user comfort while complementing the architectural design. One particular challenge arose with the catenary lighting for the central upper lofted ceiling, where the initial vendor could not meet the project’s specifications.

Fabbian’s Solution
Fabbian collaborated with the design team to deliver innovative lighting solutions tailored to the library’s unique needs:

Olympic F45 Made-to-Spec: The Olympic Made-to-Spec system gave the design team exceptional flexibility to achieve their vision while using standard components. Rings could be arranged in cascading layers or mounted individually, enabling tailored illumination for each space. This adaptability allowed the team to highlight the library’s architecture while providing indirect, glare-free lighting that enhances comfort and visual appeal.
Multispot Tooby Made-to-Spec: Installed in meeting rooms beneath paneled ceilings, the Tooby pendants combined decorative appeal with functional illumination. Their modular Made-to-Spec design allowed the team to create custom configurations that aligned with the spaces’ needs, supporting both aesthetics and task lighting.
Custom Tubular Pendant for Catenary Ceiling: Fabbian engineered a slim tubular pendant with an acrylic diffuser and internal LED driver to meet project-specific requirements. Its versatile mounting system allowed wire passthrough in all four directions, creating a striking suspended lighting array over central gathering areas and stairwells.

Outcome
Fabbian’s lighting solutions helped transform the Union Public Library into a functional and visually striking community landmark. The library’s modern lighting supports a welcoming environment, enhances architectural features, and promotes accessibility, making it a vibrant hub for education, arts, and social engagement.

Conclusion
By integrating innovative and adaptable lighting solutions, Fabbian demonstrated the value of design-driven illumination in complex public spaces. Their collaboration ensured that Union’s new library not only meets practical requirements but also stands as a beacon of modern design and community engagement.