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, envisioned as a modern community hub for learning, arts, and collaboration.

The library includes a black box theater, educational center, meeting rooms, art gallery, sensory and recording rooms, private study areas, and an outdoor patio—each space requiring a thoughtful lighting strategy to support comfort, usability, and design cohesion.

Design Challenge

The design team aimed to balance minimalism, performance, and architectural harmony throughout the library. Lighting needed to enhance user comfort while supporting a range of programs and spatial layouts.

One particular challenge arose with the catenary lighting for the central upper lofted ceiling, where the design team could not find any standard lighting products that met the project specifications and design aesthetic, and a custom solution was necessary.

Fabbian’s Solution

Fabbian collaborated with the design team to deliver lighting solutions that aligned with the library’s modern architecture and functional needs:

• • Olympic F45 Made-to-Spec Pendants:
    This system provided the design team with the flexibility to shape light intentionally using standard components. Rings could be arranged in cascading layers or mounted individually, allowing each space to be tailored without sacrificing architectural harmony. The indirect glow and minimalist profile supported visual comfort in the central gathering areas.

  • Olympic F45 Wall:
    Wall-mounted versions of the Olympic system were used to highlight transition zones between floors. Their slim profile and soft illumination echoed the design language of the pendant installations, creating continuity throughout circulation areas without overwhelming the architecture.

• Multispot Tooby Made-to-Spec Pendants:
  Used in the meeting rooms, Tooby offered both aesthetic and functional versatility. The Made-to-Spec modularity enabled custom configurations that aligned with the ceiling design while delivering comfortable task illumination.

• Custom Tubular Pendant for the Catenary Ceiling:
  To meet the unique requirements of the lofted central zone, Fabbian engineered a custom tubular pendant with an acrylic diffuser and internal LED driver. Its specialized mounting system allowed cables to pass through in multiple directions, creating a cohesive and visually striking suspended lighting array across central gathering areas and stairwells.

Outcome

Fabbian’s integrated lighting strategy helped transform the Union Public Library into a functional and visually compelling community landmark. The lighting enhances each space’s purpose—supporting study, collaboration, performance, and exploration—while reinforcing the architectural identity of the building.

Conclusion

By delivering adaptable Made-to-Spec solutions alongside project-specific custom engineering, Fabbian illuminated the Union Public Library with design-driven precision. The result is a welcoming, modern resource for the community and a testament to how thoughtful lighting elevates public architecture.

Architect and Interior Design – Potter Architects
Sales Agent Partner – Enterprise Lighting Sales