|
Founder Harry Gerstel understood that modernist architecture
called for a new approach to lighting, and he was in touch with
advancements in lighting sources that were on the horizon.
A close associate of Harry Gerstel in the early years, Richard
Kelly was a renowned architect and the pioneer of lighting
design. His categorizations of light - such as " focal glow,"
"ambient luminescence," and "play of brilliants"- are quoted to
this day in books, articles and lectures.
|
|
From the
beginning the company's focus on architectural integration,
optical performance, reliability and innovative manufacturing
processes resulted in Gotham quickly becoming one of the most
respected names in architectural lighting. The firm's working
relationship with Richard Kelly's office established an
extraordinarily high standard in downlighting that became
Gotham's trademark, and has served as its heritage ever since.
During World War II Gotham shifted its attention to supporting
the war effort. However by the late 1940s the company was back
in the lighting business - in a big way. Many contemporary
architects rose to prominence during this period, and Gotham
rose with them because of its reputation for uniquely
appropriate lighting solutions.
The company became widely known for its firsts. In 1957,
Gotham was awarded a U.S. patent for the low-brightness recessed
downlight. Again in 1958, Harry Gerstel designed and patented
the "recessed accent light" that was easily adjusted, providing
vertical aiming up to 45 degree and a full 360 degree rotation.
Other innovations included small-aperture recessed downlights
with ellipsoidal optics, precision-machined die-cast baffles,
and velvet black finishes to improve optical control. Gotham was
also the first to use deep-finned heat radiating socket
assemblies to increase lamp life. All these innovations were
born of Gotham's unique problem-solving mentality and its close,
collaborative relationship with top architects, engineers and
lighting consultants of the day.
 |
|
Over the years Gotham has led the way in improving the
performance and aesthetic appeal of wallwash lighting.
Even wallwash fixtures with difficult-to-control compact
fluorescent lamping now deliver a smooth, uniform
scallop free of hot spots and striations. |
|
|