Designing with Intention: How Christian Flindt’s Organic Design Shaped a Campus Landmark
When you walk through the recently illuminated plaza on the Kirkwood campus, just north of the University of Iowa, the impact is immediate, but not overwhelming. That’s exactly how it was meant to feel. Subtle, intentional, and creatively driven lighting brought the space to life, with the help of a collaborative lighting design process led by OPN Architects, Design Engineers of Cedar Rapids and CSLA Iowa.
We spoke with Rob Beaman, Principal Owner of CSLA Iowa, to learn more about how the Flindt collection from Louis Poulsen was chosen to illuminate the exterior spaces.
A Chance Encounter That Sparked Creative Synergy
The lighting vision began to take shape at Light + Build in Germany, one of the world’s most influential lighting design shows. It was there that the lead lighting designer at Design Engineers in Cedar Rapids, met renowned Danish designer Christian Flindt. That meeting turned out to be more than serendipitous, it became a core inspiration for the lighting design of the Kirkwood project which was in its infancy.
“He was enamored by the Flindt Plaza,” Rob says. “There was something about Flindt’s design philosophy that resonated deeply, not just the aesthetics, but the intention behind them.”
Lighting Harmonious with the Environment
The Kirkwood campus had a clear requirement: low-glare lighting that felt natural and non-intrusive. Their existing standard was a basic globe fixture, but this project called for something with more nuance and less visual noise.
“We knew we needed something that could illuminate the site in a low-impact, high-effectiveness way,” Rob explains. “The Flindt Plaza fit perfectly—it complemented the material palette, the architecture, and the atmosphere we wanted to create.”
The lighting not only satisfied the aesthetic goals—it also aligned with the client’s demand for transparency and timely delivery. Rob credits the smooth lighting execution to the collaboration between CSLA, Design Engineers, and NEO Architectural Lighting.
“NEO was incredibly transparent about the rollout process,” Rob says. “There were no surprises. Everything arrived on time. They worked closely with the construction team and helped us stay on schedule.”
A Homage to Innovation
While the project marked a pivotal moment for the space to come to life, it also served as a quiet tribute to the lighting designer’s instincts and his admiration for Flindt’s approach. In some ways, the lighting was more than functional, it was symbolic.
“The lighting designer is an early innovator, always looking to bring new fixtures into projects,” Rob notes. “Using the Flindt Plaza was, in a way, an homage to that forward-thinking spirit, and to Flindt himself.”
Today, the Kirkwood Campus site stands as an example of how lighting can shape a space without overpowering it.
