Case Study: How Gen 4 WL-IUFO (ARIES) UFO High Bays Improved Comfort for Neurodiverse Teens

Project Overview

Elevate Academy at Heritage Community in Provo, Utah, is a residential treatment and educational center serving neurodiverse teenagers navigating challenges such as trauma, anxiety, and learning differences. The school's academic program integrates therapeutic principles with classroom learning, fostering engagement, emotional growth, and physical well-being.

When the facility team noticed that the existing high bay lights in the school's gymnasium were dim, inefficient, and visually harsh, it became clear an upgrade was needed. For students who are sensitive to brightness, flicker, or uneven lighting, poor illumination can impact not only comfort but also participation and mood.

To address this, Elevate Academy partnered with Warehouse Lighting to retrofit their gymnasium with Gen 4 WL-IUFO (ARIES) UFO High Bays, an advanced LED lighting solution designed for efficiency, flexibility, and visual comfort.

Project Details

Location: Provo, Utah

Facility Type: School gymnasium within a therapeutic academic setting

Project Scope: Replace 12 outdated high bay fixtures with modern LED solutions

Goals:

• Improve visual comfort for light-sensitive students
• Reduce energy consumption and maintenance
• Achieve bright, uniform illumination suitable for athletics and school activities

Challenges Faced

Before the upgrade, the gym's lighting suffered from multiple issues common to aging high bay fixtures:

• Uneven light distribution, leaving certain areas overly bright and others in shadow.
• High energy costs due to outdated, inefficient HID technology.
• Uncomfortable glare and flicker, which are particularly disruptive for students with sensory sensitivities.

In a space meant to promote physical activity and social engagement, these problems created a less-than-ideal environment for both students and staff.

Solution Provided

After consulting with Warehouse Lighting specialist Brady, the Elevate Academy facilities team selected the Gen 4 WL-IUFO (ARIES) UFO High Bay as the best fit.

Implementation Process

Working closely with Warehouse Lighting, the school's maintenance staff replaced 12 legacy HID fixtures with new ARIES Gen 4 UFO High Bays.

The process involved:

• Lighting design consultation: Brady from Warehouse Lighting reviewed the space dimensions and lighting goals, sharing product videos and specs to confirm the best configuration.
• Fixture selection: The team chose wattage- and CCT-selectable models to allow adjustment after installation.
• Installation: The new lights were installed using durable conduit boxes and aluminum reflectors for maximum coverage and glare control.
• Calibration: Post-installation, the color temperature and output were adjusted for a warm yet bright tone suited to athletic activity and visual sensitivity.

Results and Outcomes

The impact was immediate. The new ARIES Gen 4 WL-IUFO UFO High Bays delivered crisp, evenly distributed light that brightened the entire gymnasium while reducing glare and visual strain.

• Energy Efficiency: Estimated energy savings of up to 60% compared to the previous HID fixtures.
• Comfort & Visibility: Even illumination eliminated shadow zones, making the gym safer and more inviting.
• Maintenance Reduction: LED lifespan means significantly fewer bulb changes and maintenance interruptions.

Long-Term Benefits

Since installation, the school has reported improved lighting quality and increased comfort for students with sensory sensitivities. Staff have noted that the gym feels more "open" and "energized," supporting both physical activity and social engagement.

The DLC Premium certification ensures ongoing energy rebates and cost savings, while the adjustable features give the school control over brightness and color temperature for various activities, from sports events to therapeutic group exercises.

Industry Context

As educational institutions across the U.S. seek energy-efficient solutions that also enhance learning and comfort, projects like this position Warehouse Lighting as a trusted partner in modern school facility upgrades. The ARIES Gen 4 UFO High Bays exemplify how thoughtful lighting design can contribute to both operational efficiency and student well-being.

VIDEO: WareLight Aries UFO High Bay G4

Hear more about the features and benefits of Aries UFO High Bay G4s, and see them in action.

FAQs About Gen 4 WL-IUFO (ARIES) UFO High Bays

What makes the Gen 4 WL-IUFO (ARIES) UFO High Bays ideal for schools?

The ARIES Gen 4 High Bays feature selectable wattage and color temperature, allowing schools to fine-tune lighting for comfort and visual clarity. Their even light distribution minimizes glare and flicker, which is essential for students sensitive to harsh or inconsistent lighting.

Can Gen 4 WL-IUFO High Bays help reduce energy costs?

Yes. These LED fixtures are DLC Premium Certified, meaning they meet the highest efficiency standards and often qualify for utility rebates. Schools and facilities can expect energy savings of up to 60% compared to traditional HID lighting.

Are UFO high bay lights difficult to install?

Not at all. The ARIES Gen 4 fixtures include durable mounting options, such as conduit boxes and aluminum reflectors, which make installation straightforward for maintenance teams or contractors.

What color temperature is best for student environments?

Many educational facilities choose 4000K–5000K for a natural, daylight-like tone that enhances focus without harshness. With CCT-selectable models, schools can adjust color temperature to meet specific needs or sensitivities.