The days of suspended ceiling tile being the biggest ceiling option are over. Ceiling options available today have never been greater. Given the desire for LEED principles in everyday buildings, light shelves, floating ceilings, clouds, exposed structures, and no ceilings are all options. Choices create challenges for MEP engineers to meet architectural vision while maintaining well-ventilated, brightly lit, draft-free, and sprinkler-protected spaces.
Today’s traditional ceiling approach—for both suspended and drywall ceilings—commonly uses standard 2x4 direct/indirect fluorescent lighting fixtures, 2x2 ceiling or slot diffusers with egg crate or registers for return air, and concealed sprinkler heads.