BMO Convention Centre, Canada

This convention center gathering space celebrates contrasts: rugged yet refined, earthy yet luminous, grounded yet soaring. Drawing from the rich heritage of Western hospitality and natural beauty, the lighting design faced the challenge of balancing these across a multifaceted site. Every detail fosters warmth and connection while honoring the region’s landscapes and culture, creating an inviting atmosphere for the community to gather.

The copper-clad façade glows with burnished brilliance, enhanced by pole-mounted floods meticulously aimed over a week to achieve precision. Each floodlight was calibrated to reveal the copper’s facade while eliminating glare and light spill. In the plaza, the feature sculpture shines as a luminous centerpiece, animated by layered uplighting and precision spots. By day, it serves as a serene gathering point; by night, it transforms into a radiant symbol of unity and play.

The grand stair, doubling as an amphitheater, is lit with soft, glare-free reflected light that highlights its terraced design. Above, the sweeping canopy captivates with dynamic, color-changing lighting inspired by embers rising from a campfire. This monumental feature required precise coordination between lighting and cladding systems to ensure seamless integration. A custom fabricator brought this vision to life, creating a dialogue between architecture and the environment.

Durability and sustainability drove every decision. Fixtures rated for -40°C ensure resilience in extreme climates, while advanced controls, including an astronomic timeclock, minimize energy consumption and light pollution. Shielding and precise aiming prevent stray light, and non-emergency lighting shuts off after hours. The exterior lighting system performs 24% better than code allowances, balancing energy efficiency with functionality and beauty.