Award

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 | 49 Lighting P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y N EM E T Z (SA) & A SS O C I AT E S; RO B I N S O N L I G H T I N G & BAT H New lighting technology is ready for a changing world by LAURIE JONES D esigners and builders of com- mercial and residential projects alike are always on the lookout for technology that will save the end- users money, be easy to install, and have a wow factor when any- one enters a room. Manufacturers and distributors have a good range of options to put state-of-the-art systems and trends to use and create the perfect lighting environment for clients. Among the many projects Williams Engineering Canada has worked on in recent years, the Coronation Recreation Centre in Edmonton will be a stand-out to the community. "This is one of the biggest projects we're working on right now because it is going to be one of North America's only indoor velodromes," says Ben Rajewski, engineering manager, electrical. "They can do triathlon training in the facility so all the indoor bike racing you see at the Olympics will have a training facility in Edmonton. They can also hold world-class competitions for that sport. Lighting for the stadium is critical to broadcast the world-class competition, says Rajewski. "It needs to be extremely bright, yet still comfortable, with minimal shadowing for the riders. We also had to set up emergency battery systems so if the power went out, the lights stay on long enough for the riders to get off the track safely at their extreme speed. He explains in addition to the indoor cycling there will be an indoor running track connected to the existing pool. "The athletes could do a full tri- athlon indoors." As far as trends go, Rajewski says it's all about LED efficiency. "The biggest trend is controls, espe- cially with people coming back to the office after being at home for two years. People are noticing if their lights are too bright or not bright enough. Some people are complaining about headaches due to the brightness, so we're getting requests from cli- ents to add additional dimming controls and zoning for their lighting so that people are more comfort- able in the spaces." He explains that rather than individual lighting selection there will be pods of control. "If you have a big open office with, for instance, 20 desks, four desks will have their own zone of control. That way people who like a dimmer environment can sit on that side and people who like brighter lighting can sit in a different area." Christine Torralba and Daisy Chan, lighting designers at Nemetz (SA) & Associates are seeing changes in requests from industry specifiers. "One of the trends and a newer technology are downloads where clients can select the different colour tem- perature," Torralba explains. "It can go from 2,700k, 3,000, 3,500, potentially 4,000k within the down- light. And in that same downlight, you can also select the light output or the wattage of that fixture. It could be nine-watt, 12-watt, or 15-watt selectable lumen output – you can control that." Torralba notes that while this system is currently not really popular, the popularity will grow as con- sumers and builders are more aware of the option. She says people want to see the effects of lights, but not the light itself. Chan adds: "A lot of people like indirect lighting as well. These days the trend is towards a more minimalistic approach to architec- tural interior lighting." While the multitude of renovation television shows feature options like pot lights and pendant chandeliers for homeowners, commercial lighting may be more complex and sophisticated than resi- dential applications," Torralba explains. "However, all new construction installations need to meet requirements for ASHR AE. Most new building proj- ects have lighting controls provided as part of the base design." Mulvey & Banani Lighting Inc. is constantly advancing and creating practices to be ready for new technology in a changing world. One tool they have on hand, Sourcery, is a cloud-based digital platform that is revolutionizing the lighting industry through consulting to improve industry standards. "As designers we need to have the right prod- ucts at our fingertips to continually push to exceed and maintain design excellence," says Paul Boken, VP, Mulvey & Banani Lighting. "If our client wants an engaging, healthy, comfortable space lit with a lighting package composed of sustainably manu- factured, local Canadian-made products [where possible] with a prescribed supply cost average per square foot, and power density target to meet sus- tainability goals, we are compiling the data and intellectual property to accomplish this as we move from project to project in a simple managed process." Boken adds that having first-hand experience using a resource that was created by and for the light- ing industry has improved service tremendously. It has enhanced digital communication practices with clients, peers, suppliers, and internal team members, ultimately reinstating their passion for design and reminding them why they do what they do. DISTRIBUTORS OFFER OPTIONS The Profile collection from Landscape Forms was designed in collaboration with award-winning landscape lighting designer Linnaea Tillett and Tillett Lighting Design Associates, that includes an area light, accent light, column light, and perfor- mance, wayfinding, and unlit perimeter bollards, making Profile a single lighting family that effec- tively illuminates an array of spaces, from large, open areas and narrow pathways to landscape beds and building entrances. Control Your Colour Temperature Atrium lighting at 88 Scott, Toronto, ON. Schonbek Beyond from Robinson Lighting & Bath.

• Cover