IES Illumination Awards, Award of Merit Outdoor Lighting Design (2020)
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Celebrating history.
As the site of Toronto’s first permanent city hall in 1845, St. Lawrence Market South represents nearly two centuries of the city’s history. Smith + Andersen’s lighting team was engaged to complete the heritage lighting design, complete with LED reconstruction highlighting the facade’s century-old features, reignites the historical features of this popular marketplace.
The heritage lighting maintains the historic look and feel of the marketplace by integrating fixtures directly into the facade. Fixtures are hidden by shrouds and boxes, while the low-voltage wiring is concealed within brick and mortar repairs. These design decisions are particularly evident during the day—all modern exterior fixtures are invisible to thousands of daily passersby.
Celebrating history.
As the site of Toronto’s first permanent city hall in 1845, St. Lawrence Market South represents nearly two centuries of the city’s history. Smith + Andersen’s lighting team was engaged to complete the heritage lighting design, complete with LED reconstruction highlighting the facade’s century-old features, reignites the historical features of this popular marketplace.
The heritage lighting maintains the historic look and feel of the marketplace by integrating fixtures directly into the facade. Fixtures are hidden by shrouds and boxes, while the low-voltage wiring is concealed within brick and mortar repairs. These design decisions are particularly evident during the day—all modern exterior fixtures are invisible to thousands of daily passersby.
Lighting a landmark.
Located in Toronto’s downtown core and surrounded by office and residential towers, the heritage lighting design accommodates strict city regulations. Luminaire fixtures are confined between the architectural features, with arches supporting 180-degree blades of light that cling to the building, and luminaires grazing the bricks behind the various signs (rather than the signs themselves). Each element of heritage lighting received specific focus, creating a 3D effect when viewing the building, yet preventing light spillage into the surrounding neighbourhood.
Modern control.
The building’s lighting control system provides full flexibility, allowing for a range of specialized features for the clerestory. During city-recognized events, the clerestory can be modified to emit celebratory combinations (e.g., red, white, and red during Canada Day, rainbow during Pride, etc.). These effects match the lighting design scheme of other historical Toronto landmarks.
More energy savings.
The entirely-LED renovation contributed to 25 per cent energy savings for all exterior lighting. Accommodating the 11 PM shut-off time, as well as bird migratory months, contributes to the preservation of the night sky. Combined with the renewed focus on historical elements, the lighting design provides a lighting system that will sustain and celebrate this iconic building for another century.
