The Illuminating Engineering Society of British Columbia (IESBC) awarded its 2019 Vision Award recipients, which honours outstanding work by BC lighting designers, at a gala held at CBC Studio One on May 30.
“The lighting projects received this year showcased a variety of organizations utilizing new lighting technology to create new spaces and upgrade existing ones,” said Marty Geusebroek, IESBC’s chair member and account manager at CDM2. “From universities to public outdoor areas, it’s remarkable to see how subtle lighting additions can enhance texture, emphasize colour, and support the structure of the built environment.”
IES British Columbia is a volunteer-run section of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). Operating for over 60 years, this not-for-profit technical society is dedicated to promoting the art and science of lighting.
Submissions for the IES Vision Awards open yearly in January, and projects are judged based on how well the lighting design meets the program criteria.
This year’s IESBC’s Vision Award and Award of Merit recipient is:
šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square Pavilion (EOS Lightmedia), formerly The Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza
For: Outdoor Lighting Design
Location: Vancouver, BC
The šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square is a prominent civic space in downtown Vancouver. The name used by the Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh peoples and the Squamish Nation refers to a place where cultural gatherings are held. The City wanted to renew this space to be Vancouver’s most compelling public square where overlapping activities and ceremonial events could take place. The šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square Pavilion lighting concept was to integrate soft illumination on the plaza to invite gathering while providing dramatic illumination to the form and decorative fins on the roof.
Additional Award of Merit recipients include:
Richmond Olympic Oval event hall lighting upgrade (Prism Engineering Limited)
For: Energy and Environmental Design
Location: Richmond, BC
The Richmond Olympic Oval is a large multi-use indoor sports facility with nineteen activity zones comprised of ice rinks, basketball courts, running tracks, and indoor soccer areas within an open space. Lighting was provided by three hundred 750 watt metal halide acrylic domed highbays, which required costly annual relamping to maintain consistent illumination levels.
UBC Aquatic Centre (AES Engineering)
For: Interior Lighting Design
Location: Vancouver, BC
UBC’s new facility’s design was comprised of unique ceiling geometrical planes and angles, and the task was to illuminate the creative architectural design and enhance the space, without monopolizing it. The end result provides a well-lit, clean environment with prominent way-finding, creating the illusion of luminaires travelling through space.
Whistler Gateway Loop (AES Engineering)
For: Outdoor Lighting Design
Location: Whistler, BC
The Whistler Gateway Loop project involved illuminating an outdoor bus shelter at a major winter resort, and the project mandate included local transit illumination requirements, Dark Sky compliance and budget limitations. The challenge was illuminating the unique interior ceiling structure and materials while simultaneously providing safety on the ground plane.
St. Michaels University School (SMUS) Sun Centre Dining Hall and Student Commons (AES Engineering)
For: Interior Lighting Design
Location: Victoria, BC
The St. Michaels University School (SMUS) lighting had to accommodate a range of visual tasks including dining, homework, and special events. The aesthetic was influenced by both the architect’s vision and the campus’ heritage buildings.
Robson Court Renovation 840 Howe Street (AES Engineering)
For: Interior Lighting Design
Location: Vancouver, BC
The Robson Court Renovation at 840 Howe Street – Cost-effective, LED Flat panel luminaires mounted in a staggered pattern in the perforated-feature drop ceiling cast an advancing glow on the floor, reinforcing the walkway and encouraging forward movement through the parkade.
The 2019 BC Hydro Power Smart Lighting Redesign Award recipient is:
The Vancouver Convention Centre exhibition areas lighting upgrade (Prism Engineering)
Location: Vancouver, BC
The Vancouver Convention Centre is a premier convention and event centre. An extensive lighting systems upgrade was implemented throughout exhibition halls and pre-function concourses, including replacing luminaires and upgrading lighting controls.
This year’s honourable mention is:
The Origo Club (Joy Chao & Michelle Tse) for Interior Lighting Design
Location: Richmond, BC
