East Block Exterior Lighting Project, Ottawa Museum building architect, Canadian architecture
East Block Exterior Lighting Project in Ottawa
6 March, 2025
Architects: Lightemotion with DFS Architecture in consortium with Architecture49
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Photos © Gordon King
East Block Exterior Lighting Project, Canada
Lightemotion, a global lighting design consultancy creating pathways to enhanced human experiences, along with DFS, in consortium with Architecture49, introduces its lighting design for the exterior of the East Block, one of three heritage buildings forming the core of Canada’s Parliamentary Precinct in Ottawa.
With one of the two remaining original façades of the three magnificent structures comprising Parliament Hill, the East Block is considered to be one of the most important buildings in Canadian Gothic revival history, with a building envelope that remains largely unaltered to when it was built over 150 years ago. Much needed envelope conservation work was recently completed at the Governor General’s Entrance, Southwest and Southeast towers, hopefully ensuring another 150 years of durability!
The East Block Rehabilitation, Phase 1 project was conceived to address the required envelope restoration of the entire East Block 1867 Wing. The scope included site work, foundation wall drainage, rehabilitation of the masonry, localised copper and flat roofing replacement, heritage wood window, stained glass, door and ironwork restoration, seismic analysis, mechanical upgrades and, of course, exterior lighting.
A collaborative endeavor
Completion of the important heritage lighting project marks more than a decade of Lightemotion’s involvement in the overall Parliamentary Precinct refurbishment Master Plan, commissioned by the Canadian government in 2012. In helping to develop a lighting scheme, Lightemotion participated in a series of pilot projects that were implemented in order to test drive the individual components of the plan. Lightemotion was subsequently green-lighted to proceed with the illumination of the West Block and the East Block, both done in parallel and officially turned on in October of 2024.
In collaboration with DFS Inc., a Canadian leader in architectural and heritage conservation services, as well as Architecture 49, a national leader in the integrated design and delivery of some of Canada’s most important buildings and environments, Lightemotion worked closely to develop a respectful approach to the structure’s delicate balance of architectural elements.
“Lightemotion is renowned for having a high level of awareness and sensibility in respect to lighting architecture, and the infusion of heritage expertise enabled all parties to quickly land on the same page,” notes François Roupinian, President and Design Director of Lightemotion. “The collaborative process enabled a common understanding of the stakes involved in the project, particularly given that the East Block and its companion buildings on the Hill were designed in accordance with the highest principles of Victorian Gothic revivalism.”
Illuminating influential origins
Influenced by British theorist John Ruskin’s embrace of highly ornate Gothic architecture, the Canadian Parliament buildings are among the best examples of Ruskin’s influence on the world of architecture. The East Block is the gem of that ensemble, given the preservation of its authentic structural components, both inside and out. With a series of eight mythical creatures sculpted into its façade, the East Block is a very unique structure, with distinct characteristics that present a fascinating program all around the building. In addition to its unique, sculpted creatures, the East Block also shares many of the intricacies of its companion buildings, including numerous geometric complexities.
“A critical aspect of that type of architecture is to express the natural colour of the stone, with no artificial elements introduced,” explains Pascal Letourneau, Principal Architect at DFS Inc. Architecture & Design. “The whole philosophy behind the lighting design was to express the natural elements through the authenticity of the material itself.”
A layered approach
With a myriad of materials and hues, Lightemotion’s lighting scheme for the East Block has become the most significant definition of the building’s masonry. Following a rigid hierarchy, the concept of light and shadow plays a critical role in the brilliant illumination of one of the most important buildings in Canadian Gothic history.
“The goal of any beautiful illumination project is to develop an emotional connection with the building, which we achieved through the application of light and shadow,” explains François Roupinian. “However, in addition to merely illuminating the space, good architectural lighting requires that you also highlight a building’s character-defining elements.”
Lightemotion’s masterful illumination of the East Block began with a clear interpretation of its masonry. Applying multiple layers of light, the scheme initially focused on the foundations of the masonry, followed by additional layers designed to subtly caress the arched windows with light, and to highlight, with respect and nuance, the unique sculptured carvings embedded within its façade.
Leveraging core expertise
Another critical aspect of the East Block lighting project drew upon one of Lightemotion’s core strengths – the firm’s strategic approach to positioning light sources. After establishing initial positioning of numerous lighting fixtures, including embedding fixtures within a concrete curb extending around the entire building, the firm collaborated with DFS to make adjustments to ensure optimal lighting courtesy of completely unseen sources.
Following the artistic direction of the architects, Lightemotion leveraged that synergy to achieve a concealed lighting scheme that does not upstage the building, but which fully embraces the most important architectural elements of the East Block’s complex façade.
“Rather than simply lighting everything on a building, you need to understand the rationale behind each individual element,” concludes Francois Roupinian. “In arriving at the philosophical answers of ‘why’ each sculptural element has been brought to life through its illumination, we are very proud of our contribution to celebrating the beauty of one of Canada’s most important heritage buildings.”
East Block Exterior Lighting Project in Ottawa, Canada – Project Information:
Architects: Consortium DFS / A49
DFS Architecture & Design – https://dfsarch.com/
Architecture49 (Montreal office) – http://a49montreal.com/en/
Official Project Name: East Block Exterior Lighting Project
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Client: Public Services and Procurement Canada
Completion: October 2024
Engineers and Collaborators:
Lighting Design: Lightemotion – https://lightemotion.ca/en
Civil & Electrical: WSP
Landscape Architects: Groupe BC2
About Lightemotion
Lightemotion’s wide range of work, both in Canada and internationally, focuses on the creation of specific emotions, no matter how challenging and limiting constraints may be. From the early stages of design, the Lightemotion team occupies an important seat at the table, working closely with clients to bring their visions to life.
Lightemotion’s experience and expertise helps transform architectural spaces into multisensory experiences, where viewing merchandise in a brick-and-mortar store, eating food in a dining hall, or visiting a museum with friends become irresistible and memorable moments.
In August 2024, Lightemotion received the Award of Distinction at the 51st annual IES Illumination Awards in New York City, which is the highest recognition awarded.
Photography © Gordon King
East Block Exterior Lighting Project, Ottawa, Canada images / information received 060325
Location: Ottawa, Canada, North America
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