BC Legislative Chamber
Awards
IESNA Illumination Award of Excellence for Control Innovation 2021
IESNA Illumination Award of Merit for Interior Lighting 2021
LIT Design Award for Heritage Lighting 2021
The Legislative Chamber of British Columbia’s 1970’s lighting system consisted of halogen and fluorescent fixtures. AES Lighting was presented with an opportunity for complex and creative problem solving to successfully decrease utility costs, improve flexibility, and maintain the heritage architecture while adhering to strict energy codes.
As the home to BC’s provincial government, the primary functions of the Legislative Chambers are television broadcast events requiring high levels of illuminance and public viewings, which need lower light levels and greater flexibility. An adaptive lighting design was critical. AES Lighting installed a colour-tuning system that could be programmed to allow sufficient lighting for each use case and enhance the architectural geometry and palette. Flexibility of the lighting level and zone controls was essential to meet both broadcasts and public viewings, allow for easy and quick programming, and minimize energy consumption to meet ASHRAE 90.1 2016.
The upgraded LED system reduced the risk of fixtures not working during live broadcasts and eliminated the need to stockpile halogen fixtures that were increasingly difficult to procure. Time spent maintaining fixtures was dramatically decreased and wiring and controls were brought up to modern standards.
Due to the heritage aspect of the building, fixture positions could not be altered in any way. Product selection and performance specifications were critical to maximizing the functionality and aesthetics of the space. False skylights backed by the unilluminated attic space required significant care to create uniform lighting that mimicked natural daylight using the automated colour-tuning system. Dome light fixtures were connected to a colour and intensity sampling sensor placed on the building’s exterior to automatically adjust the fixtures’ colour temperature to match the exterior light’s colour temperature. Lighting controls that once had to be manually adjusted now have the capability to automatically turn on, dim, turn off, or white tune, which saves energy, time, and resources. The control system’s multiple zones highlight architectural features and allow maximum flexibility.
AES Lighting’s design exceeded quality and control expectations of facilities managers, broadcasting technicians and end-users. The flexible control system can override the tunable LEDs when needed and can be expanded for future zones. The touchscreen control interface is easy to use and accessible in both the control room and on the chamber floor, making lighting modifications user-friendly.
Location: Victoria, BC
Size: over 170 light fixtures
Photographer: Andrew Latreille
Value: approximately $300,000