Modern buildings are not just about how they’re built or what they are made of anymore. Lighting is a part of how a building works, and it makes people feel. This is true for offices, hotels, stores, hospitals, homes, and public buildings. The way a building is lit can affect how comfortable it is to be in, how much energy it uses, and what people think of the space.
The rapid evolution of LED technology has brought with it numerous benefits—higher efficiency, longer lifespans, and cost savings for businesses. However, it has also led to a phenomenon rarely discussed in detail: industry fragmentation. Particularly in the Commercial & Industrial (C&I) lighting sector, the LED market today is characterized by an overwhelming variety of products, suppliers, and standards. This fragmentation poses challenges for manufacturers, distributors, and end-users alike. But what has driven this fragmentation, and why is it such a pressing issue?
Ethernet is a high performance and reliable networking technology that has been making inroads into architectural LED lighting applications. Having undergone decades of research and development as a workhorse of the IT industry, Ethernet brings a refined pedigree to a lighting industry which is trending toward highly intelligent light fixtures and services. This article highlights how Ethernet can simplify some of the ways professionals think about lighting infrastructure, how its expansive scalability can allow lighting designers to express the full breadth of their imaginations, and how its familiar components can make installation and network upkeep straightforward and manageable.
When you need to add lighting to rooms in your commercial and residential spaces, one of the most popular options today is to install recessed light fixtures. It provides a visually pleasing effect while saving space, especially on ceilings. However, many people are confused about which size is appropriate for their needs. Usually, people hesitate between four-inch and six-inch recessed cans lights. This article will introduce 4-inch and 6-inch recessed lights in detail and what the difference is between them. There are also bonus tips about how to choose between the two aligned with your décor plan.
The best collaborations rarely start with a project brief. Sometimes seedlings of ideas sprout years earlier through conversations, co-creating and working together, shared values, and mutual respect between people who have spent decades shaping the same industry. That was the exact foundation that led to LightForm’s Vancouver showroom. Created in close collaboration with LightForm founder Richard Assaly, the Vancouver showroom was designed by Little Giant Studio, an architecture and interiors practice known for thoughtful, experience-driven spaces. It grew from a long-standing relationship between two teams that have evolved alongside one another as friends, collaborators, industry colleagues, and each other’s trusted clients.
Located at the mouth of the Biigtig Zibi (Pic River) along the shores of Chi-Gaam (Lake Superior) near Marathon, Ontario, the Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Arbour is envisioned as a lasting community gathering place. Designed to honour tradition while creating a welcoming space for future generations, the Arbour serves as the heart of cultural celebrations, intergenerational dancing, and community events. The project was completed through a collaboration between Biigtigong Nishnaabeg, the Pic River Development Corporation, local builders, and Serino Architects, whose culturally sensitive design reflects the community’s connection to the land.
Nexleds has decades of experience developing lighting solutions, and has been head quartered in North York, Ontario since 2014. From the time of Nexleds’ founding onward, they have been dedicated to providing unique, high-quality LED lighting solutions for their clients and customers in the commercial and residential lighting sectors.
Established in 1870 by Richard Hemsley, Hemsleys Jewellers is the oldest jewellery store in Canada. A family-owned business established over 150 years ago. Hemsleys has been serving Montreal communities for generations. It is well known within the luxury gemstone industry that lighting plays an integral role in preserving the visual authenticity of precious stones and gems. This is why most jewelers pay very special attention to each type of lighting they include in their stores and displays. The wrong color spectrum can make some stones flash while muting the color intensity of others. Having the expert knowledge and the inventory to accommodate industry-specific needs, Stanpro was mandated for Hemsleys’ newest renovations. The scope of this project included redoing the ceilings and cabinet lights while making sure to include lighting fixtures that have large color spectrums that are customizable, easy to change, and reliable.
Outdoor spaces are no longer viewed simply as extensions of a property, they have become an integral part of modern architecture and lifestyle. Whether it is a residential garden, a commercial landscape, a hospitality venue or a public park, thoughtful landscape lighting plays a significant role in enhancing aesthetics, improving safety and creating memorable outdoor experiences. As lighting technologies continue to evolve, property owners and designers are moving beyond traditional fixtures to embrace solutions that combine functionality, energy efficiency, and intelligent control.
The newly opened Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre brings together community, learning, and wellness within a flexible, multi-use environment. The facility includes a 3,900-sf library, 2,000 sf atrium, 840 sf program room, and a 4,855 sf multi-functional rental space designed to support a wide range of activities. Axis Lighting’s Zen series was selected to deliver clean, comfortable illumination throughout the space. Featuring SurroundLite optics, Zen provides soft, evenly diffused light with excellent glare control, enhancing visual comfort for reading, collaboration, and community use.
In the heart of Simon Fraser University’s Student Union Building, The Study Public House brings a new kind of energy to campus life in Burnaby, BC. Completed around 2019, this vibrant “barcade” concept was designed to shift with the day, moving effortlessly from casual hangouts and intimate dining to lively nightlife. Warm, welcoming, and full of colour, the 5,800 sq. ft. renovation invites students, staff, and locals to settle in, stay awhile, and come back again.
Lumens measure the total amount of visible light a bulb or fixture produces, so more lumens means a brighter light. Shopping for lighting used to be simple. You grabbed a 60-watt bulb for the bedroom, a 100-watt bulb for the kitchen, and called it a day. Today, with energy-efficient LEDs, watts no longer tell you how bright a light will be. That’s where lumens come in. Understanding lumens helps you choose lighting that’s bright enough without being overwhelming, saving energy while getting the exact ambiance you want.
When lighting is specified for food processing facilities, commercial kitchens, healthcare environments, or beverage production plants, fixture performance is only one part of the equation. In these settings, sanitation, cleanability, and contamination control often carry equal weight. This is where NSF-rated lighting becomes relevant. While many lighting professionals are familiar with ratings such as IP, IK, or NEMA, NSF certification addresses a different consideration: whether a fixture is designed for environments where hygiene and food safety are critical operational requirements.
Beam angle is important in lighting design. It determines how light spreads within a space and influences both functionality and atmosphere. By understanding beam angles, you can achieve both adequate coverage and visual appeal. This guide explains why beam angle matters, how it affects different types of lighting, where it is applied, and what to consider when choosing the right one. A light beam angle refers to the spread of light emitted by a luminaire, influencing factors such as intensity, coverage, and glare. Terminology and standards for beam angles vary across industries, with several classification systems in use.
The newly completed 14th floor show suite at First & Jasper brings together modern sophistication, warmth, and a touch of moodiness to create a refined workplace environment in the heart of downtown Edmonton. Designed by Lori Cox Design, the space balances rich textures, bold accents, and inviting finishes to deliver an elevated tenant experience. Wow Lighting and Controls collaborated closely with the design team to provide lighting solutions that enhance the suite’s atmosphere and functionality. Thoughtfully integrated lighting helps define collaborative areas, highlight architectural details, and reinforce the warm, contemporary aesthetic envisioned for the space.
In today’s competitive business landscape, organizations are constantly seeking ways to reduce operational costs, improve sustainability, and foster productive work environments. Among the most impactful yet often overlooked areas of optimization is lighting. As businesses strive to balance profitability with environmental responsibility, energy efficient lighting has emerged as a strategic investment rather than just a utility upgrade. From commercial offices and manufacturing facilities to retail stores and healthcare institutions, lighting plays a critical role in daily operations. However, traditional lighting systems consume substantial amounts of electricity, require frequent maintenance, and contribute significantly to overall energy expenses. Modern organizations are increasingly turning to advanced lighting solutions that deliver exceptional performance while reducing energy consumption.
This project is funded [in part] by the Government of Canada.
Ce projet est financé [en partie] par le gouvernement du Canada.
