Cisco Systems Canada Wins 2016 IES Lighting Control Innovation Award

March 6, 2017

The Canadian headquarters of IT giant Cisco Systems, an award-winning project, encompasses a 4-storey fit-out over 80,000 sq.ft. in Toronto, ON. The facility features a client-facing Innovation Centre that is one of a kind in North America. Aptly located within a new sustainability-leading downtown high-rise, the fit-up is targeting LEED Gold certification.

The Lighting Control Innovation Award was created in 2011 as part of the Illuminating Engineering Society’s Illumination Awards program, which recognizes professionalism, ingenuity and originality in lighting design. The award recognizes projects that exemplify the effective use of lighting controls in nonresidential applications.

Given the client’s “Internet of Things” mandate, base building fluorescent luminaires were replaced with LED Power over Ethernet (PoE) luminaires, boasting the first large-scale commercial installation of PoE-enabled luminaires in North America. This approach eliminated the need for line voltage power to the luminaires, reducing installed cost, adhering to budget constraints, and enabling the delivery of power and controls data via a single CAT6 data cable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PoE lighting zones are powered via an 8-port data switch, installed in custom enclosures in the ceiling space. Line voltage powers the data switches, which can power up to 8 PoE luminaires each via CAT6 patch cables providing a maximum of 25.5W at 36VDC using the PoE+ protocol. Effectively implementing this new technology, the Lighting Power Density was reduced to 52.6% below ASHRAE 90.1 2007 allowances.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Approximately 50% of the PoE luminaires are outfitted with an integral occupancy/daylight sensor. Any luminaire without a sensor can be controlled via an adjacent fixture equipped with one.

Collaborating with the manufacturer, PoE fixtures were developed to match the base building luminaires for visual consistency.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For ease of use, all luminaires, including the PoE-enabled fixtures and architectural specialty lighting, are digitally addressable through a networked lighting control system.

All enclosed rooms are outfitted with a capacitive touch-sensitive programmable 6-button digital wall switch for scene and dimming control. These are also connected via CAT6 data cables. The luminaires can also be controlled or commissioned wirelessly with a smartphone via the IR receiver within the integral sensors.

Project participants

Lighting and control design by Justin Lauzon, Bill Trapper, lighting designers with The HIDI Group, and Neil Whiteford, lighting designer with Philips Lighting Canada. Photography by Tom Arban Photography. DALI Control and Programming by Specialized Lighting Solutions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related Articles

  • | | |

    Solar-Integrated Lighting: The Next Big Shift for Outdoor & Public Spaces

    For years, solar lighting was treated as a niche – useful, but not quite ready for large-scale outdoor applications. That perception has officially changed. Today, advancements in LED efficiency, battery performance, and smart control technologies are pushing solar-integrated lighting into mainstream adoption. And for manufacturers, system integrators, and solution providers, this shift is opening one of the biggest growth opportunities in the outdoor lighting segment.

  • |

    LightForm: Where Lighting Design Is Headed in 2026

    Wondering where lighting design is headed this year? Lucky for you, the team at LightForm are experts on the matter. Lighting in 2026 isn’t about chasing novelty for novelty’s sake. It’s about intention. Presence. Flexibility. It’s about materials that feel considered rather than concealed. What has emerged are clear design directions that prioritize atmosphere, tactility, and architectural intelligence without losing their edge. Read on to see what’s defining the year ahead!

  • | | |

    EB Horsman: Can LED Roadway Lighting Enhance Road Safety & Efficiency?

    At EB Horsman, they recognize that effective roadway lighting is a crucial component of public safety. With Lumec’s LED roadway lighting solutions, communities can ensure reliable, high-quality illumination that supports safer travel for everyone, day or night, while also improving energy efficiency and long-term operational performance. High-quality roadway lighting is a critical component of public safety and traffic management. Properly designed illumination enhances visibility for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, reducing the likelihood of accidents and improving overall traffic flow. Beyond safety, well-planned lighting supports urban security, guides efficient navigation, and ensures that roadways remain reliable and functional under all conditions. Investing in enhanced lighting solutions is an investment in safer, more resilient communities.

  • | |

    Infrastructure Lighting Fixtures: Why Scale Matters

    In infrastructure projects, the size and scale of outdoor lighting fixtures are critical—not just for aesthetics, but for functionality, safety, and long-term performance. Whether lighting a streetscape, transit hub, or civic plaza, appropriately scaled fixtures help create environments that are both visually coherent and effectively illuminated. Public lighting plays a role in shaping how spaces feel after dark. Well-proportioned fixtures contribute to a unified visual experience that reinforces architectural character and community identity. Oversized poles or luminaires can overwhelm pedestrians and detract from historic or human-scale environments. Undersized fixtures, on the other hand, may get lost in the landscape or appear out of place in large open areas.

  • | |

    Sign Drum – Blend of Sophistication & High-Performance Lighting

    When it comes to modern lighting, striking the perfect balance between aesthetic appeal and functionality is key. Sign Drum is the latest in sophisticated design and advanced lighting technology. Whether you’re designing an inspiring office, an inviting hospitality venue, or a cozy residential space, Sign Drum delivers style and performance in equal measure. The Sign Drum collection is a celebration of timeless design. With an array of color finish options, it blends into any contemporary environment while making a bold statement. Choose from luxurious painted gold interiors paired with sleek black or white exteriors for a dramatic contrast or monochrome finishes in all black or all-white for a refined, minimalist look.

  • |

    What Are LED Backlight Panel Lights?

    LED backlight panel lights are revolutionizing interior lighting, offering energy-efficient, long-lasting alternatives to traditional fluorescent lighting. Widely used in office buildings, schools, and other commercial spaces, these panels provide uniform, bright illumination with improved performance. This article will explore the advantages, design features, and common applications of LED backlight panels, helping you understand why they are a great choice for modern lighting solutions. An LED backlight panel features LEDs positioned behind the panel’s frame, emitting light through a lens that spreads the light evenly across a wide area. This design eliminates the need for additional components like guide panels or diffusers, as the lens itself helps reduce glare and ensure uniform brightness. These panels are typically installed in ceilings with adequate depth, offering excellent coverage for large indoor spaces. The simplicity and efficiency of LED backlight panels make them ideal for general lighting in areas such as hallways, offices, and classrooms.


Changing Scene


Design

  • Artika: How Much Energy Do LEDs Really Save? A Before/After Bill Breakdown 

    Artika: How Much Energy Do LEDs Really Save? A Before/After Bill Breakdown 

    There’s no better moment to talk about one of the simplest, highest impact swaps a homeowner can make: switching every bulb and fixture in your home to LED. This guide breaks down LED savings using real numbers for Canadian households, gives you a clear before-and-after comparison, and links directly to the energy-efficient LED fixtures from Artika that… Read More…

  • Cooper Lighting: What Legendary Athletes Taught Us About Sports Lighting

    Cooper Lighting: What Legendary Athletes Taught Us About Sports Lighting

    Reggie Jackson. Jim McMahon. Arthur Moats. Andrea Seppi. A Hall of Fame outfielder, a Super Bowl champion, a professional linebacker, and a professional tennis player —different sports, different careers, one consistent message: lighting matters more than most people realize. Cooper Lighting Solutions recently sat down with them to talk about what they have experienced firsthand. What emerged was a clear picture of what’s at… Read More…


New Products

  • LightForm: Go with the Flow

    LightForm: Go with the Flow

    LightForm is excited to highlight UK-based ASTRO Lighting’s newest collection, FLOW, which fills and punctuates a space with ease. Defined by a seamless steel form and a softly diffused resin shade, the FLOW is sculptural and smooth, with no hard edges. It’s the kind of fixture that hovers and settles into a room, exuding quiet… Read More…

  • Eureka: Mill Acoustic Suspended Ceiling Luminaires

    Eureka: Mill Acoustic Suspended Ceiling Luminaires

    Absorb noise in common and public areas with Mill Acoustic Luminaires, for an original soft aesthetic and atmosphere enhancing functionality. With multiple sizes, colors and mounting options, optional uplight as well as an unlit version, Mill will help with volume control while adding a stunning design element to the decor. Read More…