Lumenpulse: Lighting Project Highlight – 180 Wellington, Ottawa
September 25, 2026
Wellington Building: An Icon of Canada’s Capital Region Comes to Light Using Lumenfacade Luminaires
The restored Wellington Building was the first to be lit following the implemented Master Plan for the Parliamentary Precinct in Canada’s capital, Ottawa. Returned to its 1920s splendour, the onetime insurance building now house MP offices, a library, and governmental meeting rooms. Public Services and Procurement Canada turned to lighting design firm Lightemotion to highlight this stunning example of Beaux-Arts architecture and sets it aglow with subtle elegance.
We employed a theatrical approach to lighting with very detailed control systems to avoid flooding the building with light. Delicate, beautiful accents on key architectural features preserve the historic integrity of its architecture while maintaining a cohesive luminous environment with the neighbouring buildings.
Francois Roupinian, Founder of Lightemotion
On the ground level along Wellington Street, Lightemotion employed Lumenpulse Lumenfacade Remote 2-foot luminaires to light the inner window arches. At a 3000k colour temperature, they give the façade an organic glow without compromising the resonance of the natural stone. The Lumenpulse Lumenfacades used in this area are equipped with a custom cage that matches the stone façade, this cage both protects and hides the luminaires within the façade.
Between each of the building’s columns and pilasters, Lumenfacade Horizontal luminaires were placed to add drama and create a softer light while also making these architectural elements stand out from the façade. The light intentionally bleeds up and onto the cornices, so as to allow additional light onto the façade.
The DALI lighting control system allows each luminaire to be individually controlled; lighting levels can be specifically tailored to each area of the building depending on the nature of the architectural features and reflectivity of the surfaces. The strategically placed strokes of light covering all four-tiers of the building accentuate and underscore this historic landmark’s eminence in a timeless, lasting design that enhances its beauty.
Equipment Specified
- 24 x Lumenfacade Horizontal, 1ft, 3000K, 10°x10°
- 30 x Lumenfacade Horizontal, 1ft, 3000K, 10°x60°
- 41 x Lumenfacade Horizontal, 2ft, 3000K, 10°x60°
- 7 x Lumenfacade Horizontal, 3ft, 3000K, 10°x60°
- 24 x Lumenfacade Horizontal HO, 3ft, 3000K, 10°x60°
- 89 x Lumenfacade Horizontal, 4ft, 3000K, 10°x60°
- 30 x Lumenfacade Horizontal HO, 4ft, 3000K, 10°x60°
- 8 x Lumenfacade Remote, 2ft, 3000K, 10°x60°
Learn more about the Lumenfacade series HERE
Project Details
- Location: 180, rue Wellington, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Market: Institutions + Workplaces
- Client: Public Services and Procurement Canada
- Lighting Design: Lightemotion
- Architect: NORR Limited
- Contractor: Pomerleau
- Photographer: Gordon King
For more information on Lumenpulse lighting solutions HERE
Wellington
