IESBC Announces Its 2016 Vision Award Winners

IESB Awards AES

 

 

 

July 12 2016

The Illuminating Engineering Society of British Columbia (IESBC) has announced the winners of its 2016 Vision Awards. Awarded projects include UBC’s Student Union Building (AES Engineering Ltd.), Simon Fraser University’s Trottier Observatory and Science Courtyard (Integral Group Consulting (BC) LLP), and L’Occitane en Provence’s Vancouver flagship store (Render Light & Planning).

IESBC celebrates outstanding BC lighting engineers and designers for their local and international projects, and aids in the application of international award opportunities and IES’s Illumination Award. The IESBC Vision Awards are stage one leading up to IES’s National Illumination Awards. Submissions for the Illumination Awards open January 1, 2017.

More on this year’s Vision Award winners, all located in Vancouver, appear below.

Edwin F. Guth Memorial Award for Interior Lighting Design

• Project: UBC Student Union Building

• Lighting design firm: AES Engineering Ltd.

The new Student Union Building, a five-storey, 23,000 square meter facility, forms the central piece for a new public square at the entry of UBC (shown above). The concept was to highlight each feature and allow the illuminance and luminance from those features light the space. This also allowed the architect’s concept of clean ceilings, in the atrium to be actualized. Photo credit: PWL Partnership Landscape Architects Inc.

In 1902 Edwin F. Guth founded the St. Louis Brass Company, later renaming it the Edwin F. Guth Company. Mr. Guth’s profound creativity, entrepreneurialism and focus to improve interior lighting are partially represented through 147 patents awarded to him prior to his passing in 1962. This award recognizes exceptional interior lighting projects that balance the functional illumination of space with the artistic application of light to enhance the occupant’s experience.

Award: The Outdoor Lighting Design Award, sponsored by Eaton

• Project: SFU’s Trottier Observatory and Science Courtyard

• Lighting design firm: Integral Group Consulting (BC) LLP

The observatory and courtyard, resulting from a $2.7 M contribution by the Trottier family and SFU, are designed for use by astronomy students, the general public and the Starry Nights@SFU program. The observatory features a six-meter-diameter dome housing a 0.7-metre diameter reflector telescope that is capable of tracking distant galaxies billions of years old. The viewing plaza offers a sundial, space for people to set up their own telescopes next to the dome, and an outdoor gallery featuring illuminated seasonal star charts.

The Outdoor Lighting Design Award recognizes excellence in lighting design and application in all aspects of exterior lighting. The program celebrates achievements in aesthetics, applied technical acumen, creative solutions to demanding site conditions and advancements to the industry in outdoor lighting applications. The goal of the program is to further the understanding, knowledge and function of outdoor lighting as a critical aspect of the built environment. 

IESB Awards SFU

Photo credit: Ema Peter

Award: BC Hydro Lighting Redesign Award

• Project: L’Occitane en Provence Vancouver Flagship

• Lighting design firm: Render Light & Planning 

Located on the southwest corner of Robson and Burrard Street, one of Vancouver’s most prominent retail locations, the 1700-square foot, LED-illuminated retail outlet evokes the creative and intimate environment inspired by Paul Cezanne’s atelier. 

BC Hydro Power Smart presents the Lighting Redesign Award to recognize local talents that bring innovation and energy efficiency in lighting design. The Lighting Redesign Award recognizes quality lighting redesign, or major retrofit installations in existing commercial and industrial buildings, that incorporate advanced energy-saving strategies and environmentally responsible solutions into the overall design, without sacrificing visual interest.  

 IESB Awards Occitane

Photo credit: Johnny Milkovich, Double Vision Photography

Submissions were judged locally based on how well the lighting design met the program criteria. This year’s IESBC judges included Shail Mahanti, Douglas Welch, Matt Davis and Carol Kelley.

IESBC aims to bring together the best of B.C.’s lighting professionals, including lighting designers, engineers, architects, interior designers, manufacturers, representatives and distributors. The organization offers monthly seminars to educate trade and residential designers as well as any one interested in learning more about the lighting industry.  

 

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • March 18, 2026 - Liteline Presents ATTRACKT - New Product Webinar - March 31, 2026

    Liteline Presents: ATTRACKT – New Product Webinar – March 31, 2026

    Join Liteline for the launch of ATTRAKT, a low-voltage magnetic lighting system designed for modern spaces. ATTRACKT’s compact, refined form factor delivers exceptional flexibility, with fixtures that can be easily positioned and reconfigured to suit evolving lighting needs. With versatile modules and connectors to create customized layouts, ATTRACKT provides a clean, modular solution that elevates… Read More…

  • March 3, 2026 - Leviton - Certolux Visioneering (Viscor) Announces Walter Lai as New Purchasing Manager

    Leviton – Certolux Visioneering (Viscor) Announces Walter Lai as New Purchasing Manager

    Leviton – Certolux Visioneering (Viscor) is excited to welcome Walter Lai CSCMP to the team as Purchasing Manager! Walter brings over 20 years of expertise in purchasing, inventory management, and supply chain operations. His strong background in supplier management, cost optimization, and leading cross-functional teams will be a tremendous asset as they continue to strengthen… Read More…


Design

  • CSC LED: Why Blue Light at Night Is a Problem & How Amber Optics Solve It

    CSC LED: Why Blue Light at Night Is a Problem & How Amber Optics Solve It

    Outdoor lighting plays a critical role in safety, visibility, and security—but not all light is created equal. In recent years, increased awareness around blue-rich white light has raised important questions about its impact on human health, wildlife, and the night sky. As municipalities, designers, and property owners look for better solutions, Amber Optics are becoming… Read More…

  • RENO Lighting Highlights Rittal Canada Lighting Project

    RENO Lighting Highlights Rittal Canada Lighting Project

    It’s great to see projects grow from one phase to the next! RENO Lighting has partnered with Rittal Canada to supply lighting for their new office and warehouse. As the renovation continues, they are proud to showcase the next step in their transformation. From industrial environments to modern workplaces, each phase requires thoughtful lighting design… Read More…


New Products

  • LEDVANCE: Jelly Jar Light, Hazardous Location – HAZ JJAR 020 UNH D 8 30 CSL GR

    LEDVANCE: Jelly Jar Light, Hazardous Location – HAZ JJAR 020 UNH D 8 30 CSL GR

    Designed for durability and safety in demanding environments, the LEDVANCE Jelly Jar Hazardous Location light features a compact structure with a robust metal guard. It supports multiple installation options to suit a variety of industrial and hazardous location applications and is an ideal choice for areas requiring reliable, rugged illumination. Read More…

  • NEXLEDS: 3CCT Post Top Light – NX-3PT-150W-X-DV-A-Y

    NEXLEDS: 3CCT Post Top Light – NX-3PT-150W-X-DV-A-Y

    NEXLEDS provides an efficient and adaptable lighting solution with the 3CCT Post Top Light. This fixture offers high luminous efficacy, IP65, as well as power tunable and CCT switchable options, granting enhanced visibility, security and safety in exterior spaces. The 3CCT Post Top luminaire is ideal for applications such as parking lots, walkways, campuses, and… Read More…