Illuminating Union Station’s New Food Court

February 26, 2019

Union Station’s new food court marks a significant milestone in the revitalization of Toronto’s busiest transit hub: 250,000 commuters pass through Union Station every day. 

The renovation and restoration of one of Canada’s iconic heritage buildings involves adding 165,000 square feet of new space, and curating an eclectic mix of noteworthy and unique independent retailers, restaurants, art, music, and cultural events that showcase the diversity and spirit of the city. A revitalized food court is an integral part of this transformation.

The lighting atmosphere in the food court, created by Lightemotion, consists of indirect lighting concealed in architectural elements designed by Partisans, and adjustable mood lighting, promoting wellbeing and relaxation. The 210 cloud-like structures suspended above the seating area, a key feature of the Union Food Court, were created by Design Architects Partisans in collaboration with Dialog and retail design consultants GH+A. These sculptural units, the PODS (pressurized ocular diffuser system), made from glass fibre reinforced gypsum, include a lighting design conceived by Lightemotion. The collaboration resulted in a brilliant reflection of an ambitious mandate: to make the Union Food Court a destination.

Lightemotion studied how best lighting could be diffused in the POD structures and specified the use of a DMX controlled system using LED fixtures that could change colouration and tonality of the light. A special lens was used to help diffuse the light, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere that evolves throughout the course of the day. The clever system can make subtle lighting and tone changes that give the space an ambience befitting the time of the day and can be adapted based on events taking place.

Putting the focus on light

“We are very proud to have contributed to creating an atmosphere that so effectively fosters wellbeing,” says Lightemotion President François Roupinian. “Our approach makes light the focal point, subtly punctuating the space and thereby avoiding the uniform, uninspiring effect that is so often apparent in traditional food courts.” 

The Union Food Court is the first area to open as part of the newly constructed lower retail level and offers 10 new food retailers, a seating capacity for more than 600 people, and 25,000 square feet (2,325 square metres) of space.

{loadposition slideShow35}

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • July 10, 2025 - Mac’s II Agencies Announce Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    Mac’s II Agencies Announces Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    Mac’s II Agencies is pleased to announce that Drazen Jerkovic will be joining their Project & Specification Sales team in the Lighting Division later this fall. With over 25 years of experience in the lighting and electrical industry, Drazen is a highly respected consultant known for his technical knowledge and deep understanding of project delivery. His recent role… Read More…

  • Noramco-Announces-Samantha-Boernsen-as-New-Regional-Sales-Manager-Winnipeg

    Noramco Announces Samantha Boernsen as New Regional Sales Manager, Winnipeg

    Please join Noramco in welcoming Samantha Boernsen as Regional Sales Manager, Winnipeg! Samantha brings a wealth of experience in the electrical industry, with a strong focus on lighting, marketing strategy, and customer engagement. She has built her career on connecting technical expertise with real-world application, making her a trusted partner to clients and colleagues alike.… Read More…


Design

  • Infrastructure Lighting Fixtures: Why Scale Matters

    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… Read More…

  • What You Need to Consider When Choosing Data Center Lighting

    What You Need to Consider When Choosing Data Center Lighting

    When operating a data center, the lighting syst​em is often not the most concerned part. Actually, lighting system performance directly influences whole electricity consumption and operating costs, especially in a 24-hour non-stop data center. This article will delve into the key factors to be considered when choosing data center lighting. For enterprises that are planning to… Read More…


New Products

  • SATCO|NUVO: LED T12 Lamps

    SATCO|NUVO: LED T12 Lamps

    SATCO|NUVO’s LED T12 ballast compatible lamps are direct replacements for T12 linear fluorescent. Offered in a frosted white finish, these lamps are also PET coated and NSF rated. Conveniently sold in two-packs, these lamps make replacing traditional tubes an easy choice. Suggested applications include shop light fixtures, laundry room, utility closets, and garages. Read More…

  • BOLD: Prism Recessed Outdoor Fixture – RL-PRISM-60-BK

    BOLD: Prism Recessed Outdoor Fixture – RL-PRISM-60-BK

    The Prism is part of BOLD’s high-end, durable, and modern 60mm (2 3/8″) recessed fixtures. With its 93 CRI, hexagonal design, partially covered light source, and 360-degree warm glow, you can create unique ambient lighting effects and modern designs, minus the glare. You can safely walk or drive over these raised recessed lights: their low-profile… Read More…