Innovative Lighting Meets High-Tech Research in Turn-of-the-Century University Building

LDS 5 Lazaridis 400

March 17, 2020

By Jason Broadhurst

As part of the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University, the Lazaridis Institute supports high-growth technology companies through research, programming, and education. So, it proved to be an interesting juxtaposition when the Institute selected a turn of the century building in Kitchener, Ontario, as the base for its new Executive Development Center.

The circa 1900 building was the former home of a manufacturer of wooden seats for theaters and arenas. Exposed wood ceilings, structures and columns formed the foundation for what was to become a sophisticated, upscale office and event space for the Institute.

Dfy Studio was hired to design the transformation from old to new, developing a modern facility that supported the existing elements of the space.

“We had beautiful bones to work with,” said Tahani Gunal, senior designer at Dfy. “We wanted the elements of the lighting and walls to create a clean, crisp, and vibrant environment.”

The exposed ceiling in the main event room posed a challenge for lighting. Fixtures needed to hold their own in a space that already had a lot going on with open beams, pipes and duct work. And the space itself would serve many functions, from presentations to social events to breakout meetings. The designers needed a fixture that would not only provide versatile lighting for the varied functions, but would be dynamic enough to add the “wow” factor they wanted to achieve for the space.

SliceArenaThe multi-award-winning Arena was the lighting system of choice. A unique magnetic ring by Eureka Lighting, twelve Arena fixtures were placed across the industrial ceiling. Arena’s seamless circular profile has a discreet, innovative low-power ring and instant magnetic connections. Light sources can be placed, without tools, anywhere along the ring to create a unique lighting environment. 

Three Slice luminaires are attached with magnets across the 54” diameter of each Arena. Slice features an 8W LED linear light engine with a custom-engineered acrylic diffuser, which can be rotated 180° on-site. The institute has the option to angle the diffusers down to provide direct illumination to a meeting table set-up below, or it can turn them upwards to provide dramatic indirect illumination to the wooden ceiling above for a reception or more informal atmosphere. 

What is also unique about this combination of products is that each Slice can be arranged, and re-arranged, in multiple configurations to suit the event. The luminaires can be placed 360° around the Arena, they can be flipped between upper and lower positions within the ring, and they can also be overlapped to create unique, eye-catching patterns. The luminaires are as modular and versatile as the furniture and space they are illuminating.

“Arena’s size was the right fit for the large event space,” Gunal said. “And Slice adds style and uniqueness to enhance its surroundings. Together they add to the appeal of the space without taking away from its original beauty.”

Wilfrid Laurier University and the Lazaridis Institute love the look and feel of the new space, as does the designer.

“Arena exceeded our expectations,” said Gunal. “We are really pleased with the final outcome.”

  • Client: Lazaridis Institute’s Executive Development Center (Wilfrid Laurier University)
  • Location: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
  • Designer/Specifier: Dfy Studio
  • Photographer: Robert Lowdon Photography

 Jason Broadhurst is Director of Marketing for Luminaires Group

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE is pleased to announce the appointment of Sterling Architectural Products Ltd. (Sterling Lights) as their new specification agent in Ontario. This partnership strengthens LEDVANCE’s presence in the region and reinforces their commitment to serving the professional lighting design and specification community with innovative, reliable lighting solutions. With decades of experience and a service-driven mindset,… Read More…

  • May 29, 2025 - Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka is pleased to announce that its Velia, Cirra, and Junction luminaires have each received a 2025 Red Dot Design Award for Product Design. It is the 11th consecutive year that Eureka products have been honored with this prestigious award, which is a testament to the company’s consistency and relentless drive to design exceptional luminaires.… Read More…


Design

  • 60-Watt vs 100-Watt Light Bulbs: Brightness & Wattage

    60-Watt vs 100-Watt Light Bulbs: Brightness & Wattage

    With the widespread use of LED light bulbs, the replacement and upgrade of different light bulbs have also made the concept of “equivalent wattage” more and more discussed. When comparing 60-watt vs 100-watt bulb, the wattage and brightness are the factors that need to be figured out first. Wattage is used to measure the energy consumption while many… Read More…

  • What is Human Centric Lighting: Benefits & Applications

    What is Human Centric Lighting: Benefits & Applications

    Human centric lighting (HCL) is a kind of illuminated way based on human physical and psychological needs. Its core goal is to imitate the changes in natural light to support the body’s circadian rhythm, improve visual comfort, and enhance mood. The key element of human centric lighting contains dynamic ​color temperature adjustment, adjustable brightness, spectrum… Read More…


New Products

  • Zaneen: Vieni Giù – Rain of Light

    Zaneen: Vieni Giù – Rain of Light

    Vieni Giù brings a touch of elegance and modernity to any space with its sleek, thin rods suspended from a cable or ceiling mount, each featuring exquisite chrome plating. These rods illuminate every corner like luminescent rain, thanks to the LED double-pin encapsulated in borosilicate glass. Available in various lengths, Vieni Giù can be tailored to… Read More…

  • LightForm: New Saule-L-01 Suspension Luminaire

    LightForm: New Saule-L-01 Suspension Luminaire

    LightForm is thrilled to introduce Saule, the newest lighting collection from Quebec atelier Larose Guyon, now exclusively available at LightForm. Inspired by the gentle grace of the willow tree, Saule is a sculptural light that feels alive. Cascading hand-formed brass leaves shimmer like foliage in the breeze, suspended from arched metal arms that echo the tree’s elegant… Read More…