Union Station

Union Station

Jan 7, 2021

One of the finest examples of Beaux Arts and Neo-Classical architecture in Canada, Toronto’s Union Station recently underwent a major revitalization. Lumenpulse luminaires were used to help preserve this important heritage building while also creating a highly memorable exterior lighting design.

Toronto’s Union Station is the second busiest transportation hub in the country. Opened in 1927, this landmark building was recently the subject of a multi-phase revitalization project. Architects, EVOQ, were responsible for the design and quality assurance of the interior and exterior restorations. CS Design worked closely with EVOQ, NORR, the City of Toronto and Parks Canada to create a lighting design that is perfectly synchronised with the Beaux Arts and Neo-Classical architecture of the station while remaining in contemplative dialogue with the more modern buildings in its surrounds.

CS Design collaborated with the architects to research the original historical shop drawings and photographs from 1918, allowing for newly fabricated replicas to be fitted with SSL fixtures such as the Lumenpulse Lumenfacade luminaires. A series of modified wall sconces equipped with adjustable Lumenfacades allowed CS Design to frame the original lower entrance way in the main portico. “The strong performance and scalability of the LED fixtures allowed us to replace the metal halide technology without compromising the heritage aesthetic,” said Alicia Davila, Senior Lighting Designer/PM, CS Design.

The upper cornice, entablature, and column capitals are lit using Lumencove luminaires. The low-profile of the luminaires allows them to blend with the architecture and remain unseen by passersby, giving the architecture an organically lit look that enhances the stonework and architectural elements. The parapet is lit using Lumenfacade luminaires.

Union StationThe old carriageway, now known as “The Moat,” was a passageway that allowed the pick-up and drop-off of passengers during the first half-century of the station’s existence. Now a glassed-in pavilion and walkway, the area serves as a staging ground for Lumenfacade luminaires mounted along the top of The Moat to supply a wallwash to the rest of the building. The reflection of the illuminated façade gives off a jewelled aura and sets a dramatic and elegant stage, reflecting the watery elements of its nickname while simultaneously providing a new signature element to the heritage design.

Throughout the restoration of Toronto’s Union Station, great pains were taken to restore and reinvigorate a token jewel in Toronto’s architectural crown. CS Design created a lighting design that is elegant, stoic, and memorable, just like the architecture itself. Lumenpulse luminaires were the right tools for the job, but the end result is a symbiotic relation between light and stone, years past and years to come, ensuring that Union Station continues to have a voice throughout Toronto’s nights.

EQUIPMENT SPECIFIED

250 x Lumenfacade Horizontal (4′, 3000K, 10º x 60º)

74 x Lumenfacade Horizontal (3′, 3000K, 30º x 60º)

89 x Lumencove XT, (4′, 3000K)

6 x Lumencove XT (3′, 3000K)

10 x Lumenfacade Pendant HO (1′ 3000K, 10×60)

Project details

Project type: Urban, Infrastructure
________________________________________
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
________________________________________
Client: City of Toronto
________________________________________
Lighting Design: CS Design
________________________________________
Architect: EVOQ Architecture
________________________________________
Project Architect: NORR Limited
________________________________________
Electrical Engineer: NORR Limited
________________________________________
Photographer: Scott Norsworthy

Source: https://www.lumenpulse.com/projects/569/union-station?utm_source=insta&utm_medium=bio&utm_campaign=union

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

  • The Difference Between Accent, Ambient & Task Lighting: Ultimate Guide

    The Difference Between Accent, Ambient & Task Lighting: Ultimate Guide

    In interior design, lighting is not just about brightening the room. Sensitive lighting layout is the key in the whole aesthetic atmosphere. An outstanding lighting solution will not rely on one type of fixture. Rather, it is through the combination of different types of lighting. Accent, ambient, and task lighting are three basic types of… Read More…

  • Graphic Office Interiors Enhance Their Office Space, Incorporating State-Of-The-Art Lighting Solutions

    Graphic Office Interiors Enhance Their Office Space, Incorporating State-Of-The-Art Lighting Solutions

    Graphic Office Interiors, a renowned office design and furnishings company serving Vancouver Island since 1966, embarked on a unique lighting project for their personal office in Saanichton, BC. This project marked the first collaboration between Kelly Inglis of Mac’s II Agencies and Graphic Office Interiors’ in-house registered interior designer, Laura Harlos. Known for their exclusive Steelcase furniture line, modular moveable… Read More…


New Products

  • Eureka Announces New Accessories for Scout Luminaire

    Eureka Announces New Accessories for Scout Luminaire

    Eureka has announced the enhancement of its Scout luminaire family with the introduction of new accessories and a new color palette. Three new diffusers have been introduced. Bell is minimalist, translucent and cloche-shaped. Pebble introduces a soft touch and an ambient glow in a distinct, oval-shaped diffuser. Orb is sleek and dome-shaped, adding a touch… Read More…

  • Amico: SOLAR ECLIPSE – 2X4 Multi-Functional Luminaire

    Amico: SOLAR ECLIPSE – 2X4 Multi-Functional Luminaire

    The Solar Eclipse Series provides a multi-functional luminaire that supports the demands of the hospital environment. The sleek and modern design merges architectural aesthetics with exceptional lighting performance to improve patient comfort while maximizing clinical efficiencies. This architectural patient room fixture offers reading, ambient, and exam functionalities and an optional night light. Multi-functional capabilities provide… Read More…