|

TD Garden Project Receives 2023 IES Lighting Control Innovation Award of Merit

October 27, 2023

This month, LCA explore a high-impact networked lighting control solution installed at TD Garden in Boston. Lighting control design by HLB Lighting Design. Photography by Andy Caulfield and Bret Osswald.

TD Garden, Boston’s legendary sports and concert venue, lacked a physical connection with fans and the surrounding neighborhood. This 1.5 million square foot mixed-use complex, built on the site of the original Boston Garden, created new entertainment, retail, hotel, office, and residential building components designed to engage the community, activate the neighborhood, and celebrate team spirit.

Project goals included invigorating the streetscape, creating a new grand entry for events within the venue, and establishing this complex as an iconic part of the city skyline. Lighting and a whole-complex control system are the drivers binding the entire mixed-use property together, creating a dynamic nighttime entertainment experience. A mixture of static and dynamic color-changing lighting was used to transform the experience into an energetic hotspot.

A top priority was creating harmonious composition and visual cohesion across the very large-scale complex, integrating lighting as much as possible. A whole-complex networked control system with DMX capability allows for customized solutions which suit each building portion, weaving overall visual effects together to ensure ideal hierarchy, contrast and balance from end to end. Astronomical timeclocks adjust scenes after events to more sensitively blend into the late-night neighborhood. Centralized controls communication points provide much easier maintenance for the owner.

The complex’s central focal point is the captivating interior grand entry, aptly named Champs Row. DMX-controlled RGBW lighting layers activate the experience, working in unison with TD Garden programmed sporting events and concerts.

The multi-phase design and construction schedule created additional challenge. As building phases were completed over several years, each section was able to be tied into the central control system, allowing for whole-complex control, monitoring and quality control.

Designed to LEED Gold and IECC 2019, this all-LED dynamic color-changing mixed-use complex activates the Garden neighborhood, enhances team spirit, celebrates events, entertains, and inspires, invigorating Boston’s skyline.

TD Garden’s new 1.5M square foot sports entertainment complex required a harmonious, cohesive lighting and controls strategy to activate then neighborhood and enhance Boston’s skyline.
The mixed-use complex includes east and west podiums, a west art wall, central entry, and pedestrian planters, all with unique static and RGBWlighting solutions.
A whole-complex control system allowed for phased construction of segments over several years, weaving each section together to create a cohesive and dynamic streetscape.
The complex’s central focal point is the Champs Row grand entry. For non-event evenings, static white lighting is programmed to blend in with adjacent areas.
Uplights from each podium stretch into Champs Row, requiring careful controls blending to ensure balance. An RGBW color-changing escalator activates circulation and assists with wayfinding.
Trusses uplit by RGBW grazers reveal the structure. Truss-mounted accent lights illuminate upper west podium walls and provide everyday white or RGBW downlighting for events.
DMX-controlled lighting layers work in unison with TD Garden programmed sporting events, concerts and day-to-day settings. StreetSide planters integrated with RGBW tape light provide pedestrian-scaled connection.
The final phase, a 31-story corporate tower, was tied into the system last, giving the corporate client control, but allowing the owner access when needed.
The whole-complex networked control system with DMX capability weaves together project elements, ensuring continuity. Astronomical timeclocks adjust scenes to sensitively blend into the late-night neighborhood.
Using minimum luminances necessary to activate this Zone 4 destination while keeping energy to a minimum, this mixed-use complex enhances team spirit, entertains, and inspires.

The Lighting Control Innovation Award was created in 2011 as part of the Illuminating Engineering Society’s Illumination Awards program, which recognizes professionalism, ingenuity and originality in lighting design. LCA is proud to sponsor the Lighting Control Innovation Award, which recognizes projects that exemplify the effective use of lighting controls.

More information available here

Related Articles

  • | | |

    Eureka Introduces New Torno Luminaire Series

    Eureka has announced the launch of Torno, a luminaire that combines natural materials with artisanal craftsmanship. Torno features circular, flat shades measuring 14 inches in diameter and 2.6 inches high. Each shade is partially handcrafted and offered in three ceramic finishes—Ivory White, Coal Black, and Terracotta Brown—and two locally sourced wood finishes, maple and oak. Because each shade is made with natural materials and refined by hand, subtle variations make every piece unique. Designers can select surface mount, stem mount, or suspended configurations. The suspended option allows two or three shades of the same finish to be stacked for a striking visual effect.

  • | |

    Zaneen: Whirl Series Luminaires

    Transforming the language of luxury lighting, Whirl draws inspiration from the graceful motion of a vortex, expressed through elegant curves and mesmerizing light play. Its sculptural presence is more than illumination – it is design mastery brought to life. Offered with metal finishes with LED technology as hanging and floor lamps, or as single, medium, and large ceiling versions, Whirl adapts effortlessly to any interior. Crafted from premium materials with meticulous attention to detail, its elongated, sinuous forms bring a distinctive signature of refinement and luxury to every space.

  • Project Story: Sainte-Thérèse High School Outdoor Lighting Upgrade

    August 6, 2024 Built in 1980, the building that houses Sainte-Thérèse high school, in Quebec Canada, was looking a little worse for the wear. Renovation work began with two major projects: introducing a multidisciplinary sports centre, as well as redesigning the parking lots.  The employee and visitor parking lots were completely reconfigured during phase 1…

  • |

    Garage Lighting Ideas: Illuminate Your Space

    The significance of a well-lit garage cannot be overstated. It’s where you see clearly what’s in your toolbox, where you can comfortably assess your handy work and can always find what you’re looking for. The right lighting can inspire you to take on projects you might have postponed due to poor visibility. Proper lighting is an investment in your well-being and the maintenance of your vehicles and home. In this deep dive into indoor garage lighting, it will cover a spectrum of illuminating topics, all to give you garage lighting ideas to make your space bright and inviting.

  • | |

    Current 2025 Design Trends

    Refresh yours or your client’s space with a collection of inspiring top design trends, and the luminaires to suit them! From the use of minimalist palettes to highlighting natural materials, keep reading to discover the last few current style trends. Reduce, reuse, recycle. The ECO CHIC design trend is all about sustainability and minimizing unnecessary consumerism. Selecting pieces that offer long-term durability and quality, while still creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. Savina by Ole! Lighting has a classic shape and texture that remains in style throughout a changing space and time. Savina offers a simple design of handmade braided cord on a conical metal structure, available in a wide selection of different color finish options. This suspended light fixture is perfect for high ceiling areas where the different sizes of this collection can be combined, creating an elegant effect and focusing the light.

  • |

    T5 vs. T8 Lights – What’s the Difference?

    T5 and T8 lights are two popular options when it comes to creating the right ambiance and lighting in a house, business, or commercial setting. But were you confused about these two light tubes when talking with suppliers? Don’t worry! In this article let’s discuss T5 vs. T8 tubes thoughtfully, so that you can make the right choice for your business. Both T5 and T8 lights refer to a specific measurement and size of a tubular-shaped LED lighting option. The main difference between T5 and T8 bulbs refers to the diameter. A T5 LED bulb will have a diameter of 5/8 inches, while a T8 tube will reach a diameter of 1 inch.

Changing Scene

  • August 27, 2026 - Symmetry Lighting Announces David McCrone as Their New Commercial Sales Manager

    Symmetry Lighting Announces David McCrone as Their New Commercial Sales Manager

    Meet David McCrone, Symmetry Lighting’s new Commercial Sales Manager!⁠ David brings extensive leadership experience in the lighting and electrical industries. His combination of industry expertise and technical knowledge is a valuable asset as they continue to grow and enhance the support they provide to their customers and partners. They are very excited to have him… Read More…

  • August 26, 2026 - Ben Fischer & Andrew Parker Promoted at Salex

    Salex Announces Two New Leadership Updates

    Salex is excited to share two important leadership updates! Ben Fischer, Principal has been appointed Vice President Sales & Strategic Accounts, where he will lead Salex’s overall sales strategy, supporting continued growth across their markets while strengthening their sales teams, key accounts, and manufacturer partnerships. Andrew Parker P.Eng., Principal has been appointed Vice President Technical… Read More…

Design

  • Canada Light Expo: Architectural Lighting Trends Transforming Modern Buildings

    Canada Light Expo: Architectural Lighting Trends Transforming Modern Buildings

    Modern buildings are not just about how they’re built or what they are made of anymore. Lighting is a part of how a building works, and it makes people feel. This is true for offices, hotels, stores, hospitals, homes, and public buildings. The way a building is lit can affect how comfortable it is to… Read More…

  • Lumenpulse: Ethernet as a Backbone for Lighting

    Lumenpulse: Ethernet as a Backbone for Lighting

    Ethernet is a high performance and reliable networking technology that has been making inroads into architectural LED lighting applications. Having undergone decades of research and development as a workhorse of the IT industry, Ethernet brings a refined pedigree to a lighting industry which is trending toward highly intelligent light fixtures and services. This article highlights… Read More…

New Products

  • SATCO|NUVO: STARFISH SMART Color Changing Bulbs – Multiple Shapes & Bases

    SATCO|NUVO: STARFISH SMART Color Changing Bulbs – Multiple Shapes & Bases

    SATCO|NUVO’s STARFISH SMART Technology Color Changing Light Bulbs feature an eye-catching RGBTW decorative ribbon filament that is beautifully showcased through the clear glass bulb. Available in A19, T9, T10, T14, ST19, and B11 bulb types with both medium E26 and a candelabra E12 base, these bulbs offer flexibility for a range of fixtures. With tunable… Read More…

  • Stanpro: CIRKA DECO – 5 CCT Selectable Slim LED Ceiling Luminaire

    Stanpro: CIRKA DECO – 5 CCT Selectable Slim LED Ceiling Luminaire

    Stanpro’s CIRKA DECO is a perfect blend of modern simplicity and versatility. Offered in a slim profile, CIRKA DECO offers the advantage of an integrated 5 color temperature selection and can be installed as is or transformed using one of the compatible trims (flat and decorative trims) or mounting accessories (cylinders and decorative pendants). CIRKA… Read More…