Lighting the way forward

How close collaboration ensured a new lighting system could work for its community.

The story

Take a walk through the park in one of Ottawa’s oldest neighbourhoods, and you’ll find an oasis in the heart of the city, beautifully set below street level.

You’ll see residents sun-bathing, taking wedding photos, enjoying theatre, or just walking their dogs. It’s a beloved space for a variety of activities, but it’s more than just a park.

To start, all parties agreed on a decorative coach lantern to enhance the park’s aesthetic. Not only does the heritage-style fixture complement the neighbourhood’s charming nature, but it also uses advanced LED technology to conserve energy.

What’s more important, however, is how Envari embraced input from the community and took a number of steps to protect the residences. This included using a warmer, more comfortable colour temperature as well a specific distribution type for the luminaires closest to the homes, ensuring the light wouldn’t be cast backward into people’s yards or windows.

The luminaires were procured as dark-sky compliant, meaning they’re designed to direct light toward the ground, not into the sky, to reduce light pollution.

From start to finish, close collaboration with the community was paramount to the success of the project. In such a uniquely urban yet residential environment, many factors had to be considered, and Envari had to be flexible while still adhering to regulations. It’s a prime example of how lighting can be enhanced without compromising the historical integrity of a space. And how people can work together toward a shared goal.

Let’s light the way forward with an energy-efficient solution as tailored as it is beautiful.