Gabriel Mackinnon provided complete lighting design for the interior and exterior of the recently renewed CF Rideau Centre. The lighting supports the $380 million renovation and expansion, positioning the shopping centre squarely as the national capital region’s leading shopping destination.
A refined lighting statement enhances the space both inside and out. The entries on all sides are announced with signature planar gestures designed by BBB Architects, and facades are enriched with layered light art by Widgery Studio. Light is carefully integrated with the large installation, entitled “Time’s Shadow”. Many sessions of aiming and tuning the design with the artist and Quebec based curtain wall manufacturer Verval ensure seamless illumination that allows the artwork to shine.
Inside the landlord controlled retail space, GMLD collaborated closely with interior designers GH+A. The lighting washes a material palette of bright white, stainless steel and modern black accents. Rings of custom fixtures encircle the four storey atrium in the expansion, providing a subtle visual link to the existing renovated space. These stainless bands continue to the renovated mall, smoothly connecting old and new.
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The project won an ICSC Maple Leaf Silver and a 2017 Ottawa Urban Design Award.