Renew+Refresh renovation project has received awards of merit from the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) in every category: Lighting Design, Energy and Environment, and Lighting Controls. The work, performed by Gottesman Associates (with principal Deborah Gottesman, P.Eng., MBA, LC, Assoc.IALD), and electrical engineering by WSP, is scheduled to be celebrated at the IES Annual Conference in August.


Michael Tenaglia, Michael T Photography and Design

The mandate for design was to maintain and complement the original architecture and vision for the spaces, explains Gottesman. The new lighting design optimizes the complicated structure of the Toronto building (original architect, Ruth Cawker), revealing interesting features and characteristics. Many luminaires are integrated and concealed from view, providing glare-free, “magical” lighting effects.

Where visible, a strong rectilinear fixture vocabulary was used, with the exception of the arced luminaires designed to fit perfectly in the curved-glass feature stair. Pendant luminaires harmoniously reinforce building form and create a beautiful ambiance.

Gottesman explained there were some aspects to the OAA Headquarters project that made it unique, from the challenging architecture (including the atrium where the ceiling is only accessible via scaffolding) to the weight of working for 4300 architects. 

There was also the abundance of daylight and fabulous views, which led the design team to seek ways to harness and leverage the free light of the sun while mitigating heat and glare.


Michael Tenaglia, Michael T Photography and Design

“The entire team worked closely together to optimize outcomes of the overall building. For example, we were involved in the layout of the PV array on the roof and the window selection because they both had an impact on daylighting and glare. It was an iterative and informative process,” she explains. The lighting controls required detailed collaboration with the OAA Building Committee and Facilities, architect David Fujiwara, and the electrical engineering team at WSP (co-recipients of the Energy and Controls awards).

The lighting design went through two iterations as the space requirements changed during the design phase.

“Ultimately, indirect lighting is a theme used throughout,” says Gottesman. “It floats the building above the ground-floor parking, exposes the volume of the 30-foot high atrium, provides flexibility in meeting and Council rooms, and delivers comfortable, glare-free, ambient light in offices and at reception.”


Michael Tenaglia, Michael T Photography and Design

One of the project goals was to demonstrate that state-of-the-art strategies can be cost-effective. Gottesman’s unique approach to procurement helped ensure that lighting and controls equipment costs met budget, even with a single-name specification.

As the architecture profession and building owners continue to think about resiliency and the need for carbon stability, smart lighting choices can be important tools, Gottesman says.

“Daylight integration strategies like the ones applied at the OAA Headquarters should be used more often. The daylight study we did informed the need for less electrical lighting, saving the purchase and installation of unnecessary fixtures. That savings of both capital and operating costs far outweighs the fees to study daylight and implement a controls solution,” she explains. “This is a leadership project that the entire membership can be proud of.”

OAA President Kathleen Kurtin agrees with Gottesman’s assessment.

“Deborah’s well-thought-out and discreet design not only complements the OAA’s landmark building, but also responds to the OAA’s priority of ensuring inclusivity, equity, and accessibility. It allows light levels to be fine-tuned from individual work stations, accommodating variations in light requirements by different building occupants,” she says. “This is in addition to the obvious energy efficiencies that help us work toward our net zero aspirations as we showcase ways in which architects can do their part in moving toward climate stability.”

To see more images of Gottesman Associates’ work with the OAA, click here.