Lighting in Design August-September 2015

McGill University’s Faculty of Dentistry

T he Faculty of Dentistry at McGill University in Montreal was designed by the architectural firm NFOE. The architectural concept, con- ceived by DFS Inc., was developed and completed by NFOE, which also prepared the construction documents and provided the building owner – Cominar – with architectural services during the construction.The lighting, staged by the architects in collaboration with LumiGroup, holds a leading role in the architectural concept. The space is bright from an abundance of light and the omnipresence of white. The overall effect, however, is still warm, owing to the punctuation of red elements and a smart choice of lighting. The red on white background is reminiscent of McGill University’s symbolic colours. The ground floor front entrance, for students

and patients, opens to a grand black reception desk, contrasting with the glass wall in the background and its integrated diffuse lighting. The white pen- dant light, with blunt edges, adds to the minimalist concept of the space. In the entrance and the rest area, the atmo- sphere is relaxed, with playful dynamic staging of recessed fluorescent strips in the ceiling, randomly arranged and crossing over each other. Each cross- ing angle, from one section to the next has been executed with care for a clear and precise continuity of lighting.This attention to detail and custom stag- ing gives the project its unique and slick character. The architectural lighting, the star of the student lounge, along with the irregularity of the walls, create a lively and upbeat atmosphere. As one heads towards the imposing red stair-

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