Project Description
Located along Bloor Street, Toronto’s premier luxury shopping district, Rolex Toronto’s facade required a lighting design that could elevate its striking architectural form. Working in close collaboration with the architectural team, the lighting designers crafted an innovative illumination solution that harmonizes with the store’s digitally fabricated limestone facade.
The design used parametric technology to create fluid stone panels that juxtapose the building’s rigid vertical mullions, resulting in a dynamic blend of organic and geometric elements. The challenge was to seamlessly integrate lighting into the complex curves of the limestone and glass junctions, enhancing the facade’s unique form while maintaining architectural integrity.
To achieve this, high-CRI linear LED strips were carefully concealed within custom niches in the stonework. These fixtures were designed to wash the limestone with a soft, warm glow that accentuates its sculptural texture, creating an inviting visual experience. By employing dynamic dimming controls, the lighting levels adjust to ambient conditions, reducing energy consumption by approximately 30% compared to conventional systems. This thoughtful integration of lighting highlights the architectural details and also aligns with sustainable design principles.
The lighting design transforms the facade as the sun sets. During the day, the digitally fabricated limestone offers a striking, sculptural appearance. By night, it evolves into a glowing beacon that captures the attention of passersby, guiding them toward the store’s entrance. The cove lighting emphasizes the fluid contours of the stone, creating a rhythmic interplay of light and shadow that enhances the luxury brand’s presence along Bloor Street.
The lighting design team was thoughtful and cooperative in their approach when working with the architect team. The architectural team overcame challenges with the original facade panels, which needed to be laser cut precisely to fit the original facade. The lighting design was seamlessly integrated into the parametric design process, ensuring a cohesive and visually impactful outcome. This synergy between architecture and lighting resulted in a facade that serves as both a functional retail space and a work of art.
This project exemplifies technical excellence and demonstrates how innovative lighting can transform urban spaces into iconic landmarks. Through a combination of advanced lighting techniques, sustainability, and thoughtful collaboration, this flagship store sets a new standard for architectural retail design on one of Canada’s most prestigious shopping streets.