A sensitive, transformative lighting scheme at the Maisonneuve Library in Montreal has redefined how the building’s rich architectural heritage is experienced after dark, uniting historic character with contemporary expansion
Supported by a control solution from Pharos Architectural Controls, the carefully considered lighting strategy was introduced to reveal the Maisonneuve Library’s layered identity and re-establish its presence.
Alexandre Tougas, design director at LightFactor, stated: “Working on the Maisonneuve Library meant finding a balance between architectural respect and contemporary expression.
“With the support of Pharos’ control solutions, we delivered precise, layered lighting that reveals the building’s heritage without overpowering it. The result is a subtle yet powerful transformation that reconnects the space with its identity.”
The Maisonneuve Library holds cultural significance in the community
Originally constructed as a decorative-style heritage building in a working-class neighbourhood, the Maisonneuve Library has long held cultural significance within the community.
Conceived initially as a political space before evolving into a scientific venue and ultimately a cultural hub, the building has continually adapted to the needs of its surroundings.
More recently, the library was expanded with two modernist glass prism structures, designed to strengthen the connection between the interior and exterior environments and enhance its role as a civic landmark.
The building’s heritage has been underplayed
Despite its architectural and cultural importance, the building’s heritage qualities had remained visually underplayed for many years, with its defining features waiting to be reinterpreted and brought back into focus.
As part of a long-term vision to reinvigorate the site, a carefully considered lighting strategy was introduced to reveal the Maisonneuve Library’s layered identity and re-establish its presence.
The specialist lighting system emphasises the building’s specialist design
LightFactor, appointed by the lead architects as specialist lighting designers for the heritage restoration, developed a concept that emphasises cohesion, restraint and architectural clarity.
To achieve this vision, a Pharos system was selected to provide flexible, reliable and intuitive lighting control. The installation uses a Pharos Designer TPC, a one-DMX-universe lighting controller with a fully integrated, customisable touchscreen interface, allowing operators to create multiple pages of lighting controls, configure their appearance, and receive immediate visual feedback for intuitive, responsive local control.
The TPC is also programmed for a daily routine with a welcoming design running from dawn to closing time, an atmospheric evening look, and finally turning off at night. The TPC’s location settings and astronomical triggers ensure these run correctly from sunrise through the changing seasons.
Michael Grosse, regional sales manager for the Americas at Pharos, concluded: “Projects like Maisonneuve Library demonstrate how considered control is essential to sensitive heritage lighting.
“The Pharos Designer TPC allows designers and operators to maintain precise control over atmosphere and timing, ensuring the lighting responds to the building’s life consistently and intuitively.”
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