Understanding the creative use of light to define spaces

The Montmagny courthouse, situated in the touristic region of Chaudière-Appalaches near Quebec City, provides an urban presence that this public institution deserves, due to the enhancement of the existing architecture, in harmony with the contemporary look of its new extension. The entire project incorporated this concept of duality, designed by the consortium CCM2, Group A and Roy-Jacques architects. In a building where rules and regulations reign, the architectural movements are striking and sharp. The lines, sometimes physical and sometimes imaginary, define the boundaries between public and private spaces and between old and contemporary. The lighting, staged by the architects in collaboration with LumiGroup, has a leading role in the outcome of this duality concept. From the entrance, the ceiling is lit by a fluorescent line guiding guests towards a grand staircase (an identifying symbol of great public institutions in classical architecture), here treated with modernity and fantasy, giving pause to the consistency of the overall space. The exterior of this magnificent staircase is made of dyed black ash wood, which contrasts with the pure white quartz steps and the varnished interior walls. The effect is magnified by LED lighting, concealed within the upper part of the railing. Continuing our ascent to the upper floor, which houses the waiting, meeting and hearing rooms, the line of light reappears in a suspended vertical zigzag, ending under the vast cathedral ceiling, like an unusual movement frozen in time, providing some lightness in this structured world. The lighting returns to its primary role in the concourse, where the ambiance returns to a world of order. The continuous linear lighting is suspended from the ceiling along the wide hallway, while recessed vertical light stripes confine our journey and punctuate the space. The lighting of the courthouse’s courtrooms, an area hierarchical in nature, plays a very important role in creating psychological barriers between the public space and that of the space reserved for the judiciary. This concept of creating boundaries using light is also applied at the court counter. In addition to responding to very specific lighting needs, in terms of security, functionality and safety, the architects and LumiGroup’s lighting team have managed to capture the creative potential of the lighting, bringing a distinct contemporary energy to the Montmagny courthouse.