Overview
At YVR Airport, the Plaza Lounge offers a serene retreat before takeoff. BL Lighting helped deliver an integrated system that enhances guest comfort from day to night, balancing elegance, functionality, and performance for one of Canada’s busiest travel hubs.
LIGHTING SOLUTIONS
According to Sébastien Panouille, founder of ThinkL and lighting designer for the project, “the lighting strategy focused on maximizing natural daylight during daytime hours, while seamlessly transitioning to layered artificial illumination in the evening. Carefully positioned decorative lighting was installed close to seating areas, helping to create an intimate and inviting feel within the large, open space.”
To support this vision, BL Lighting’s DFD2 LED tape was selected to deliver clean, consistent lines of illumination across key areas of the lounge. Installed in undercabinet locations within the beverage and coffee station, as well as along a decorative shelf featuring curated display pieces, DFD2 provides targeted brightness that enhances both practicality and visual interest. Operating at 3000K CCT, it produces a warm, comfortable glow that complements surrounding materials and contributes to an elevated guest experience. With an output of 258 lumens per foot and a low power consumption of 2.44 watts per foot, the system delivers a well-balanced combination of efficiency and performance. Its slim, adaptable profile allows for seamless integration into millwork and compact architectural details. As a specification-grade product, DFD2 accommodates complex installation scenarios without compromising light quality or uniformity.
In areas with high reflectivity, such as glossy tiles and polished stone surfaces, DFD2 was the ideal choice for its ability to emit a continuous ribbon of diffused, dot-free light without the need for an added lens. This optical clarity minimizes glare and visual noise while supporting the clean, contemporary aesthetic of the lounge.
To streamline on-site work and ensure consistent results, BL Lighting supplied a tailored, installer-friendly package, pre-cut and pre-assembled with connectors and accessories for quick and efficient deployment. The system was also designed for simple on-site brightness adjustments using J5 0–10V dimmable LED drivers, which provide smooth, flicker-free control in line with hospitality standards.
The final result is an adaptable environment that transitions fluidly from day to night, maintaining the spaciousness of the lounge while introducing moments of intimacy and warmth. Guests benefit from a carefully illuminated setting that supports comfort and relaxation, whether in transit or during longer layovers.
By combining the performance and clarity of DFD2 with a design-conscious approach, the solution achieves both technical precision and aesthetic harmony. From ambient washes to accent lighting, the system reinforces the lounge’s design language while contributing to a refined travel experience.
PROJECT CONTRIBUTORS
Lighting Designer: ThinkL
Engineer: Archos Engineering Consultants
Lighting Agency: MAC’s II
Distributor: Nedco Richmond
Contractor: Continental Power Services
Photographer: Upper Left Photography – Barrie Underhill
