Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Banff, Alberta, Canada
Chateau Lake Louise, in Banff National Park, was constructed as a respite for pioneer railway travelers to the Rocky Mountains. Stakeholders, Fairmont Hotels and Parks Canada, wanted to increase nighttime security for visitors to the formal gardens while remaining sensitive to the wildlife and landscape.
Design light levels were very low. The installed exterior lighting solution does not obscure views into the Chateau. The prominent concrete pole bases in the driveway were necessitated by average snowfall and snow removal equipment requirements. The longevity of the project installation required this level of protection from heavy equipment.
The Chateau’s front driveway and landscaped area is connected to the National Park’s pathway system. The luminaire selected was a standard configuration available from the manufacturer; a decision made to reduce manufacturing waste. Different mounting brackets were utilized to allow mounting to custom timber poles, metal roadway poles, or metal pedestrian scale poles. LDI designers standardized on only two lamp wattages, simplifying maintenance.
The path through the formal gardens is lit to provide soft pools of light – directing pedestrian travel between the waterfront and hotel. This design approach preserved the vista of lake and mountains unspoiled. The luminaire style was selected because it complements the architecture of the Chateau and reinforces the juxtaposition of an architectural treasure immersed in the Rocky Mountains.
Permanent, pedestrian scale lighting was installed to coincide with the winter ice sculpture locations. This coordination of significantly different winter and summer park uses prevented over lighting. Landscape lighting was provided at select evergreens for vertical illumination and expression of texture.
Landscape lighting is fully shielded on timed control to limit light pollution and time of use. Constraining the lighting to the pathway ensures safety of travel without compromising natural darkness.
Winter or Summer – the Chateau at Lake Louise is a beautiful destination. With illumination levels of 0.3 footcandles immediately below the luminaires, moonlight views of Lake Louise and the mountain range, beyond, are preserved.
