Fraser Mills Presentation Centre

The beginning of a new waterfront community

Nestled in South Coquitlam, British Columbia, the Fraser Mills Presentation Centre marks the start of a transformative journey for the area’s first waterfront community. This $10 million presentation center is not just the beginning of the expansive 96-acre Fraser Mills development, but also a testament to the rich history and promising future of the site.
 

Designed by Patkau Architects, the structure blends the legacy of the old lumber mill with contemporary design. The presentation center features a master plan information hub and two display homes, all constructed with cross-laminated timber to honor the site's heritage and showcase sustainable construction practices.
 

"My goal for this project was to make the exterior architecture glow from a distance and visibly lead you into this stunning building. Illuminating the undulating soffit anchors the Presentation Centre where the roofline meets the sky."
- Victor Quezada
 

Lighting plays a crucial role in bringing this vision to life. AES has meticulously planned the illumination to accentuate the architectural features while ensuring functionality and sustainability. The lighting design includes in-grades that evenly highlight the soffits of the sweeping mass timber roof, wall luminaires that accent the columns, and bollards that define the parking lot and provide safe wayfinding.
 

Strategically integrated lighting controls further enhance the presentation center’s allure. By segregating lighting zones based on elevation, uniform brightness is achieved across surfaces, allowing for enhanced flexibility in ambiance. The downward-facing column lights establish a visual rhythm, seamlessly extending the design language from exterior to interior spaces. Meanwhile, the bollards in the lot unobtrusively provide necessary illumination for parking while adhering to dark sky compliance, ensuring minimal disruption to migratory birds.
 

The Fraser Mills development will evolve into a vibrant community over the next few decades. It will feature residences, shops, plazas, extensive green spaces, restaurants, and an aquatic and community center. The project's lighting design will continue to play a vital role in shaping the community's atmosphere, providing safe and inviting public spaces.