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Washington State Convention & Trade Center

Seattle, Washington

As a contemporary counter-point to Seattle's historic Pike Place Market, the Washington State Convention & Trade Center asked the design team to create an equally memorable civic place at the opposite end of Pike Street as part of its extension plan.   The architect's solution to this renovation and expansion challenge was to create a 90' glass portal with canopy and sky bridge that extends across Pike Street that serves as a glowing “beacon”.

Warm lamps were chosen to highlight the structure of the arched canopy that keeps pedestrians warm and dry.   Cooler bi-level switched lamps highlight the exhibit space perched within the sky bridge as well as provide flexibility for special events on the sky bridge floor.   In the main lobby, high quality metal halide downlights were utilized for general lighting.   Under the escalator, a strong graphic is formed by large, lensed downlights drawing occupants to the circulation core and seating below.

The lighting design for this project has received an IIDA Award of Merit.