Prize(s) Honorable Mentions
Lighting Design/Product Company Within Light Studio
Lead Designers Mara Villegas
Other Designer's names Andres Trujillo
Architecture Company GREC Architects
Interior Design Company KTGY
Client Fairmont Chicago
Photo Credits Daniel Kelleghan
Other Credits Project Management: Ajax Consulting Services, Construction: Pepper Construction
Completion Date October 2024
Project Location Chicago, Illinois
Entry DescriptionWe designed the lighting in Toro to mirror the vibrant energy and warmth of Latin culture, creating a lively yet intimate atmosphere.
A beautiful backlit arched door offers a glimpse of what lies within, while a spotlight invites guests to knock on the brass bull knob and step inside.
Linear lighting embedded in ceiling pop-ups highlights the elegant curves around the central bar drawing attention to it, where internally lit hanging shelves create a striking display of liquor. Cove lights in seating niches graze the wood wall carvings, emphasizing their geometric motifs, while linear LED tape behind the banquettes uplights the textured stucco and illuminate hanging bull masks.
Small puck lights showcase the Argentinian mate cup collection, while focused spotlights over tables create an intimate dining experience.
In the PDR, LED shelf lighting highlights traditional Mexican tequila bottles, recessed downlights bring art and plants to life, and floor uplights enhance the black totems that divide the space from the rest of the restaurant.
A balanced composition of indirect light, downlights, and uplighting brings the space to life, creating a dynamic ambiance where every corner holds a surprise.
Each lighting element serves a purpose—highlighting the food, the culture, and the connection.
Sustainability ApproachFor Toro we only put the light where it is needed, placing downlights over tables, counters, entryways and artwork, and adding some bounced lighting with cove lights and millwork integrated lighting to highlight some details. By following this method we reduced the overall amount of downlights needed for general lighting and in consequence we reduced the overall power consumption.
Using a lighting control system with an astronomical clock allowed us to dim the lights at the exact time when they weren’t needed, saving energy and reducing heat stress on the LEDs and drivers, thereby extending their lifespan.
