A sign suspended in light and innovation

by marika_gabriel | 12 March 2025 2:55 pm

Look at the FOUFOU food hall project in Montreal, Que., which was brought to life with signage that combined advanced lighting solutions and precise engineering.

By Amanda Charlebois

The grand opening of the FOUFOU food hall at Royalmount in Montreal, Que., was a milestone for real estate firm Carbonleo and the team behind the project. Designed by Lemay-Michaud and executed by Icubic, this undertaking showcased a blend of innovation and precision. Central to the project, which took place between June 2023 and August 2024, was the collaboration with Allanson International, whose lighting systems brought the vibrant signage to life.

A vision takes shape

The scope of the FOUFOU food hall project included a mix of exterior and interior signage. Installed by Stalaich Installs Inc., the most striking part of the project was a set of channel letters suspended at an angle on the ceiling, illuminated by red-green-blue (RGB) lighting.

Complementing this was another set of channel letters mounted on bars over the exterior entrance and wayfinding and menu signage throughout the venue. Icubic, known for tackling unique challenges, was tasked with developing and executing the signage and saw their ingenuity put to the test.

From design to fabrication

Lemay-Michaud crafted the project’s visual identity, while Icubic, led by Jean-Philippe Dumontier, co-owner of the company, spearheaded the engineering and execution. Jean-Philippe’s hands-on involvement was instrumental from the project’s inception to completion. His ability to co-ordinate between design, fabrication, and installation ensured all parties worked harmoniously, overcoming challenges and delivering exceptional results.

The fabrication involved:

• Materials: 12-mm (0.5-in.) polyvinyl chloride (PVC), aluminum tubes and angles, 1.27-mm (0.050-in.) aluminum sheets, and 3/16 acrylic sheets.
• Dimensions: The largest pieces measured 7,468.7 mm x 3,099.6 mm (294 in. x 122 in.) overall, with individual “Fou” letters spanning 3,892 mm x 3,099.6 mm (153 in. x 122 in.), constructed in three segments each.

Icubic integrated Allanson’s lighting systems to achieve dynamic illumination, making the signage a centrepiece.

The key components included are 318 active clustered RGB (ACL-RGB)-3-40 mods, 1 ACL-WIFI-103 controller,
5 ACV125-120-277 power supplies (AC Voltage), and 5 ACL-3063-3A signal amplifiers.

The ACL-WIFI-103 controller, with Service Set Identifier (SSID) password protection, ensured seamless operation and secure access to the lighting controls. This advanced technology was vital in achieving the desired colour transitions and brightness levels.

The challenges

Every project comes with its challenges, and FOUFOU was no exception. According to Robert Blyth of Stàlaich Installs, the team faced several hurdles:

• Fabrication: Extended finishing times impacted timelines for other ongoing projects.
• Installation complexity: Positioning the ceiling-mounted letters required precise co-ordination, especially over a mechanical escalator. The uneven ceiling led to gaps that needed to be filled by professional caulking teams.
• Weight and scale: With letters measuring up to 3.04 m (10 ft) in height and up to 1.5 m (5 ft) deep, installation demanded meticulous planning. “It was like orchestrating a symphony,” Blyth explained. The team used skyjacks, plumb lasers, and ground support to align rods with ceiling points before gradually hoisting and securing the letters.

A showcase of ingenuity

The final stage involved connecting LED wires through each letter to a master access point in the ceiling. This intricate wiring ensured uniform lighting and smooth operation across all signage. Despite the challenges, the result was nothing short of spectacular.

Reflecting on the project, Mr. Dumontier noted,  “This was one of our most challenging yet rewarding projects. Seeing the FOUFOU signage illuminate the space was a proud moment for our team. It has also been an excellent marketing opportunity, showcasing our ability to execute large-scale, complex installations.”

A bright future

The FOUFOU food hall signage is a testament to the power of collaboration and cutting-edge technology. Allanson’s lighting solutions and Icubic’s expertise transformed a design vision into a radiant reality. This project not only enhances the Royalmount experience but also sets a benchmark for innovation in architectural signage.

The project received the following accolades at the annual AQIE Soirée Reconnaissance Awards: Installation Project of the Year, awarded to Stalaich Installs Inc., owned by Robert Blyth; Unique Sign of the Year; Coup de Coeur (a favourite); and Best Sign of the Evening (People’s Choice) was awarded to Mr. Dumontier and the Icubic team. 

Amanda Charlebois is the senior marketing manager at Allanson International Inc., a company with nearly a century of innovation in lighting solutions. With a deep-rooted passion for the lighting industry, Charlebois is dedicated to promoting high-quality products that illuminate spaces and enhance environments. Her role allows her to blend industry expertise with genuine enthusiasm, working alongside a talented team committed to delivering excellence and shaping the future of lighting

Source URL: https://www.signmedia.ca/a-sign-suspended-in-light-and-innovation/

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