TIFF Bell Lightbox

Toronto International Film Festival Experiential Graphics

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TIFF Bell Lightbox

A Centre for Global Cinema

The Bell Lightbox is a creative community and a leading global centre for the understanding of film that solidifies the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) as a world-renowned organization. Situated in Toronto’s entertainment district, this five-story structure, designed by KPMB Architects, is a contemporary architectural wonder that houses TIFF’s year-round programming. Entro’s role was to design a world-class yet understated wayfinding and donor recognition system, perfectly aligned with the building’s modern aesthetic. This project also included the branding and signage for three Oliver & Bonacini restaurants within the Bell Lightbox—Luma, Canteen, and Malaparte.
  • Client

    Toronto International Film Festival

  • Location

    Toronto, Ontario

  • Sector

    Entertainment

  • Disciplines

    Branding, Wayfinding, Donor Recognition

  • Architect

    KPMB Architects

  • Awards

    Applied Arts

Wayfinding Innovation

Our design approach integrates well with the Bell Lightbox’s architecture, creating a wayfinding system that is both functional and visually compelling. Utilizing brushed aluminum panels with a blue plexiglass core and vinyl lettering, the signage brings forth the brand identity of Bell Canada, reflecting the corporate sponsor and the signature blue hue associated with cinematic lighting. This illumination provides a subtle yet engaging glow, guiding visitors throughout the building.

 

The wayfinding system extends throughout the building’s five floors, ensuring that guests can navigate effortlessly between screening rooms, exhibition spaces, and dining areas. Simple vinyl letters applied directly to walls and glass, along with blue acrylic stripes and brushed aluminum panels, maintain the clean, modern aesthetic of the building.

Donor Recognition and Branding

The donor recognition system is subtly integrated throughout the building’s interior, allowing TIFF to honor its supporters without detracting from the overall design. Our approach ensures that the focus remains on the cinematic experience while still acknowledging the generosity of the festival’s backers.

In addition to wayfinding, we also crafted the brand identity and signage for the three Oliver & Bonacini restaurants housed within the Bell Lightbox: Luma, Canteen, and Malaparte. Each restaurant’s signage was designed to blend with the overall building, using a combination of brushed aluminum, subtle lighting, and refined typography to create a cohesive visual experience.

Exterior Identity and Nighttime Elegance

Our design for the building’s exterior identity is both bold and elegant. The fine stroke letterforms of the TIFF logo are internally illuminated, creating a noticeable visual statement, especially at night when the building comes alive with a soft, blue glow. Mounted at the top of the entrance canopy, this illuminated identity welcomes visitors and sets the tone for the experiences within.

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