Prize(s) Honorable Mentions
Lighting Design/Product Company ID Lighting Design
Lead Designers Insiya Divan
Architecture Company Romines Architecture+AlJamea, StructurFlex+Konstruct
Client AlJamea tus Saifiyah
Photo Credits ID Lighting Design
Completion Date Dec 2023
Project Location Kenya, Nairobi
Entry DescriptionIn AlJamea tus Saifiyah University’s main courtyard, architecture bridges past and present, creating a gathering space framed by facades inspired by 10th-century Fatimid architecture and covered by a contemporary ETFE canopy supported by soaring steel arches. By day, it is a hub of student activity; by night, it transforms into a luminous sanctuary for reflection, prayer, and events. The lighting honors both historic heritage and modern functionality. Mosque and colonnade facades with intricate carvings, stone medallions, and recessed arches are revealed by strategically placed low-profile accent fixtures, while 8-degree narrow-beam grazers along canopy arches create ribbons of light overhead. Recessed in-grades softly wash the details while maintaining low ambient levels. The design prioritizes user comfort with louvers, shielding, and precise aiming to prevent glare, and support natural adaptation. Programmable RGBW luminaires with preset scenes produce illuminance ranging from 5–25 lux for calm reflection to 250 lux for AV/stage needs, with an overall 0.06 W/sq.ft. installed. At quiet hours, shadows reveal intricate stonework, creating meditative stillness; during celebrations, the courtyard pulses with color and energy, uniting the community in joy. This interplay of calm and vibrancy demonstrates lighting’s power as an emotional medium, blending historical craftsmanship.
Sustainability ApproachAlJamea tus Saifiyah University sets a regional benchmark in sustainable lighting. Located near a wildlife national park, the project demonstrates that large-scale illumination can be spectacular yet environmentally responsible. Advanced optics, precise detailing, and robust controls safeguard energy efficiency and eliminate upward light, preserving dark skies and protecting the surrounding ecosystem. Illuminated arches and facades stand with clarity, unblurred by excess light, with an overall LPD of 0.06?W/sq.ft. Rigorous fixture testing, fast-track procurement, and careful installation prevented material waste and ensured efficient resource use. The design harmonizes Fatimid-inspired architecture with modern technology, creating a functional, serene, and environmentally responsible space. This approach reflects the campus and designer’s commitment to ecological stewardship.
