Prize(s) Winners in Bridges and Public infrastructures Lighting
Lighting Design/Product Company Skira Architectural Lighting
Lead Designers Dean Skira
Other Designer's names Bozidar Pustijanac, Dean Matika and Antonio Osip
Architecture Company N/A
Interior Design Company N/A
Client Bina-Istra d.d.
Photo Credits Danijel Bartolic
Completion Date 12/9/2024
Project Location Istria, Croatia
Entry DescriptionThe Ucka Tunnel, a vital connection between the Istrian region and mainland Croatia, has recently reached a significant milestone. The completion of the second tube was celebrated with a grand opening ceremony, attended by many government officials, including Croatia’s Prime Minister. The project included the lighting design of the administrative building on one side and the newly crafted tunnel entrance on the other. The designer and his team embraced the opportunity, going beyond the traditional role of lighting design. In addition to designing the lighting, they conceived and then illuminated a striking corten steel curtain cladding wall, evoking the red, dry earth so characteristic of the local landscape. The building is bathed in dynamic light through projectors that simulate ten different scenarios, reflecting the four seasons as well as the region’s iconic winds and winter snowfalls. These dynamic lighting scenes automatically transition each evening until midnight—or 10 p.m. during the winter months, to align with the rhythm of the surroundings and weather conditions. The lighting scenes will change with the seasons, creating a dynamic experience for the millions of passengers who will pass through the tunnel for years to come. This design will endure, standing as long as the tunnel itself, merging technology with the timeless beauty of nature.
Sustainability ApproachThe complete lighting system is centralized and controllable to manage energy usage, automatizations and maintenance needs. The system is programmed to turn on and off depending on the seasons and sunsets. The energy-efficient lighting technologies have been used to reduce energy consumption and thus decrease the carbon footprint and operational costs.
Company DescriptionLight has a strong impact on people and their surroundings, which is why we take its importance seriously in our design work. Our sustainable and adaptive lighting design strategy takes into account the people, the architecture, the implementation of light and shadows, and other influential factors covered by our holistic approach to the performance resulting with long term satisfaction and respect for all.
