Prize(s) Winners in Cultural Building Lighting Design / Heritage Lighting Design
Lighting Design/Product Company Eleftheria Deko & Associates Lighting Design
Lead Designers Eleftheria Deko
Other Designer's names Marina Matiatou, Angelos Konstantakatos
Client Metlen Energy & Metals
Photo Credits Gavriil Papadiotis
Other Credits Contractors and System Integrators: Dimitris Kapetanellis, Orestis Akritidis
Completion Date 16/09/2024
Project Location Sounion, Greece
Entry DescriptionThe new lighting of the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion breathes life into the monument, honoring its timeless presence and respecting its historical significance.
The Temple of Poseidon is located on the cliffs of Cape Sounion and it is mainly visible from the northwest direction as one approaches from the coastal road and from the surrounding sea. This characteristic determined our lighting design as it was crucial the light intensity to be at a relatively “higher” level in order to be seen from such a distance.
Warmer tones of white light (2700K) are chosen to embrace the fortification wall, while cooler white light (3600K) illuminates the columns of the temple. The base of the temple is lit by neutral temperature (3000K). In this way, the Fortification Wall, the sanctuary and the base are distinguished even from a distance. As the sun sets, the temple is illuminated with an astronomical clock and at sunrise it turns off.
The lighting fixtures were chosen for their size and shape to be well integrated into the landscape so that day visitors are not distracted.
Sustainability ApproachIn the lighting design for the Temple of Poseidon, the fixtures were discreetly placed to harmonize with the monument and avoid any possible visual disruption for visitors. Compared to the preexisting electrical system which lit only the columns, not the walls or the base, our proposal is energy-efficient aligning with contemporary sustainability practices. Specifically, it includes 38 lights, totaling 1740W, controlled by the astronomical clock. In addition, after carrying out photometric measurements on the luminaires we proposed using well-calibrated and maintained equipment for UV and IR content, it is proven that both UV and IR emissions are negligible. Our approach prioritizes minimal environmental impact.
In accordance with the archaeological rules, the luminaires are placed with care so as not to touch the monument while cabling is hidden as much as possible.
Company DescriptionEleftheria Deko and Associates is an award-winning lighting studio specializing in architectural lighting design, stage lighting, and event lighting. With an extensive experience in numerous and significant lighting projects, implemented in public and private spaces, the multidisciplinary team, provides integrated lighting solutions and design approaches that respond to the specific needs of diverse clients.
