Prize(s) Winners in Heritage Lighting Design
Lighting Design/Product Company Light to Light
Lead Designers Fiorenzo Namèche
Other Designer's names Guerric Hocepied, Simon Lozie, Chiara Carucci, Alfred Sa
Client University of Tartu
Photo Credits Tõnu Tunnel, Martin Siplane
Completion Date 27-04-2024
Project Location Tartu (Estonia)
Entry DescriptionThe lighting concept, called ‘dawn and dusk’, is inspired by the northern sky lights and refers to the light variations from sunset to sunrise. It highlights the particularity of lights change throughout the seasons. Inspired by nature, the lit spaces and the shadows evoke emotions that reinforce the cathedral's history.
The concept is also based on the Estonian tale ‘Koit Ja Hämarik’ which symbolizes the meeting of daylight and night. It is a reference in the Estonian culture and is very present in the collective memory. The story captures the ever-changing cycle of light and the interplay between day and night.
The lighting replicates the warm glow cast on the Cathedral at dusk, extending its duration. The warm light seems to emanate from the base of the cathedral, becoming increasingly warmer to the reddish hue at the top, transitioning in a subtle way. The DMX system provides smooth, almost imperceptible transitions, cycling through six different scenes from sunset to sunrise. It adjusts automatically the timing of each scene with the night duration.
In addition, the installation features a unique lighting show during a short night moment where the visitors observe their shadows moving and changing colors. Bespoke projectors provide the required mix of warm white, amber and red lights. These can also be used for other one-off events, as for the Estonian flag scene.
Sustainability ApproachThe main challenge of this design was to protect both the heritage and the night sky. The installation is as unobtrusive as possible and avoids any damage on the cathedral’s brickwork. The fixtures are hidden from the public and are reusable and dismountable.
The warm lights efficently interact with the building's materials. The lighting is positioned to avoid any light pollution and to minimize its power while achieving the necessary illumination level. The intensities are finely tuned with the control system and gradually decrease through the night.
As the cathedral is located in a dark park, low light contrast is enough to make the building a landmark. The choice of warm red lights is less disturbing for the living species and the environment. This lighting project can be seen as a prime example of reconciling sustainability and visibility.
Company DescriptionLighting designed by LIGHT-TO-LIGHT, an award-winning international design agency, guarantees you access to a high value-added lighting design that reveals the beauty and character of every architecture and space, with the most advanced, creative, and innovative lighting design practices. Our services cover concept design, bespoke lighting development and full lighting project specification, facilitating the overall project process. Meeting Light-To-Light means finding lighting designers who enhance space and architecture without compromising on well-being, functionality, and sustainability.
