Prize(s) Winners in Public Building Lighting Design
Lighting Design/Product Company CosmoC Lighting, Ltd.
Lead Designers Ching-Yu Lin
Other Designer's names KuoChanHuang JrYuanHo JieYuHuang RueiHanChang JunYanWang YuLinguang HuiNingLee
Architecture Company Pu-Ming Tseng Architects / ZC Architect & Associate / Atelier Or
Client National Museum of History
Photo Credits Yu-chen Zao, Hsiang-Yun Mai
Completion Date 2024/02
Project Location Taipei City, Taiwan
Entry DescriptionAt The National Museum of History in Taipei, light becomes the narrative medium in a dialogue between heritage and modernity, redefining the institution’s nocturnal presence. Moving beyond monumental grandeur for its traditional palace architecture, our vision was to sculpt an intimate, human-centric nightscape.
The design orchestrates a layered rhythm of illumination—from the grand urban scale to the personal pedestrian path—seamlessly guiding visitors into the cultural heart of the campus. Soft uplighting honors the intricate craftsmanship of green-tiled roofs, while concealed washes articulate colonnades and gateways without intrusive glare. A subtle sequence of low-level luminaires delineates pathways, ensuring intuitive guidance and visual comfort.
Every element is meticulously tuned in tone and intensity, a choreography celebrating cultural symbolism. Vermilion walls emanate a dignified warmth, and new glass structures reflect the museum’s metamorphosis from a reserved landmark into an open civic stage.
The result is not a conquest of darkness, but an atmosphere of serenity where history breathes with a contemporary cadence. Light reveals meaning beyond form, transforming the museum into a living beacon of cultural memory.
Sustainability ApproachSustainability is a foundational principle, integrating technical precision with ethical responsibility. We selected high-efficacy LED fixtures, calibrated to minimize energy consumption for precise visual effects. Programmable controls enable dynamic dimming by time and use, eliminating off-peak energy waste.
To combat light pollution, optics are carefully shielded and aimed only where needed, preventing upward spill and intrusive glare. Pathway illumination is deliberately restrained, preserving the gardens' natural darkness. Beyond efficiency, the design honors the ecosystem; warmer color temperatures reduce disturbance to nocturnal wildlife.
By merging heritage with responsible innovation, this project demonstrates how cultural landmarks can shine with profound respect for both history and the environment.
Company DescriptionCosmoC Lighting is an award winning architectural lighting design firm based in Taiwan.
