Prize(s) Winners in Landscape Lighting Design
Lighting Design/Product Company Sweco Architecture
Lead Designers Alexandra Schremer Payén, Linnea Henstam, Simon Nyström
Other Designer's names Marianne Janson, Lotta Trotzig, Mimmi Borselius, Daniela Haug
Architecture Company Sweco Architecture
Client The municipality of Stockholm
Photo Credits Måns Berg
Other Credits Niklas Gripenstam
Completion Date 2025
Project Location Råcksta, Stockholm Sweden
Entry DescriptionThe new lighting design at Råcksta Cemetery outside Stockholm enhances the atmosphere of the historical site, where loved ones can be honored in a tranquil natural environment. Light levels are carefully balanced throughout to adapt to the sensitive atmosphere.
The design concept adheres to the landscape architect Gunnar Martinsson's intentions to create spatiality through simplification of form, material, and color. Bespoke park luminaires draw their inspiration from the original design scheme and were developed by prototype creation and extensive on-site testing to evaluate the interplay of light and surroundings.
Topographical characteristics have been preserved, highlighting the valley surrounded by higher terrain, the embankment around the cemetery and important sightlines. Subtle lighting accentuates tree canopies, allowing them to stand out against the evening sky, while the new stormwater pond provides a focal point in the landscape. Soft integrated lighting in the seating area is reflected in the pond, letting visitors enjoy a place of solace and contemplation without visual disruption. Fixtures, poles, and colors unify the area visually, establishing a connection to the historical materials of the cemetery whilst also improving visual comfort of lighting in public pathways. Other areas were deliberately left unlit, making trees appear as silhouettes at dusk and dawn.
Sustainability ApproachTo ensure a sustainable revitalization, a heritage impact assessment was carried out in close collaboration between architects, conservationists and lighting designers. Robust and attractive materials that stand the test of time have been applied throughout. Unshielded fixtures had previously proved inefficient, disruptive of the night sky and glaring to the human eye. The new lighting plan was implemented with a carefully considered placement of luminaires in relation to the areas to be illuminated, resulting both in a significantly lower usage and improved visual comfort compared to the existing facility. To protect nocturnal animals and preserve the natural darkness, portions of the lighting is turned off during parts of the night. Some areas have been left unlit and others, such as selected pine trees, have been accentuated with low light levels for the purpose of orientation.
Company DescriptionSweco is a leading international architecture firm with broad experience in architecture, design, urban planning and construction.
We act in small teams to ensure professional excellence in every project. We are founded on the idea, that life is more important than monuments. With a focus on materials, light, people and context we strive to create ideal environments to live, work and thrive in.
