[Photo courtesy of the Express and Star]
Now considered an integral part of design, lighting is taking a more leading role in the presentation of buildings of all styles and ages. From the boxy, modern NEC in Birmingham to St Peter's Basilica, lighting is changing how we look at things - especially architecture.
The NEC is Birmingham is not known for its exterior. It boasts cavernous spaces for conferences, exhibitions and large-scale events. However, by installing a collection of lighting designs to illuminate the exterior of its soulless, featureless buildings, it has completely transformed the facade, giving it a sense of excitement, a talking point and an attractiveness. All of that through the power of light.
In a venue where the magic is expected to take place inside, it is completely fitting that some of that is reflected outside. The building now has a series of pyramid shapes that are backlit to provide this dramatic effect.
Incidentally, this recent refurb forms part of a huge financial investment in the whole of the NEC over recent months, including an upgrade to LED lighting in the main exhibition halls. The aim of the whole initiative was to improve the customer experience. It is good to see lighting on the agenda.
Meanwhile, a building known for its beauty as one of the largest churches in the world, the Basilica in the Vatican City is using lighting to refocus the eye and lead its visitors to view it differently. To put the scale of this project into perspective, the church can hold a congregation of up to 20,000. Its interior is a national treasure of artwork, sculpture and architectural detail - and includes works by MIchaelangelo.
The Basilica is now enjoying superior LED lighting, designed to highlight, accentuate and focus on the architectural detailing of the building - whilst at the same time providing up to 80% cost savings. Every feature is lit individually and is digitally controlled to allow an infinite amount of lighting combinations and effects.
"Rays of light guide the eye towards the presbytery and apse, with its splendid mosaic serving as a focal point and cornerstone of the church’s religious symbolism. The marble intarsia carvings on the pavement are lighted from above thanks to lantern-like fixtures installed on the trusses equipped with precision optics that highlight each tile with immense clarity. Like the above-head lighting, the other fixtures have been designed to blend in with the space, shining a (literal) light on the interior without impacting its integrity." (Source: The Florentine).
Again we see the power of lighting and its place within architecture of all kinds.
[Image courtesy of IFDM magazine]