In the variegated realm of design, the lighting of religious and spiritual sites emerges as a profound demonstration of how illumination can unlock emotional resonance and deepen spiritual contemplation. This unique corner of design thinking enhances the architectural beauty of sacred spaces and enriches the emotional and spiritual experiences of those who enter. A few recent projects underscore the significant role that lighting design plays in enhancing the spiritual experience.
Eternal Light / Jewish Taiwan Community Center
Eternal Light at the Jewish Taiwan Community Center by Atelier Lumenplus Co., Ltd., under the creative guidance of Huai Chun Liu and I-Chun Hung, brilliantly captures the essence of Jewish spirituality through lighting.
The design refers to the Hanukkah song “Banu choshech legaresh,” symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. The façade, mirroring a candle flame, and interior lighting, evoking tears on the Wailing Wall, embody resilience and hope. Their approach marries tradition with innovation, casting the synagogue in a glow that reflects its cultural and religious significance, all while embracing sustainability through LED technology and thoughtful energy use.
Memorial Park Nonoichi
Memorial Park Nonoichi by Yamagiwa, led by Kuniichi Iizuka and Shinzi Nonomura, introduces a serene yet profound lighting design in a cemetery park. This project stands out for its holistic approach to creating a contemplative atmosphere, where light gently guides the emotional journey of visitors.
The structure’s wooden elements harmonize with customized lighting—dimmable pendants, spotlights, and indirect lights—intelligently adapting to both the time of day and the presence of visitors through automated systems. The design ensures a respectful and dignified experience, blending seamlessly with the park’s natural beauty and solemn purpose.
RAYS OF LIGHT
RAYS OF LIGHT, brought to life by Christine Sicangco Lighting Design, Inc., with lead designers Christine Sicangco and Jo Vincent T. Gonzaga, represents a bold and innovative approach to lighting in the spiritual domain. The project’s use of Tangram-Trace luminaires, with their adjustable straps and prismatic lenses, allows for a customizable and dramatic aesthetic that can suit various spaces.
This flexibility is essential to create environments that support reflection and community, making the space adaptable to different spiritual and cultural contexts.
Their commitment to sustainability echoes through their design philosophy, aiming for a future where lighting design harmonizes with environmental stewardship.
