On April 18, 2024, the facade of the Church of Santissima Trinità dei Pellegrini was unveiled to the city of Rome after a significant restoration. The restoration focused on the architectural and sculptural elements crafted by 18th-century architect Francesco de Sanctis. Alongside this, a new lighting design by architect Egidio Ferrara was introduced, thoughtfully highlighting the facade within its urban setting and enhancing its decorative details.
The facade, slightly concave in design, is a late Roman Baroque masterpiece, an evolution of Carlo Fontana’s San Marcello al Corso. It was commissioned by the Piedmontese merchant G. Battista de’ Rossi and meticulously executed by Giuseppe Sardi following the designs of Francesco De Sanctis, with the work completed in 1723.
Historical and Urban Context
The church is located in one of Rome’s most historical neighborhoods and became particularly rich after urban changes that began in the 16th century with the creation of nearby Via Giulia. This street, commissioned by Pope Julius II, was intended to become the Vatican’s administrative and banking hub. Close by are some of Rome’s most famous landmarks, including Palazzo Farnese, Palazzo della Cancelleria, Ponte Sisto, and Palazzo Spada.
Egidio Ferrara’s Lighting Design for SS Trinità dei Pellegrini
The lighting design is studied to engage with the architecture’s complex language, highlighting volumes, projections, and recesses without overpowering the overall visual experience.
Layers of Light
The lighting design offers two distinct layers: a general illumination of the entire facade using grazing light and accent lighting through small spotlights that emphasize the four stucco sculptures of the Evangelists and the Trinity symbol in the tympanum. «The light,» Ferrara explains, «gently caresses the surfaces, friezes, and sculptures, revealing the architecture and evoking the candlelit atmosphere of Baroque altars.»
Lighting the Forecourt and Base
The forecourt is lit by a fixture placed on the cornice above, casting a zenithal beam. The base is highlighted to emphasize the geometric lines of the facade, creating a welcoming invitation for visitors to approach and enter the sacred space. All spotlights on the entablature are equipped with brackets to ensure the correct angle for illuminating the sculptures, forecourt, and base.
Technical Details and Innovative Solutions
Architect Ferrara notes, «The use of dimmable fixtures and the ability to direct individual light sources allow for a lighting scene that balances luminance across different parts, with a moderate lighting approach that respects the context.» The lighting system uses the «DALI» protocol to manage lighting scenarios and is controlled via a dedicated panel or scheduled as needed.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
The project prioritizes energy efficiency, focusing on enhancing the architectural structure while advancing environmental sustainability and minimizing energy consumption. «For this reason,» Ferrara adds, «we proposed a design using collimated optics, positioned to minimize light pollution. The use of LED sources meets the project’s requirements for both light quality and energy savings. Positioning the fixtures on the first entablature allows for convenient access during future maintenance.»
