Lighting Beirut Architecture

Client:

City of Beirut / Solidere

Year:

2011

Lighting design:

Light Cibles Project leader: Emmanuel Clair. Project Manager – Senior lighting designer: Marta Coda Other lighting designers: Elena Dallai, Martina Bordini

Reform:

Photography:

Client

City of Beirut / Solidere

Year

2011

Lighting Design

Light Cibles Project leader: Emmanuel Clair.

Project Manager – Senior lighting designer: Marta Coda.

Other lighting designers: Elena Dallai, Martina Bordini.

Study and photograpich survey/optics:

DIAP

Contractor:

Mamari Freres (MFR) / Lampo Srl

In the heart of Beirut devastated by the war, beautiful buildings have been brought back to their ancient splendor during several years of untiring works of renovation. At night lighting has also helped to this renovation by using an innovative technique. Light Cibles was honoured with IALD Award of Excellence 2012 (International Association of Lighting Designers). “Lighting Beirut Architecture” is the first project of its kind to permanently illuminate a large urban area using image projection. Tailor-made projectors trace the features of 28 heritage and contemporary building façades along a special heritage trail in the heart of historic Beirut. Gobos were designed based on a special photographic survey of each individual building’s façade. Using oversized glass gobos allowed the designers to design high-definition images and projections. The resulting close relationship between the lighting concept and the architecture preserves the specific identity of each building. All fittings are located on the roofs of buildings facing chosen façades. A special fitting was developed to maintain the simplicity of the projector’s mechanics, while modifications made permanent exterior installation and uniform distribution of light possible. The façades of more contemporary buildings utilize a different concept. Modern buildings are treated with abstract frescos that introduce colored elements and textures derived from the original composition.

In the heart of Beirut devastated by the war, beautiful buildings have been brought back to their ancient splendor during several years of untiring works of renovation. At night lighting has also helped to this renovation by using an innovative technique. Light Cibles was honoured with IALD Award of Excellence 2012 (International Association of Lighting Designers).

“Lighting Beirut Architecture” is the first project of its kind to permanently illuminate a large urban area using image projection. Tailor-made projectors trace the features of 28 heritage and contemporary building façades along a special heritage trail in the heart of historic Beirut.

Gobos were designed based on a special photographic survey of each individual building’s façade. Using oversized glass gobos allowed the designers to design high-definition images and projections. The resulting close relationship between the lighting concept and the architecture preserves the specific identity of each building. All fittings are located on the roofs of buildings facing chosen façades.

A special fitting was developed to maintain the simplicity of the projector’s mechanics, while modifications made permanent exterior installation and uniform distribution of light possible. The façades of more contemporary buildings utilize a different concept. Modern buildings are treated with abstract frescos that introduce colored elements and textures derived from the original composition.