076 LIGHT + TECH
A new lighting scheme marked the 500th
anniversary in 2018 of the construction of
the iconic tower of the Cathedral of Our
Lady in Antwerp. The scheme complies with
the city’s overall masterplan, an initiative
that aims to minimise light pollution, use
sustainable lighting practices and
showcase Antwerp’s historic architecture.
The linear LED floodlights integrated
into the facade turn the building into a
dramatic presence at night. While the
previous sodium fixtures blurred and
blunted its appearance, the new, cooler
white light delineates the architectural
detailing and emphasises the geometry.
The judges also noted that the harmony of
detail extended to how the cathedral fits
in with the cityscape, acknowledging that
balancing the scheme with the shifting
master lighting plan of Antwerp was ‘no
easy task’.
To offer the city more lighting options, a
DMX controller was installed so that lighting
can be preprogrammed for holidays or
special events, and also adds to the energy
savings. On that note, while the number
of luminaires has increased exponentially,
the new floodlights and other lighting
effects cut energy costs by 40 per cent.CATHEDRAL OF OUR LADY AND
IMMEDIATE SURROUNDINGS,
ANTWERPLIGHTING DESIGN
Susanna Antico Lighting Design StudioAWARD Award of ExcellenceJUDGES’ VERDICTS
‘The balanced brightness of
this facade lighting scheme
with the surrounding
neighbourhood building
facades is well produced—
brighter but not extremely
so. The entire composition
of the exterior night-time
environment of the
community is improved.
The use of cooler colour
temperature for the higher
elevations is a masterful
choice to create greater
depth of field to the
observer.’PROJECT INFO
Client City of Antwerp,
Belgium
Electrical engineering and
project management
Fluvius (ex-Eandis)