Cathedral

The Cathedral of Our Lady stands as one of the finest Gothic landmarks in Europe, its 123-meter belfry tower serving as a defining feature of Antwerp's skyline since the Middle Ages. Rising above the flat Flanders’ landscape and the Schelde River, the cathedral has long been a visual reference point, visible from vast distances.

The project faced several complex design challenges, including: Strict limitations on mounting luminaires, brackets, and wiring to preserve the cathedral’s historical architectural integrity; One tower is half the height of the other, requiring a carefully balanced lighting approach; The cathedral is nestled among listed historical buildings, demanding a cohesive yet non-intrusive lighting solution; Different viewpoints across the city reveal various architectural details, necessitating a harmonized luminance balance that maintains the grandeur of the cathedral; The Gothic façades and Dutch-style historic surroundings were incorporated into the overall public space lighting plan, ensuring glare-free illumination and enhancing pedestrian comfort.

A DMX-controlled lighting system was custom-developed for this project, enabling: Multiple nightly lighting scenes for varied atmospheric effects; Special event programming for holidays and celebrations; Energy optimization, significantly reducing power consumption and collateral greenhouse gas emissions.

In summary, the project achieved: 40% energy reduction compared to the previous HPS floodlighting, despite a tenfold increase in luminaires; 360° dynamic and immersive experience, allowing the cathedral to appear majestic yet inviting from all angles; Drastic minimization of light pollution, glare and lighting trespass, preserving the nighttime ambiance.

This internationally acclaimed project, awarded through a 2016 competition by the City of Antwerp, is a benchmark for heritage lighting, seamlessly blending history, technology, and sustainability.