Café des Arcades | Loomit - Lighting Architecture
© Thomas Telley, St. Antoni.

Fribourg

Café des Arcades

LOCATION
Fribourg (CH)

YEAR
2017-2021

CLIENT
Ville de Fribourg

LIGHTING DESIGN PROJECT
Susanna Antico Lighting Design Studio

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT / URBAN PLANNERS
Studio Montagnini Fusaro

PHOTOGRAPHER
Loomit Studio / Thomas Telley, St. Antoni

The lighting for Café des Arcades, designed with discreet LED integration, enhances its historic arched façades and balustrade details, creating a warm, inviting nighttime ambiance that respects the site's architectural rhythm and cultural significance.

Lighting design for Café des Arcades was part of a 2015 international competition which was awarded to a collaboration between Italian architects (Studio Fusaro Montagnini) & our practice (formerly Susanna Antico Lighting Design Studio).

Adjacent to the historic Bourg district, Café des Arcades is a quintessential local bistro, built in 1864 & modified several times until the early 20th century.

The place has always been a vibrant meeting place for residents & visitors. Despite its simplicity, the structure features distinctive rhythmic façades with arched openings that originally served as separate stalls of a market.

Lighting design for Café des Arcades
© Thomas Telley, St. Antoni.
lighting subtly enhances this rhythm
© Thomas Telley, St. Antoni.

The lighting subtly enhances this rhythm while maintaining a discreet integration into the architecture. LED profiles incorporated in the handrail of the upper terrace, emphasize the balustrade details while keeping the luminaires concealed.

The lighting highlights the café’s historical character while ensuring a welcoming & atmospheric presence at night.

atmospheric presence at night