The symbiotic relationship between light and faith dates back centuries long before the ancient Egyptians and Romans ruled. Today, the use of light is integral to many religious services.
Many churches and other religious structures over the years have been designed to make maximum use of natural light. With the belief that light symbolises a connection to heaven, baroque churches, in particular, often employed large windows and strategically placed openings to flood interiors with natural light and enhance the dramatic effect.
To that end, an ambitious lighting project for the Abbey Tower at Saint-Amand-les-Eaux in northern France was designed to highlight its intricate stonework details and elegant design.
The historic monument has been touted as an architectural gem featuring Grand Baroque style since its reconstruction in the 17th century.
Originally created in the 7th century, the abbey is one of the oldest in the region. Much of the original structure was dismantled during the French Revolution, although key elements remain.
The bridge was rebuilt identically with a slight displacement to align it with the Tower of the abbey. The full reconstruction was so meticulously conducted that the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (DRAC) validated the restoration, guaranteeing the historical integrity of the project, including the abbeys tower, bridge and forecourt.
The entrance pavilion is flanked by columns and crowned with a curved pediment. A square belfry rises above the iconic tower, which today houses a museum that tracks the abbeys long, rich history.
New Lighting, Patrick Anneheim, Acclaim's agent in France, and their distributor partner Precision LED, were selected to oversee the lighting project.
Working in partnership with Hainaut Électricité.
Goossaert Electricité and AL Habitat, New Lighting and Precision LED focused on creating lighting solutions that were aesthetically pleasing and in line with the technical and design constraints of historical monument restorations.
The tricolour lighting of the entrance to the abbey tower was made possible by Acclaim Lighting with its recessed RGBW lighting solutions and RDM DMX controllers. Dramatic lighting continues through the entrance of the monastery church where Terra Linear QS 10x60, also from Acclaim Lighting, was installed. The rugged, drive-over ready, recessed façade lighting fixtures are designed for all-weather in-ground applications.
To control the walk-over lighting, Precision LED specified ART 500 from Acclaim Lighting. With its touch panel DMX Controller with 1,024 DMX channels and 500 programmable scenes, Art 500 is designed to be an effective control solution for architectural control with a software package that offers an easy-to-navigate interface with powerful control features.
To provide dramatic lighting under the 17th century bridge, New Lighting and Precision LED specified IP68 18W Aqua Drum spotlights, also from Acclaim Lighting. A standard output, submersible, LED flood fixture, Aqua Drum features stainless steel construction with an optional in-grade housing mounting.
