Heraklion, Crete
Exterior shell illumination, 2022- on going
This exquisite monument stands in the western pier of the Port of Heraklion in excellent condition, open to the public, after the extensive renovation works held for years. The fortress was originally built by the Republic of Venice in the early 16th century and it is an iconic landmark, the trademark of the city of Heraklion. The fortess is located in one of the most poplar walkways of the city. The lighting scheme includes the illumination of the exterior shell of the monument.
Project credits
- Client: Heraklion Port Authority
- 3d model: Ephorate of Antiquities of Heraklion, Ministry of Culture
- Lighting design team: Matina Magklara, Melina Lasithiotaki, Maria Alexopoulou
- CGIs: Panses cgi
- Daytime photography: Bernard Gagnon
Project services
- Design: Concept to Detailed design
- Custom luminaires and luminous structures: Design of luminaire casings and luminaire integration structures
With visibility extending from the depths of the Aegean Sea up to the city’s hills, the lighting goal for this project is to create maximum visual impact with minimum impact to the preserved building fabric, the nocturnal sky, the sea and the public. The illumination techniques focus on applying layers of light consistent to the historical, decroative and structural characteristics of the building. In order to create depth, light colour shifts from neutral white to very warm ‘candle’ light. Light seems to emanate from within bringing life back to the fortress.
The lighting fixtures are placed is such way to ensure visual comfort to the public. All lighting interventions are reversible whilst they withstand the extreme environmental conditions, the strains of public use and the restrictions of the Port’s operation regulations.