Dome of the Rock Interior / Jerusalem
The Dome of the Rock, located in the old city of Jerusalem right next to Al-Aqsa Mosque, is considered the third holiest site in Islam. It has been called "Jerusalem's most recognisable landmark" and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It holds great spiritual significance for both Jews and Muslims as it is the site of Abraham's attempted sacrifice of his son. The dome is one of the oldest extant works of Islamic Architecture and its interior is adorned with intricate mosaics, marble, and inscriptions, making it a true masterpiece of art.
To illuminate such a sacred and historic site is a delicate task, one that requires a balance between providing enough light for visitors to fully appreciate the crafts while not causing damage to the colours for future generations. The building, constructed of least light-sensitive materials such as stones and ceramic, is bathed in a soft light that hovers around 150 lux, providing just enough illumination to fully appreciate the beauty of the Dome, without causing any damage.
Creating a homogeneous lighting on surfaces without leaving any hotspots or light scallops was crucial for the project, and was achieved through a thorough examination with a light calculation software. Ensuring a glare-free environment, with light sources carefully hidden, was also of paramount importance, as visitors are able to observe the Dome from all angles. Reflected light from the ceilings provides subtle ambiance lighting, casting a warm and inviting ambience over the entire site.
Customised lenses and glare shields were proposed for the project to provide precise control over each element with minimum spilled light. This allows for the ability to change the colour temperature and intensity of light over each element while maintaining a colour rendering above 90 with the latest LED technology. Additionally, indoor positioning sensors on the fixtures can be synched with an audio tour system over a network.
The project was confirmed, but it is currently on hold due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Despite the challenges, the team is determined to bring this project to fruition and to ensure that the Dome of the Rock remains a shining symbol of Islamic Architecture for future generations to admire and appreciate.
