Kirikkale Nur Mosque Lighting Design: Evoking Emotions Through Light

The story of the lighting design project for the Kirikkale Nur Mosque began with a simple question: Can light truly evoke emotions within us? Inspired by the late Ottoman architecture, this stunning mosque features a main dome, carrier columns, secondary domes, entrance domes, and minarets. The design aimed to emphasize the mosque's spiritual identity and create an iconic landmark for Kirikkale.

To achieve this goal, the lighting design team focused on highlighting the main architectural elements, creating depth with shadows, and using different color temperatures to differentiate surfaces and materials. They also employed various wattages and optics to ensure harmony and hierarchy among the illuminated surfaces.

The strategic use of light and shadow added a mystical aura to the mosque, enhancing its form and definition. The incident light from a short distance created three-dimensionality on the onion-shaped mini domes and sparkles on the little crescents. The patterned windows underneath the half-domes were illuminated, while the half-domes themselves remained in darkness.

The lighting scheme also incorporated different color temperatures to create subtle gradations across the complex surfaces of the mosque. The main dome and minarets were lit in cool and super warm white, respectively, while the carrier columns and patterned windows were illuminated in warm white.

The lighting design for the mosque was carefully planned to be visible from far distances and serve as a symbol of the city. Energy consumption was minimized through the use of efficient LED luminaires with appropriate optics, controlled uplighting to prevent light pollution, and optional lighting schemes for different time zones.

The attention to detail in the lighting design was recognized with three international awards in architectural facade lighting. Judges praised the use of "just enough" light and the successful integration of warm and cool sources to complement the architectural elements.

The ZEVE Lighting Design Studio, responsible for the project, created detailed 3D models of the mosque to ensure the desired lighting effects. These models allowed for photorealistic renderings from different angles, enabling the team to fine-tune the lighting scheme.

The Kirikkale Nur Mosque stands as a testament to the power of light to evoke emotions and enhance architectural beauty. It has become a revered symbol of the city, and the lighting design has been widely recognized for its excellence and sensitivity to the mosque's three-dimensional form.

In conclusion, the Kirikkale Nur Mosque lighting design project by ZEVE Lighting Design Studio successfully highlights the spiritual identity of the mosque while creating an iconic symbol for the city. Through the skillful use of light and shadow, different color temperatures, and energy-efficient lighting solutions, the mosque has become a breathtaking architectural masterpiece. The recognition and awards received further attest to the outstanding craftsmanship and attention to detail in the lighting design.

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