We unveil one of the latest lighting projects created by the firm Lamp: the spectacular Al Azizia mosque, an Islamic place of worship – located just minutes away from Al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia – covering 23,140 m2 and capable of accommodating up to 25,000 worshippers. This lighting project was commended at the Lighting Design Awards 2019, one of the industry’s most prestigious events held every May in London, at which the best lighting projects from around the world are showcased.
The scope of this undertaking involved illuminating the façades, the gardens surrounding the mosque, as well as the indoor lighting. Lamp was responsible for customising and adapting the luminaires to meet the specific needs of this project that was headed by the UMAYA lighting design studio.
An essential feature of the exterior lighting design was based on the idea that this architectural complex should be visible from a distance as well as up close. By illuminating each and every geometric shape of the outer part of the building accordingly, the mosque has become an iconic element of Mecca’s nightscape. The five domes and the minarets – lit by projecting light onto them – were key elements of this project.
The aim of the indoor lighting was to create an ambience that would embody and convey the spirituality of the place while also highlighting its architectural details. The insides of the domes were lit using a dynamic white lighting system of warm white changing to cool white and back again throughout the course of the day. When the call to prayer is sung, the domes turn a soft blue, enhancing the spiritual connection with the visitor.
For over 45 years, the Spanish firm Lamp has provided consultation services, designed, produced, marketed and carried out technical lighting projects in more than 70 countries via its eight international subsidiaries.