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Mother House Church
Project Description
Reinterpreting Sacred Architecture Through Precision Lighting. The comprehensive renovation of the Motherhouse Church on the grounds of the Sisters of the Savior in Würzburg has created a space where historic sacred architecture meets contemporary lighting design. The church was reimagined and reduced to its essential architectural and liturgical elements. A centrally positioned altar and approximately 1,500 crosses commemorating the deceased sisters now define the interior, creating a calm and contemplative atmosphere. Today, the church serves both as a place of worship and as a venue for cultural events. The architectural concept embraces minimalism. Decorative elements were removed, allowing the white walls, vaulted arches, and rhythmic columns to define the space. This restrained design provides the ideal foundation for a lighting concept that enhances the architecture without competing with it.
Introduction
The Challenge
Illuminating a listed historic church required a sensitive approach to the existing building fabric. Visible technical installations had to be avoided to preserve the sacred character of the space, while the lighting needed to accommodate a variety of scenarios, from quiet prayer to worship services and ceremonial events. Long-term flexibility was equally important. Once the renovation was complete, further interventions in the historic structure were to be avoided. The lighting therefore had to adapt to changing liturgical requirements without requiring physical adjustment of the luminaires. Together with Impuls-Design, ON-Lichttechnik developed and visualised the concept using a detailed 3D model and realistic renderings, enabling lighting scenes and spatial effects to be evaluated before installation.
Impressions
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The Solution
The concept centres on the almost invisible integration of lighting technology into the historic architecture. Custom-designed capital luminaires were developed to fit seamlessly onto the church's column capitals. Each bespoke housing incorporates motorised ROBORADAR luminaires, allowing precise illumination while remaining virtually hidden from view. Thanks to their motorised pan and tilt functionality, the ROBORADAR fixtures can be remotely adjusted at any time, enabling sculptures, liturgical elements, and architectural features to be highlighted without physical intervention. This provides exceptional flexibility while preserving the integrity of the historic interior. The backlighting of the tabernacle was integrated into the glass wall support structure in collaboration with Kunstschmiede Schrepfer, subtly emphasising the church's central element. Custom-made LED luminaires integrated into the handrails provide safe illumination for staircases and accessible ramps. The entire lighting installation is controlled via a fully integrated DALI system. Pre-programmed scenes can be selected using an intuitive touch display, while customised lighting settings can easily be created when required. Developed together with doitsmart.eventmanagement, the user interface also integrates the church's audio and media systems, ensuring simple operation for all users. The result is a discreet yet highly adaptable lighting solution that respects the church's historic architecture while meeting the functional demands of a contemporary place of worship. Carefully integrated lighting enhances the spatial qualities of the interior and reinforces its unique spiritual atmosphere.