Lighting Design for Ruins: Cantacuzino Domain as an Experimental Study

This article presents a unique exploration of architectural lighting for ruins and landscape, inspired by a workshop conducted at the Cantacuzino Domain in Floresti, Prahova. The workshop is focused on illuminating the ruins of the palace, the water tower, and a fragment of the historic park, involving UAUIM students and the local community. The lighting design workshop was part of a general approach for the revitalization of the domain, including the preservation and enhancement of its cultural heritage. By using innovative lighting techniques, the project aimed to highlight the historical significance and aesthetic value of the ruins, creating a captivating visual experience that would attract visitors and foster a deeper appreciation for the site. The involvement of UAUIM students provided an educational opportunity, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting and engage with the local community. This collaboration not only enriched the students learning experience but also fostered a sense of ownership and pride within the community regarding their local heritage. Through hands-on experimentation and collaboration, participants had the opportunity to engage directly with the physical space of the palace ruins and the tower, exploring how light can transform and redefine their essence. For the architectural and landscape lighting, aspects of light pollution were also addressed to raise awareness about dark sky and how light can affect the fauna. The workshop emphasized the importance of protecting the cultural heritage, as well as the wildlife, by paying more attention to how we interact with our environment through lighting design. Overall, the initiative demonstrated how thoughtful architectural lighting can transform historic ruins into vibrant cultural landmarks, blending the past with contemporary lighting technology to create spaces that are both visually striking and historically resonant.