Lighting in Design Q4 2023

chandeliers lighting the central point of the temple floor. “Light is the embodiment of this community, so we have used diffused-light chandeliers that provide more of a glow than direct light,” explains Hariri. “We opted for recessed downlights with a warm colour temperature for a more cosy, united sense of being. The mezzanine level is low to the main floor, so we installed LED light fittings that provide enough light for worshippers and guests while also not being too hot. The temple was designed and built to feel open and give the feeling of ethereal peace, so we had to be intelligent with our use of illumination.” One of the mandates when the temple was commissioned was that it be built to last at least 400 years, which Hariri says “provided its own set of problems. Santiago sits on an earthquake hotspot, so we spent a lot of time investigating new technology and building principles when designing the temple. In doing that, we found new ways to use light during the day and at night”. When the sun sets, warm white tones light up the temple from the inside, giving visitors a gorgeous façade to look at from the temple-side peace pool.