Lighting in Design Q4 2023

going to use alabaster as the cladding material on the temple, but there were significant issues when we tested the material against the environmental demands of the region. We went on a four-year journey with glass artisan Jeff Goodman from Toronto to develop a new type of glass cladding. We now have a glass that is imbued with subtle variations in translucency, which creates a truly amazing display when artificial light is shone through it,” says Hariri, concluding, “This is a project that comes along once in a lifetime, and I think that we have created a space of reflection where guests can find both a renewed sense of spiritualism and a new source of ‘light’ and inspiration in their world.”

“The arches that make up the dome appear like sails thanks to the curved steel and aluminium superstructure. We then used a combination of glass textures, depths and finishing styles to complete what some people refer to as the ‘petals’. These are the primary source of sunlight during the day.” Then at night, when the interior’s lights are switched on, these petals are illuminated with the most delicate of warm hues. This is set against the dark backdrop of the mountainside behind the temple, and it can be seen from across the city,” adds the architect. Each of the nine wings consists of more than 1 120 individual pieces of glass. “We were originally

The architectural notes show where light fittings were placed around the temple so that it can be illuminated delicately during the day and night-time, giving visitors a beautiful sight regardless of the time of day.

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LiD Q4 - 2023