Press information
Luminale project:
Magical light in a historic setting
Light and light colour can change the perception, mood and atmosphere of a room. This is admirably demonstrated in the cloisters and the courtyard of the Carmelite monastery in Frankfurt during Luminale 2004. The historical building will provide the backdrop for a fascinating scenario presented by lighting engineers from Spectral, Germany, with the support of Osram.
Effective use of light and shadow set to contemporary music will entice visitors after dusk into a world of mystery and enchantment. The cloister architecture enhances the effects. Visitors will see how changing from one lighting scene to another can transform rooms. From the corners of the cloister it will be operation to view two rooms at the same time.
Light of changing intensity in white, red, green and blue is used to illuminate the bow windows and transoms. Light sources on columns, sarcophaguses and bushes in the courtyard reinforce the effect. The light there is a constant soft white light.
Halogen lamps are used to provide general diffuse light and directional light. LEDs provide coloured light. The colour cycle lasts seven minutes and is controlled by a lighting control system.
This light show at Münzgasse 9 in Frankfurt can be seen from 8 to 10 o’clock every evening during the Light + Building fair from April 18 to 25.
A brief history
The Frankfurt Carmelite monastery was founded in the 13th century and extended and modified in the 15th century. From 1514 to 1521, Jörg Ratgeb painted motifs from the life of Christ and from the history of the Carmelite order. Secularised at the start of the 19th century, the monastery has since served as a magazine, hospital and fire station. Building work in the 19th century and air raids in the second world war seriously damaged the original architecture. Large sections of the murals have been lost. After much reconstruction and renovation work the former monastery is now a venue for cultural exhibitions and events relating to the history of the city and the region.
Press contact:
OSRAM
Christian Bölling
Tel: +49-89-6213-2597
Fax: +49-89-6213-3457
Email: c.boelling@osram.com