Reviving History: The Union Church's Innovative Lighting Design

Transforming a Historic Church into a Modern Performance Space

The Union Church, located near the Bund in Shanghai, was rebuilt after a fire in 2007. However, it remained underutilized until 2021 when the decision was made to transform it into a music performance space. The goal of the lighting design was to create a 'small and beautiful' spiritual space that could also meet the needs of a performance venue. This required a delicate balance between preserving the historical integrity of the church and introducing modern lighting technology.

The design team, led by Yang Xiu and including Xu Feng, Ma Yue, Bian Chen, Ma Xiaojie, and Ge Wenjing, faced several challenges. The church's interior was reconstructed using 3D software to adjust the installation of the luminaires, ensuring no damage to the walls. The team also worked with an acoustic consultant to embed thick acrylic panels on the main pendant light, meeting the needs of the reflection sound to the stage. This innovative approach allowed the team to achieve their design concept at a low cost.

The Union Church's new lighting design includes functional light to create a uniform lighting environment and achieve stage lighting. The main pendant light is a 'creative highlight', combining both lighting and acoustic requirements. It is fitted with recessed lights and candle-shaped lights, harmonizing with the church's architectural style. Vertical lighting is used to shape the space volume, with in-ground recessed wall washers with a narrow beam angle used to express the wall texture and the Gothic arch.

The project, which started in June 2021 and finished in September 2021, covers a total of 410 square meters. The Union Church's transformation is a testament to the power of design and innovation in preserving history while meeting modern needs. The design was awarded Silver in A' Lighting Products and Fixtures Design Award in 2022, a recognition of its outstanding expertise and innovation.

In conclusion, the Union Church's transformation is a shining example of how innovative design can breathe new life into historic structures. The design team's ability to balance preservation with modern functional needs resulted in a space that is both spiritually uplifting and suitable for modern performances. This project serves as an inspiration for future projects aiming to merge history with modernity.