Monument in Light. Case Study and Mockup – Constantin Brâncuși Ensemble, Târgu Jiu

Monuments are not just physical structures, but also artistic expressions, symbols of the cultural and historical values of a community. They are meant to convey emotions, to remind of significant events, and to honor remarkable personalities or ideas. Monuments become essential parts of the urban landscape or public spaces, contributing to the identity and memory of a community. This requires special attention from a lighting perspective, as light plays a fundamental role in creating identity, accentuating the significance of monuments and public spaces.

The methodology adopted for this research involves conducting workshop activities and creating lighting mock- ups. This approach combines the theoretical study with practical aspects, providing students with the opportunity to explore in detail the effects of light on artwork and the viewer’s perception. By actively participating in workshops and building mock-ups, students can directly observe and experience the real impact of light, thereby contributing to a deep understanding of theoretical knowledge and the development of practical skills in the field of lighting design. A workshop is proposed in which students will test methods of illuminating architectural monuments and understand the effect of light on them and the surrounding fauna, an exercise that is useful and important for their practical education, the development of their design and planning skills, as well as raising awareness of the conservation of cultural and natural heritage.

Within the workshop, students have studied artworks both theoretically and practically, analyzing the message and intention of the artist through guided tours and lectures. Subsequently, students have intervened directly on the monuments, using lighting fixtures to test and achieve different lighting effects, with the aim of illuminating heritage objects architecturally.