Germany - Prolights products illuminate the Church of the Holy Spirit in Bielefeld, a modern octagonal structure with slender columns and coloured stained-glass windows, which has undergone a significant technological renovation.
This project aimed to improve and expand the media usage possibilities within the church, with a particular focus on the lighting setup. The new lighting, designed by the Schröder & Partner design studio under the guidance of project manager Jan Wöhning, introduced a versatile and innovative lighting system that enhances the architectural beauty and liturgical symbolism of the church.
“The church mainly had obsolete lighting technology, which we replaced with more modern LED technology, promoting energy efficiency. The church also asked us to emphasise the colours of the liturgical year (green, red, purple) through coloured lighting in the hall,” explained Wöhning.
For the choice of projectors, the studio relied on Lightpower, Prolights distributor in Germany, selecting the ArcShine M18FC and ArcShine M9FC, the ArcPod 15Q, and the Astra Wash7Pix. A key element of the new system is the use of the ArcShine M18FC LED bars, which discreetly illuminate the central area of the church, creating an ethereal effect with almost invisible light sources.
Inside the dome's lantern, ArcShine M9FCs were placed, emitting colored light that floods the dome's interior and creates a suggestive effect through the windows, visible from outside the church after sunset.
Additional ArcShine M18FCs were installed above the organ to illuminate the metal pipes, while an ArcPod 15Q was positioned to light the tabernacle niche behind the altar. The renovation also included the replacement of an old profile projector with three Astra Wash7Pix, arranged on the ceiling to provide greater flexibility in lighting during religious services.
“The priest wanted a solution that would allow more flexible lighting of significant places in the Mass,” added Jan Wöhning. “We were fortunate because the church showed great interest in the success of the lighting and was open and favorable to creating a modern and innovative setup.”
