Project type
Outdoor lighting, facades
Services provided
Lighting design, lighting fixtures
Team involved
We Are AO + AV Tech
Revealing sanctity: The new light of Knock Basilica on its 50th anniversary
We are proud to present the new illumination of Knock Shrine, one of Ireland’s most revered places of worship, created in collaboration with our technology partner Studio Due from Viterbo.
Our intervention merges innovation and devotion through a dynamic, modular lighting system.
Transformation in lights: Before & After
Before the intervention
Before the lighting project, the basilica’s illumination was uneven, with overexposed areas contrasting with shadows, and lacked control over light intensity and tone—compromising the appreciation of its architectural details.
After the intervention
Our new uniform, programmable lighting uses dynamic white and color tech to craft custom scenes—like an atmospheric “candle effect” for the torchlight procession. It highlights every architectural detail, blending high-tech innovation with sacred reverence.
No. 01
Context and Requirements
We were contacted by the basilica to define precise guidelines for the new facade lighting. We adopted a phased approach, focusing initial efforts on the main facade. The client wanted to transform it into a symbolic beacon for the faithful, capable of guiding the eye and conveying structural majesty even from a great distance.
No. 02
Lighting Concept
The new multifunctional lighting system was designed to mirror the annual rhythm of the shrine. The central body transforms into a symbolic candle for the procession, dresses in the Mayo County colors during festive occasions, and emits a solemn white light for daily use, enhancing the 70s architecture designed by Mons. James Horan to accommodate 1.5 million pilgrims annually.
No. 03
The Solution
To achieve this goal, we developed a project based on RGBW floodlights with differentiated beam angles. This enabled us to achieve flawless, uniform lighting across the entire structure while offering maximum flexibility to adapt chameleon-like to any requirement throughout the year.
No. 04
Final Result
The result is a dynamic lighting system that immediately captivated the public, as demonstrated by the countless appreciative messages received on the Basilica’s social media channels. A high-impact project that has become a source of inspiration for many other religious sites across Ireland and is set to leave a lasting impression.
Knock Shrine
Client description
Knock Shrine is a major Catholic basilica in County Mayo, built to commemorate the Marian apparition of 1879.
Address
Drum, Knock, Co. Mayo, F12 Y226, Ireland
Website
Knock Shrine
Portfolio gallery
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