Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Namyang, also known as the "Rosary Mountain", is considered a site of Catholic martyrdom and commemorates the Great Byungin Persecution of 1866. In commemoration of her martyrdom and as a testament to her faith, Namyang was declared a holy site on 7 October 1991. The cathedral, constructed in the hope of unification and peace between the two Korean states, was designed by globally renowned architect Mario Botta. Bitzro & Partners, South Korea's leading lighting design office, was commissioned with the lighting design of the cathedral.
A mix of Parscan spotlights with spot and narrow spot light distribution was installed on the wooden grid constructions. The spotlights are aligned to the crucifix and the two large scale works of art at the foot of the towers to emphasise them within the space and attract the attention of visitors as they progress to the main altar.
When visitors enter the nave of the cathedral they are greeted by a large space. The curved roof is fitted with slats of maple wood, between which skylights allow the ingress of natural light. The light changes at different times of the day and season, creating a harmonious connection between people and nature. The gap between the two towers also directs a beam of natural light into the space and draws the attention of visitors to the main altar.
Quintessence wallwashers with 16W LED and 3000K underline the contrast between the cool concrete wall and the warm brick walls.
Wallwashing ensures an even distribution of light on the gallery wall without casting shadows from visitors onto the information displays or artworks.
Light is only used where it is needed and as required by human perception. The Spherolit lens technology of Parscan ensures precise, uniformly directed light without light spill. Despite the height of more than 10 metres, works of art are precisely illuminated and with maximum visual comfort for visitors.
The cathedral is located in a wide, green and undulating region south of the city and was built in a small valley between the hills. The presence of the cross is deliberately restrained and only engraved at the top of the tower. The cathedral was not only built for the Catholic mass and the faithful, but also serves as a community park for residents. It is intended to revive the tradition of ancient basilica – large public buildings with multiple functions and locations for public meetings. At weekends, families can be seen picnicking in the surrounding park.
When visitors are led up the hill, they are greeted by two brick-clad towers. Illuminated by Lightscan projectors, the towers rise upwards towards the sky, akin to beacons of hope and peace.
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