Project Feature
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Springfield, IL, USA
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Summer 2011
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Cathedral of the
Immaculate Conception
Springfield, Illinois
Constructed in 1928, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, center of the Catholic faith in the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois, was showing its age. Modeled after the Basilica of Santa Marie Maggiore in Rome, the plaster work and ceiling coffers were badly in need of restoration. Significant reconfiguration of the nave seating, baptisimal font positioning, and related liturgical elements were also key. The lighting required updating to satisfy the needs of an aging congregation while being steadfast to the original design intent.
The chancel’s original electric lighting was provided by (8) chandeliers and (20) sconces, displaying matching ornamentation. Unfortunately, the original sconces had been replaced by fixtures of contemporary design. Chandeliers had been relamped with self-ballasted compact fluorescent sources. The cathedral’s interior was deteriorated by years of soot and dirt. Project goals were to restore weary interiors while enhancing the grandeur of its original muse.
Careful manipulation of light along with restoration of the volume’s colors, gilding and trompe l’oeil patterns, rendered the space anew. A centralized dimming system provides preset control. The nave’s functional illumination comes from, 500W T4 quartz downlights added within the coffers, achieving the required 30 footcandles. Stenciled and gilded canvas panels were specially fitted to accommodate the downlights.
The chandeliers were refurbished and rewired restoring them
to their original splendor. Compact
fluorescent sources were replaced with 20,000 hour life clear A19 lamps,
creating effects similar to the original, while minimizing maintenance cycles. The control’s high end trim, limits the
lamps to a maximum of 50% rated light output.
The chandelier’s interior was fitted with 100W quartz uplights to
elegantly reveal ceilings.
Quartz uplights concealed behind the reardos provide depth and acknowledge the ceiling areas not within reach of the chandeliers. Recessed 37W/MR16/IR striplights accent decorative mosaics. Sconces are recreated from historic photographs and lost wax castings molded from the chandeliers.
The resulting lighting scheme is an integral part of the Cathedral’s rebirth.
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