Hannover | Crypt

St. Clemen’s Basilica Crypt, Hannover

The St. Clement’s Basilica and the crypt below the upper church are 300 years old, and have now been extensively renovated and illuminated anew. The formerly gloomy underground tomb has been transformed into an inviting light space that delights visitors who frequent it.

The lighting concept is subtle, created by keeping the light sources as hidden as possible. The lighting concept is subtle, created by keeping the light sources as hidden as possible. The downlights for the basic lighting integrate into the architecture and are not perceptible at first glance. Darklight reflectors mean that it is not directly apparent to the observer that the luminaires are switched on. The luminaires are recessed into the vaults together with flush-mounted sockets and the ballasts, which was done in close consultation with structural engineers and the historic preservation authorities. The result is a reduced lighting design that recedes and leaves the stage to the architectural space.

Luminaires sit on the tops of the columns, flooding the vaults towards the top. The result is a natural gradient decreasing toward the center of the vault.

In comparison to the neutral and ambient lighting, the accent lighting should dramatically showcase the exhibits to emphasize their liturgical significance and beauty. The artwork is illuminated from both sides by miniature spotlights in recessed tracks, which finely highlight the striking materiality of the exhibits. The choice of a warmer light color compared to the required ambient and vault lighting makes the exhibits stand out in the room.

Precedence, however, is given to the three most important exhibits, which are additionally illuminated with a special light effect. The statue of the Virgin Mary, for example, gives the appearance of radiating light from within it as the luminaire is hidden when viewing the statue straight on.

With an updated lighting language, the invitingly redesigned crypt appears uncluttered and opens upward, flooded with light. Because of this effect, visitors completely forget that they are in a tomb underground. The room can change according to different events, as the lighting has been programmed in coordination with the needs of the user. Since the stationary controls are located both near the entrance and in the immediate vicinity of the altar, they can also be operated during ceremonies.