Basilica Cistern / Istanbul Turkey
Built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, the grand cistern beneath the city of Istanbul lies as one of the most important tourist sights in the historical peninsula located right next to Hagia Sophia. Its mysterious atmosphere was featured in a James Bond movie and in the video game, Assassin's Creed.
Due to the amount of water inside the cistern, chances of mounting fixtures were extremely limited. Arcs, columns, and vaults are the most distinctive features in the space, and so the main goal was to keep the mysterious feeling while revealing some of these elements. I decided to leave the walls which enclose the whole area dark to create a captivating, infinite deep feeling. I used dimmed, low level of light all over the place to reduce the reflections and for a better control of spilled light. For a more dramatic feeling, I decided to lit either the arcs or the vaults on the ceiling to create contrast between light and darkness. It was easier to control the reflected light on the arcs so I made the decision of hiding the linear slim profiles on the column heads to graze the surface gently. Mystical old Ottoman music fills the cistern during the visiting hours through the speakers creating a truly magical atmosphere. The dynamic lighting system implemented through the DMX protocol allows for subtle control scenarios, such as dimming and color changing by using dynamic white fixtures. This helps to add depth to the atmosphere, while also allowing for the occasional surprise of special events held in the cistern. The project has been approved by the Board of Monuments - Ministry of Culture, and with its grandeur and mystery, it continues to be a must-see destination for visitors of Istanbul.
