The Church of St. Martin was constructed in 1939 in the middle of a quarter of Zürich known as “Fluntern”. The partial renovations of the interior rooms over the years resulted in the complete restoration or restructuring of the church and congregation rooms, which were completed in the beginning of 2014. In collaboration with the architects Stöckli, Grenacher, Schäubli, and the building contractors working for the Roman Catholic Parish of St. Martin, the sacred quality of the building structure and the pleasant atmosphere within the church were enhanced.
Fundamental Concept
The octagonal church room with its two side aisles is orientated towards the arched altar area. The subtle new lighting emphasises the quality and functionality of the symmetrical space more clearly and precisely. Energy and maintenance costs were significantly reduced with the installation of contemporary lighting technology. The three horizontal circles of the new chandelier, designed according to the Golden Ratio, float aimlessly above. The chandelier’s unadorned, simple form centers the room and is influenced by the symbolic significance of the number three: the Trinity, mother-father-child, and earth-heaven-hell. The very soft, indirect light from the luminaire accentuates the protruding wood ceiling, while rings of glass lenses provide sparkle when needed. The profile of the hand-made, skilfully produced rings is set off by two nuanced colours that help impart a certain lightness to the visual structure despite its large dimensions.
Technology
A control system that is set with multiple, pre-programmed scenes ensures ease-of-use. Despite an increase in light output, energy consumption was reduced by approximately 35%. LEDs with long life expectancies guarantee low maintenance. Access to the ceiling downlights is granted from a room above, while the chandeliers can be lowered electronically.
