Lighting an Italian Dreamscape

By:RANDY REID

Designing the lighting for The Giardino del Cielo, or "Garden of the Sky" at Vienza—part of Europa Village in Temecula— presented a unique challenge. The space was envisioned to transport guests to the Italy of centuries past, requiring a delicate balance between classic Italian aesthetics and modern functionality. Lighting designer Kenny Perez, Jr., Senior Project Manager and COO of Visual Concepts Lighting Inc. (VCL), took on the task with an eye for blending tradition with innovation.

Due to the site’s proximity to the Mount Palomar Observatory, the project required a keen understanding of architectural harmony and compliance with strict dark-sky ordinances. The result is a captivating interplay of subtle yet sophisticated lighting that enhances the winery’s romantic ambiance while meeting functional needs

Handcrafted SPJ lanterns suspended from mature oak trees evoke the warm glow of old-world gas lamps, seamlessly integrated into the natural surroundings.

Ongoing plans include adding additional lighting to darker areas, such as the newly expanded event space and extending the catenary lighting to span across new shade structures.

From the outset, maintaining compliance with dark-sky requirements was paramount. All exterior luminaires were limited to a maximum output of 4,050 lumens to minimize light pollution, while a color temperature of 3000K was chosen to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. These parameters dictated the careful selection and placement of fixtures, ensuring the project adhered to regulations without compromising its visual allure. This challenge underscored the delicate balance between preserving the natural beauty of the Temecula landscape and creating a warm, inviting environment for guests.

Vienza’s architecture is a love letter to Italian heritage, and the lighting design had to reinforce this authenticity. For the event space, Perez partnered with Italian artisans to source custom-made fixtures from Neri Lighting, a premier Italian brand, and SPJ Lighting, which specializes in old-world designs. These fixtures were pivotal in creating the timeless ambiance the client desired.

To emphasize the Italian aesthetic, all visible light sources were integrated seamlessly into the architectural structure. For instance, the SPJ brass low-voltage accent lights were concealed within the building’s framework, ensuring the effect of light was felt but not seen. Hidden lighting eliminated visual clutter, allowing the winery’s rustic elegance to take center stage.

The winery’s colonnade presented unique challenges. Ownership strongly opposed the use of poles or overt lighting systems.

Collaborating with the landscape architect, Perez devised a solution that involved suspending custom SPJ lanterns from the branches of mature oak trees. These lanterns, carefully engineered with frosted lenses and rooftop optics, mimic the warm glow of old-world gas lamps. Their internal structure features a white finish to uniformly reflect light, creating a fully illuminated lantern that evokes a sense of timelessness

Alliance Outdoor Lighting fixtures were utilized for the tree bases and step lights, providing subtle illumination without overpowering the space.

The trees themselves were selected with care to support this design. Initially, younger trees were chosen, but they lacked the structural integrity needed to hold the lanterns, prompting a switch to more mature specimens with larger branch structures. The adjustment ensured both functional lighting and enhanced aesthetic authenticity. It perfectly illustrates the value of a strong relationship with the architect, as Perez successfully persuaded them to select larger, sturdier trees.

Low-voltage lighting was critical in simplifying the permitting process and enhancing the design’s flexibility. Alliance Outdoor Lighting fixtures were utilized for the tree bases and step lights, providing subtle illumination without overpowering the space. At just 350 lumens; the surface-mounted step lights were installed to highlight terraced areas, ensuring guest safety without disrupting the ambiance.

I’m always eager to uncover and highlight best practices when interviewing lighting designers about their projects. This project revealed an invaluable insight: using low-voltage lighting to overcome tight timelines. The team by passed the lengthy high-voltage permitting process by opting for low-voltage systems, saving critical time and ensuring the project opened on schedule. This approach met the owner’s deadline and demonstrated the flexibility and efficiency of low-voltage lighting in delivering exceptional results under time constraints. It’s a best practice worth considering for any outdoor project with an accelerated timeline.

Ever fixture was carefully selected to minimize light pollution while maintaining the romantic ambiance of the winery, adhering to the strict dark-sky ordinances.

Throughout the project, the design evolved to accommodate the owner’s vision. For instance, the catenary lighting system originally planned for the colonnade was replaced with temporary festoon lights due to long lead times on the Neri fixtures. While this interim solution met the immediate need, the team remains committed to installing the authentic catenary system, complete with custom Neri pendants, to enhance the Italian theme further.

Indirect lighting techniques were employed inside the event space to create a soft, inviting glow. Italian-style pendants were paired with hidden accent lights that grazed the brick walls, providing a warm ambiance without harsh glare. Each column was fitted with dual fixtures: one to graze the column’s surface and another to illuminate the seating areas below. This layered approach ensured both aesthetic appeal and functional usability.

A unique feature of the winery’s lighting system is its integration with a misting setup; water lines were run alongside some tree-mounted lighting fixtures to combat the region's intense summer heat with a cooling mist. This unexpected combination of utility and design further elevated the guest experience while preserving the elegance of the lighting scheme.

Though the lighting design is largely complete, ongoing enhancements are planned. To ensure a cohesive look, additional lighting will be added to darker areas, such as the newly expanded event space. Plans also include extending the catenary lighting to span across new shade structures, further enriching the Italian-inspired aesthetic.

The final result is a harmonious blend of traditional Italian charm and modern lighting design. Kenny Perez’s meticulous attention to detail and innovative problem-solving brought the owner’s vision to life. The lighting complements the winery’s architecture and serves as a functional, sustainable solution in a dark-sky environment. For those who visit Vienza, the lighting tells a story of heritage, craftsmanship, and the power of thoughtful design. ■