5 minute read
Lighting the Učka Tunnel
Skira’s Vision of Technology, Art, and Regional Heritage
By Randy Reid
Photo credit: Daniel Bartolic and Dean Skira
Nestled between the Istrian peninsula and mainland Croatia, the Učka Tunnel serves as a vital artery connecting these two regions. The recent expansion, with the opening of its second tube on September 13, marks not just an infrastructural feat but a stunning display of art and innovation through lighting. Skira Architectural Lighting, led by the visionary Dean Skira, has transformed the tunnel into a symphony of light that reflects the unique essence of Istrian heritage.
At over 5.6 kilometers long and part of a €200 million project, the Učka Tunnel's second tube was designed to reduce congestion and improve transportation flow. Yet, the Skira team pushed the boundaries of what tunnel lighting could achieve, blending technology with local culture. When I visited the tunnel a week after its opening, the impact of their work was undeniable.
A Personal Encounter with the Tunnel
Arriving at the tunnel late in the evening, around 10 PM, I encouraged my wife to lean out of the car to capture unobstructed shots as we approached the entrance. It was a serene moment, disrupted only briefly by a toll collector shaking his finger at me. Assuming he was signaling that credit cards were not accepted, I was ready to pull out some euros, but then came the words that made my heart sink: “Tunnel closed!” Luckily, he added, “For 10 minutes for maintenance.”
I asked if I could exit the car and take pictures, and he responded, “Why not?” The delay felt like winning the lottery – I was granted the chance to experience the magic of the lighting without looking through dirty windows.
A Vision Rooted in Regional Culture
During a dinner earlier that evening, Skira shared insights into the vision behind the Učka Tunnel project. The task wasn’t just to light the tunnel; it was to evoke a sense of Istria, to tell a story through light. His design does just that, with the tunnel serving as a canvas for both natural elements and advanced lighting technology.
On the Istrian (Reijka) side, the tunnel greets drivers with corten steel cladding – a deliberate design choice that suggests the red, dry earth of Istria’s arid landscape. The iGuzzini lighting at 2700K interacts with this material to create a warm, grounded feeling, pulling from the earthy tones that define the region.
Exiting the tunnel on the Kvarner side is an entirely different experience. Here, Skira’s team employed architectural projectors from Martin Lighting to display dynamic, wave-like projections on the administrative building and tunnel entrance. As I stood there that night, massive waves crashed against the structure – a perfect metaphor for the transition from the dry, sun-beaten land of Istria to the beautiful, deep-blue waters of the Kvarner Gulf.
The administrative and control building is illuminated with projectors that simulate ten different scenarios, reflecting the four seasons, as well as the region’s distinctive winds, the Bura and Jugo, and winter snowfalls. These lighting scenes automatically or manually change each evening until midnight, or until 10 p.m. during the winter months, to align with the rhythm of the surroundings and weather conditions.
BINA Istra, in collaboration with the French company Bouygues, gave Skira's team the creative freedom to explore new boundaries. With lighting scenes that shift with the seasons, the design offers a dynamic experience for the millions of travelers who will journey through the tunnel in the coming years. Seamlessly merging technology and art, the design is as enduring as the tunnel itself, harmonizing with the timeless beauty of nature.
This immersive journey from one side of the tunnel to the other – from earth to ocean – captures the very essence of Istria, offering travelers a dynamic sensory experience that’s more than just functional lighting. It’s a journey through time, place, and elements.
Overcoming Challenges with Artistic Precision
Building the tunnel was no small feat, especially given the challenging geological conditions. More than 30 caves and fissures were discovered during the construction, necessitating over 1,000 tons of liquid explosives. Despite these hurdles, the project was completed on time, and the lighting design was flawlessly integrated into the final structure.
Skira’s architectural background played a critical role in this success. He not only illuminates existing structures but also designs the materials and forms that are lit. The corten steel cladding is an example of this integration, showcasing how lighting can interact with architecture to create a cohesive, artistic statement.
A Dedication to Perfection
Throughout our conversation, Skira’s pride in his team’s dedication was evident. The 10-person crew, responsible for commissioning the project, worked tirelessly to ensure every detail was perfect. Many stayed until 2 or 3 in the morning during the final days before the opening to ensure the lighting met Skira’s exacting standards.
The hard work paid off. The Učka Tunnel stands as a testament to the power of lighting design, not just in enhancing safety and visibility but in telling a story about place and identity. Skira’s approach merged the technical with the artistic, the past with the present, and the land with the sea.
In the end, the Učka Tunnel is not just a route through a mountain – it’s a journey through Istria itself, captured in light.
