Cave of Wonders Italy’s Collepardo Caves have been given a mystic, ethereal new lighting scheme from OkiDoki Arkitekter that highlights the naturally-formed caverns, while protecting the thriving ecosystem within.
L
ocated in the Frosinone province of Italy,
“My interpretation of these goals, shared and agreed in
Caves. A site of significant ecological and
LazioCrea, particularly Director Maurizio Stumbo and
around 70km from Rome, lie the Collepardo archaeological interest, the underground
labyrinth is home to a diverse assortment of natural resources, wildlife and plant life.
Under the supervision of Albino Ruberti, Head of the
Cabinet of the Lazio region, and the region’s Cultural
Heritage Department, the caves have been given a new lighting scheme that brings a sense of mystique and drama, while protecting the delicate ecosystem.
Stockholm-based, Italian lighting designer Chiara
Carucci of OkiDoki Arkitekter, was approached by Ruberti to take on the challenge of illuminating the space in a respectful manner.
“I was ecstatic to be offered the project, especially after visiting the caves for the first time; but I only accepted
after making sure that we could respect the heritage of the caves,” she said. “Too many touristic caves around
the world are lit like an amusement park for the sake of tourism, with no respect for the biodiversity.”
The aim for the new lighting was therefore twofold, as
Carucci explained: “Initially the main goal was to seduce tourists, therefore giving a new input to the local economy; but also, to enhance the beauty while protecting the heritage.
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several meetings with the client [Lazio Region and
Laure Maurizet], was not related to the so-called “wow
factor”, nor the Instagrammability of the project. I meant to convey one simple message: respect the heritage.
“I was hoping that through a simple yet incisive lighting design, I could inspire people to look beyond. If I could
seduce them, maybe scare them a bit too, and revive the spirit of adventure we always have, at least until
adulthood, they would hopefully be inspired to respect and love nature.”
Within this “biodiversity treasure”, as Carucci described it, lives a large community of bats, including at least five species. Falling under the “Habitat Directive” on the
conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and
flora, it was therefore vital that any lighting interventions do not disturb this vibrant colony. Further to this, Carucci had to ensure that the new lighting limited the ecological problem of lampenflora – the proliferation of principally phototrophic organisms near artificial light sources at
sites where under natural circumstances they would not appear.
Luckily for Carucci, she was given guidance from multiple sources when developing the lighting concept: “Vito Consoli, Regional Director for Natural Heritage and
