30|REPORTAJE With this new LED technology, the light appears to emanate from the stone, with the luminaires displaying the building while themselves remaining inconspicuous. Never dazzling, sometimes powerful, and always warm, this light creates a reverent atmosphere while still emphasizing the architecture. The lighting reveals the details of renowned works of art such as the Virgin and Child. This statue, which was moved to Notre-Dame in 1818, is the most famous of the thirty-seven representations of the Virgin that the cathedral contains. Today the profile spots redefine the characters while at the same time shining a gentle light onto the sculpture and the white flowers laid out at her feet. The north and south rose windows, which were made in the 13th century and symbolize the flowers of paradise, have also been highlighted. Positioned above the north and south doors, more than 50 meters from the rose windows, two completely invisible 250W spotlights direct their beams onto each rose window, revealing the delicacy of the sculptures. This lighting gives the impression that the stained- glass window itself is radiating light, without altering the monument’s exterior appearance, since the light is only visible on the inside. Lighting adapted “The Cathedral has two roles, a religious one and a cultural one, with religious ceremonies, visits (almost 14 million visitors in 2013) and concerts. The new lighting was therefore designed to allow different atmospheres to be created depending on these activities”, explains Armand Zadikian, the project’s lighting designer. Armand Zadikian was able to retain areas of half-light, to play upon the contrasts and to create effects of white tones. In order to integrate the lighting perfectly with the building and make the LED luminaires virtually invisible to visitors, he also worked in close collaboration with “Architectes “Armand Zadikian was able to retain areas of half-light, to play upon the contrasts and to create effects of white tones. In order to integrate the lighting perfectly with the building and make the LED luminaires virtually invisible to visitors, he also worked in close collaboration with “Architectes des Bâtiments de France”, the official French architects’ body”.