32|REPORTAJE WHY WAS LED LIGHTING CHOSEN? The characteristics of LED lighting have several advantages: - Lower energy consumption: the 400 luminaires used have an installed capacity of just 30 kW, compared with almost 140 kW previously. The consumption of the lights in the nave, for exam- ple, has been reduced to a fifth of what it was. - A luminous efficacy far greater than that pro- vided by conventional sources and instant igni- tion. - A longer lifespan of the installation: around 13 years for 10 hours of lighting a day (switching on and off does not affect the lamps’ lifespan). - A reduction in maintenance costs: LED lumi- naires require little maintenance. For example, the lights have LED flame lamps that reduce the number of maintenance-related operations (scaffolding and moving furniture), while at the same time cutting energy consumption by 80%. Dynamic lighting that makes it possible to ad- just the atmosphere of the site according to the religious or cultural activity (change of intensity and color). des Bâtiments de France”, the official French architects’ body. Computerized orchestration Specifically designed by Benoit Ferré, the resident bishop’s architect (European Architecture Company, EUROGIP), the major innovation of this project is the creation of a spinal column, horizontal, flexible and easily accessible. This technical column extends for three hundred meters, the length of the triforium. The 400 luminaires are operated by means of a computerized system, with a touch screen to simplify control. The system contains several lighting programs and Notre-Dame’s manager can add more if required. Almost all of the luminaires are dimmable, making it possible to modify the lighting according to the event taking place (ceremonies, concerts, prayers, etc.), the time of day or the season. “Philips is very proud to have placed its know- how and technology at the service of this splendid project. For us the challenge was to devise effective lighting while respecting the authenticity of this monument, which attracts several million visitors every year. The lighting really had to enhance the beauty of the site without at any time overwhelming it”, says Benjamin Azoulay, General Manager of Philips Lighting France. ■ More information: www.philips.es