Salzburg Landestheater
Salzburg
Project by: studio podpod

The Vienna-based light planning studio podpod design chose Targetti Poulsen as a lighting partner for the façade illumination of the Salzburg Landestheater, that recently reopened its doors after a renovation project implemented by the architectural studio Scheicher. Effect illumination is a key design element of nocturnal cityscapes. Contrary to ubiquitous daylight, artificial light renders buildings and objects visible in a targeted manner, thereby permitting the planned design of urban space. Light communicates meaning and allows for the intuitive perception of the city. Light communicates culture, identity and creates moods. At night, light endows cities and specific locations with unique appeal. The new façade illumination visibly emphasizes the importance the theatre assumes for the city of Salzburg also at night-time. The mix of white basic illumination and coloured, variously directed effect lighting confers a new nocturnal identity on the building and communicates the evening’s programme to passers-by outside. Colours change depending on the event category: violet for opera, blue for drama, green for ballet and orange for children’s theatre. Since the building is situated in the old town, in a zone frequented by numerous pedestrians and other road users, podpod design chose an illumination concept that remains close to the building surface. This environmentally friendly approach safeguards maximum lighting efficiency combined with minimum light emission towards the nocturnal sky yet allows for the façade structure to be modeled with light. By using coloured illumination from spotlights mounted flush in the pavement and integrated in niches, all surfaces facing downward are accented in colour. The latest generation of RGB multi-chip LED spotlights was used, as these – contrary to conventional RGB single-chip LED spotlights – do not create multi-coloured shadows. Additionally, wall washers on the moulding, which release light downward and upward, bathe all vertical surfaces in a warm white light from ceramic discharge lamps. The entrance zone was specifically singled out in the overall illumination concept. For this purpose, the light level below the canopy was increased to direct arriving visitors towards the entrance. Moreover, the coloured light between the columns flanks the entrance and hence creates the required gateway effect. In addition, the characteristic small turret and the fly tower were effectively emphasized through illumination, thus rendering the building volume more tangible. The new façade illumination provides for a friendly and inviting lighted space around the building. In this way, the building marks its position between heavily trafficked Schwarzstrasse and traffic hub Makartplatz. The visual axis linking Mirabellgarten Park and Hohensalzburg Fortress is thus shown off to particularly impressive advantage.