BEAM believes that lighting design goes beyond mere illumination; it is a transformative art that revitalizes sacred spaces while honoring their architectural heritage.
Saint Mark’s Church is prime example. It stands as a prominent symbol of community, faith, and philanthropy with its awe-inspiring Gothic Revival architecture in downtown Philadelphia since the last 1840’s. Behind its grand façade lies a hidden beauty waiting to be unveiled. BEAM brings its passion and expertise to illuminate centuries of spiritual devotion.
Saint Mark’s Church
BEAM meticulously designed a lighting scheme that revitalized Saint Mark’s vaulted sanctuary. Discreet track lighting delicately traced the roof lines, casting a gentle glow upon the pews, accenting architectural embellishment, and uplighting the ceilings. Through the artful play of light and shadow, sculptures and paintings once cloaked in darkness emerged, inviting worshippers to marvel at their intricate beauty.
Christ Church
BEAM’s design at Christ Church paid homage to the architectural grandeur of the 18th century. Several years ago, illuminating the Christ Church steeple marked the 250th anniversary of one of the nation’s oldest Anglican congregations where our forefathers worshipped. The steeple was unseen in the old city skyline; hence BEAM was brought on board to design the interior and exterior lighting. The unlit cupola provided an excellent opportunity for illumination from within. BEAM specified pin-point flood lighting installed on the roofs of the main chapel and the adjacent Neighborhood House to highlight the unique corbels, shingled walls, exterior pediments, and other unique architectural details. The dual layers of interior illumination and floodlighting illuminate the steeple sensitively and simply, providing visual depth and a sophisticated appearance.
Inside Christ Church, decades of piecemeal lighting installations had left the sanctuary dim and uninspiring. BEAM’s challenge was to bring brilliance to every corner without compromising the historic integrity. With a minimalist approach, BEAM transformed the interior into a glowing sanctuary. Two former convection vents, five feet in diameter, were retrofitted with a custom light fixture housing multiple lamp sources to better illuminate the altar, main seating area, and organ loft and reduce glare. From coordinating the graceful lift system of the original candelabra chandelier to recreating electrified wall candelabra illuminating the upper balconies, every element was designed to honor the past while embracing the future.
Arrupe Hall
BEAM’s expertise extends beyond grand cathedrals and historic landmarks. In Arrupe Hall, a humble residence for Jesuit priests, light was woven into the very fabric of the building. BEAM worked closely with the architect to integrate lighting into the details of the chapel, while also considering how natural and artificial light filters in and out of the various materials used on the façade. While most of the attention was placed on the chapel space with its unique shape, skylight, and custom ceiling, care was taken in the residential spaces to create a warm, comfortable, and reflective space for the priests.
Saint David’s Church
In the rolling hills of Wayne, Pennsylvania, where Saint David’s Church has stood for over three centuries, BEAM unveiled a master plan to illuminate not just buildings but history itself. The Conceptual Exterior Master Plan ensures the campus is lit with restraint and appropriateness, respecting the historic site’s significance. The transformation of the church’s lighting system will significantly impact its overall ambiance and functionality.
For BEAM, lighting design is more than just a profession; it’s a commitment to preserving the stories and legacies embodied within historic structures. Through our work, we forge connections between past and present, faith and architecture. In the quiet glow of a candlelit sanctuary or the grandeur of a steeple aglow, BEAM’s lighting design serves as a beacon, guiding us towards a future where beauty and respect walk hand in hand, honoring the rich tapestry of our shared history.