Christ Church

For the 250th anniversary of Christ Church in Philadelphia, one of the nation’s oldest Anglican congregations where our forefathers worshipped, BEAM was commissioned to design the new steeple lighting. The fixtures that previously lit the steeple were in disrepair and performed poorly without showcasing any of the architectural details of this 18th century church steeple. BEAM introduced dual layers of interior illumination at the cupola and floodlighting to illuminate the steeple in a sensitive and simple manner, providing visual depth and a sophisticated appearance.

Following the success of steeple illumination, the interior sanctuary soon demanded an updated lighting design, yet by a very minimalistic approach. BEAM worked with Frens + Frens Restoration Architects and the congregations’ property stewards to respect the historic fabric of the sanctuary and minimally install new lighting, exit signage and controls. BEAM specified a sophisticated lift system to allow daily access for changing out the many candles on the original candelabra chandelier. The redesigned lighting in the sanctuary involved retrofitting two former convection vents with a custom light fixture housing multiple lamp sources. The new lighting vastly improved the illumination at the altar, main seating area and organ loft as well as reduces unwanted glare, allowing this historic church to glow monumentally.

                                                                                        
ARCHITECTURE. Frens + Frens Restoration Architects

Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia Grand Jury Award 2009

Christ Church

For the 250th anniversary of Christ Church in Philadelphia, one of the nation’s oldest Anglican congregations where our forefathers worshipped, BEAM was commissioned to design the new steeple lighting. The fixtures that previously lit the steeple were in disrepair and performed poorly without showcasing any of the architectural details of this 18th century church steeple. BEAM introduced dual layers of interior illumination at the cupola and floodlighting to illuminate the steeple in a sensitive and simple manner, providing visual depth and a sophisticated appearance.

Following the success of steeple illumination, the interior sanctuary soon demanded an updated lighting design, yet by a very minimalistic approach. BEAM worked with Frens + Frens Restoration Architects and the congregations’ property stewards to respect the historic fabric of the sanctuary and minimally install new lighting, exit signage and controls. BEAM specified a sophisticated lift system to allow daily access for changing out the many candles on the original candelabra chandelier. The redesigned lighting in the sanctuary involved retrofitting two former convection vents with a custom light fixture housing multiple lamp sources. The new lighting vastly improved the illumination at the altar, main seating area and organ loft as well as reduces unwanted glare, allowing this historic church to glow monumentally.

                                                                                        
ARCHITECTURE. Frens + Frens Restoration Architects

Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia Grand Jury Award 2009

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