Focus on Details – FOCUS and CARLIGHT illuminate the Sagrada Familia with Cameo

For a lighting designer, there are probably few buildings in the world that can compete with the charm of the Sagrada Familia of Barcelona. While the exceptional level of detail of the façades offers perfect conditions for sculptural illuminations, it poses unique challenges for the designers and fixtures. From 20 to 22 December, residents and visitors alike were able to enjoy the lighting design that Xavi Costas and Paula Costas created for the Nativity façade of the Sagrada Familia and see first-hand the magnificent coverage and chromatic spectacle guaranteed by the Cameo OPUS SP5+ Profile moving heads.

The light show, in combination with music and narration of the biblical story, was offered several times a day bringing Gaudi’s depictions of the birth of Christ to life. Xavier Costas, who is also CEO of event services provider CARLIGHT, was right to choose the Cameo OPUS SP5+ Profile to light the intricately decorated façade of the Nativity of the Sagrada Familia. CARLIGHT, working as a subcontractor under the supervision of the Catalan production company FOCUS, was responsible for the entire multimedia production.

Precise Illumination

“We were tasked to illuminate the three portals of the façade – Faith, Hope and Charity –, which are decorated with countless sculptures and details,” explains Xavier “The challenge was to position the lights in such a way that the numerous levels of height and depth were perfectly covered. In addition, the spotlights needed to be individually focussed on the various areas of the façade while creating a harmonious overall look.”

Xavier has extensive experience in exterior and architectural lighting of famous buildings and events. In 2008, he was responsible for the lighting design of the opening ceremony of the Zaragoza EXPO under the artistic direction of Calixto Bieito. Other notable works include the illumination of the façade of the L’Hospitalet de Llobregat town hall and the inauguration of the innovative “11 de setembre” metro station in Barcelona.

“The OPUS SP5+ convinced me with their high light output, colour mixing, and especially with their flexible framing system. Through custom control of the angle and position of each shutter blade, I was able to aim the OPUS precisely at the various figures on the façade.”
Xavier Costas, Carlight

The linear response of the framing system and the smooth pan/tilt movements of the OPUS SP5+ also contributed an essential component to the overall visual effect of the show with its flowing colour and scene transitions.

From large to small

Xavier has repeatedly worked with Cameo for about two years and uses the full line-up of spotlights for his various projects. “The F2 FC Fresnel Spotlight is my favourite for TV productions due to its colour performance. For mobile outdoor projects, however, I often use the battery-powered DROP B4 Uplight.”