Context
Palau Sant Jordi is the sports arena that forms part of the Olympic Ring complex in Barcelona. Located on Montjuïc hill, the venue was inaugurated in 1992 for the Olympic Games held in the Catalan capital. Palau Sant Jordi hosts both sports competitions and a wide variety of cultural events, from concerts to theatre performances. Arata Isozaki, recipient of the 2019 Pritzker Prize for architecture and renowned for his creativity, innovation, and ability to synthesise Eastern and Western cultures, was responsible for designing the Palau Sant Jordi.
Following a request by the municipal company Barcelona de Serveis Municipals (B:SM), a basic and executive project was carried out, along with the site management, for replacing the exterior lighting and the interior catwalk lighting system with LED technology. The intervention was designed to respect the internal and external structures of the venue, with the aim of achieving a more energy-efficient and sustainable system.
Scope
The project scope was divided into five distinct zones, each with its own set of luminaires. The project scope was divided into five distinct zones, each with its own set of luminaires. The exterior zones included: the staircase area (featuring “parrot cage” type luminaires and linear lights along the handrails), the four porch areas (with “Cordovan hat” luminaires embedded on the outer parts of the columns and spotlights aimed at the columns and ceilings), the balconies (with linear luminaires lighting the inner perimeter of the stone balconies, and integrated fixtures illuminating both inside and outside surfaces), and the upper ring of the dome (with linear luminaires).
Inside the venue, the intervention focused on the catwalk area, where spotlights illuminate the ceiling of the uppermost dome.
Project phases
The first phase of the project began with a thorough technical inspection of all existing luminaires. This stage was essential for understanding the actual state of the installations and ensuring an efficient and safe replacement process. A detailed inventory of each lighting point was compiled, classified into eight different types based on function, location, and physical characteristics.
Once inventoried, the luminaires were analysed in situ to assess their level of deterioration, optical type, light source, and actual power consumption. This analysis was complemented by a structural evaluation of the supports and anchoring mechanisms to determine whether they could be reused or needed replacing. The assessment revealed degradation (mostly due to oxidation) in the luminaires, leading to the decision to construct new metal structures. This also provided an opportunity to redesign some elements to reduce material usage and improve lightness. At the same time, compliance with current regulations on energy efficiency, electrical safety, and light pollution was verified.
This phase concluded with the generation of digital lighting models using DIALux simulation software. This tool enabled simulations of current lighting levels and comparison with proposed LED alternatives, ensuring optimal lighting in terms of both efficiency and visual comfort.
Furthermore, the DALI lighting control system was integrated into both the upper outer ring of the dome and the catwalk. This system allows for configuring different chromatic scenes based on specific needs, giving the Olympic Ring at Palau Sant Jordi strong visual identity and high visibility from a distance. Through this lighting approach, a layer of technological innovation is added that enhances the original architectural elements of the ring and dome designed by Arata Isozaki, without altering their essence.
Summary
In summary, facing the need to update the lighting system at Palau Sant Jordi under energy efficiency criteria — as the existing system no longer met the technological and legal standards of the 21st century — the most appropriate solution was proposed. This solution went beyond merely replacing old luminaires with modern ones. It involved a rigorous analysis of the venue’s particular features, identifying different existing designs, structural and legal deficiencies, and the specific function of each luminaire. From this integral analysis, a tailored replacement proposal was developed for each zone.
The key outcome was a reduction in energy consumption of up to 75% per lighting point, improved uniformity and quality of illumination, and significant enhancement in maintenance efficiency thanks to the DMX centralised control system. This intervention transformed the lighting system of Palau Sant Jordi into a modern, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure aligned with today’s environmental and technological challenges.
