Roscigno Vecchio – Italy (2020–2022)

Roscigno Vecchio

Salerno, Italy | 2020–2022
Historic Village / Urban & Heritage Lighting
Role: Lighting Designer – Concept, Design & Site Commissioning

Project Overview

Lighting design project for the municipality of Roscigno, involving both realized interventions within the contemporary town and a broader conceptual masterplan for Roscigno Vecchio, an abandoned historic village of significant cultural value.

The project aimed to enhance public spaces and architectural landmarks through a sensitive lighting strategy, capable of reinforcing identity, memory and spatial perception without altering the fragile character of the site.

Realized Intervention

The executed phase included the lighting of:

  • the main square
  • the war memorial
  • the municipal building façade

The lighting approach focused on clarity, balance and restraint, using light to restore hierarchy and legibility to the urban space while maintaining a sober and respectful atmosphere.

DMX-controlled lighting systems were implemented to ensure flexibility, ease of maintenance and the possibility to adapt light levels and scenes for civic events and commemorations.

Concept for Roscigno Vecchio (Unbuilt)

The conceptual masterplan for Roscigno Vecchio explored light as a tool for reviving memory rather than recreating life.

The abandoned village was approached as a silent landscape, where lighting would selectively reveal key elements — such as the old church, the central fountain and the historic washhouse — leaving other areas deliberately in shadow.

The intent was not to illuminate the entire settlement, but to guide visitors through fragments of history, allowing architecture and voids to coexist in a carefully balanced nocturnal narrative.

Technical & Design Strategy

  • Discreet integration of luminaires to preserve the authenticity of historic materials
  • Controlled contrasts between illuminated landmarks and dark areas
  • DMX lighting control for scene management and long-term adaptability
  • Minimal visual impact of fixtures and cabling within sensitive contexts

Role & Responsibilities

  • Lighting concept and narrative development
  • Technical lighting design and fixture specification
  • Commercial coordination and client liaison
  • On-site supervision, commissioning and DMX programming
  • Final testing and tuning of lighting scenes

Although the masterplan for Roscigno Vecchio was not realized due to funding constraints, the project remains a strong example of concept-driven heritage lighting, demonstrating a design approach where light serves memory, place and cultural continuity.