Ilanz Monastery Church

The Klosterkirche Ilanz, built in 1971 by Walter Moser and inspired by Le Corbusier’s architecture in Ronchamp, derives its character from the power of light. Defining elements are the carefully positioned daylight openings, which guide filtered and partly colored light into the interior. The deliberately minimalist design of the church space gives priority to this play of light. The existing artificial lighting scheme, using halogen metal halide lamps, complements this effect through uplights integrated into the concrete columns, producing indirect, highly diffuse, and uniform illumination, as well as through downlights in the altar area.

As part of the project, the existing lighting system will be refurbished and completely replaced. The aim is to preserve the church’s characteristic lighting atmosphere, its simplicity, and its architectural expression, while selectively further developing them. Illuminance levels over the seating areas will be improved to enhance the space functionally. The altar area will be brought more clearly into focus: it will be highlighted more precisely, while the indirect lighting in the nave will be slightly reduced. This creates a clear lighting dramaturgy that directs attention to the center and the altar, sustainably reinforcing the church’s spiritual atmosphere.