La Pedrera
Few buildings embody the spirit of Barcelona as profoundly as La Pedrera, also known as Casa Milà. Designed by the visionary architect Antoni Gaudí and completed in 1912, the building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic examples of Catalan Modernism.
Its undulating stone façade, wrought-iron balconies, and sculptural rooftop have captivated architects, designers, and visitors for over a century. Gaudí’s work is defined by organic forms, innovative engineering, and a deep integration of architecture, nature, and light. La Pedrera’s exterior, with its flowing curves and shifting shadows, was designed to interact dynamically with sunlight during the day—a concept that now finds a contemporary counterpart in its new nighttime illumination.
A New Chapter in Architectural Lighting
To bring a fresh and respectful lighting scheme to this historic landmark, the project was entrusted to lighting designer Jordi Moya of ILM BCN S.L.
With years of experience in illuminating heritage architecture, Moya approached the project with a clear vision: enhance the building’s sculptural form with subtle, precise lighting while preserving Gaudí’s intent and the cultural significance of the façade.
“Our main idea is to degrade the building’s light down to the levels of urban street lighting at its base, and from the main chamfer of Paseo de Gracia toward the “darkness” of the adjacent buildings, in order to integrate its nighttime presence harmoniously into the surrounding urban landscape. A grazing, soft light helps reveal the textures and organic forms of its façade, subtly emphasizing the more sculptural elements at the top of the building.” says Moya.
The result is a balanced blend of artistry, technology, and respect—highlighting the building’s natural textures and curves without overwhelming them.
Lighting and Control Solution
The new exterior lighting system combines premium luminaires, robust outdoor-rated components, and a flexible control infrastructure designed for both daily operation and special event scenarios.
Key System Components
- ERCO luminaires
Selected for their precision optics and ability to shape light delicately across complex architectural surfaces. - IP67 linear LEDs from Luxlight
Paired with PWM4 drivers, these weather-resistant linear fixtures illuminate the façade’s sweeping stone surfaces and terraces with uniformity and fine control. - NEMA interface
Ensuring seamless integration within the outdoor lighting network. - Gateway connectivity
Providing reliable communication, remote access, and centralized programming.
Smart Control and Dynamic Scenes
The system features over 51 control nodes, delivering granular control across the façade and rooftop terraces.
Each night, the system manages:
- Daily switching and dimming based on scheduled operating hours
- Dynamic scenes tailored to architectural features
- Special color settings activated on awareness campaign days—such as World Cancer Day or World AIDS Day—allowing La Pedrera to visually participate in meaningful global causes
This flexibility empowers both the building management and the city to adapt the façade’s appearance to cultural events, public initiatives, or artistic programming.
Site
La Pedrera
Location
Barcelona, Spain
Lighting Design
Jordi Moya of ILM BCN S.L.
Nodes
51
Scope
Outdoor lighting for the façade and terraces
Project Partners
ERCO, Luxlight, 181
Photographs
Carles Puig Soler
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