Licht Kunst Licht has designed the lighting for the Cologne Cathedral.

With over 700 discreet surface-mounted LED luminaires for the Cologne Cathedral and not a single drill hole, this project reduced light pollution from 80 per cent to 10 per cent.

The concept emphasises depth, rhythm and verticality through grazing, shadow play and backlighting – while presenting the monument as a sculptural icon, offering civic identity and intimate detail.

The combination of soft backlighting and vertical grazing highlights its soaring traces and pointed arches.

From near and far, the monument now reads clearly as a sculptural icon, offering both civic identity and intimate detail.