La Biennale alternates between architecture and art/theatre/film and, as the name suggests, is a biannual event held in Venice. First held in 1895, the event has become increasingly international, with representatives from different countries being invited to install national pavilions at the exhibition. This year, 76 countries are represented.
The venue, the Arsenale di Venezia (Venetian Arsenal) is a former shipyard and naval depot which in its heyday in the early 16th century employed some 16,000 people who were able to produce nearly one ship each day. Now, some 250,000 people come from across Italy and around the world between July and November to see the art.
ETC dealer Decima and a local rental company have traditionally supplied all the lighting, but this time, so many luminaires were required that it made sense for ETC Italy to get directly involved. The lighting team, led by Cristiano Frizzele (head of technical logistic services), architect Manuela Lucà Dazio and lighting designers Marciano Rizzo and Carlo Pallieri, use the lighting in two ways: either to light an entire wall, or focussed on the works themselves, enabling them to stand out from the surrounding area. Barn doors on the luminaires eliminate any halo and ensure better light control.
Because there are such a large number of units, power load had to be taken into consideration; the Source Four's optics combined with the 575w HPL lamp provides the equivalent output of 1000w. Using Source Fours also meant reduced heat output, another advantage in the searing heat of the Venetian summer. Positioning the units around seven metres from the exhibits further reduced any potential heat damage to the art works.
ETC's manager for southern Europe Fulvio Cotogni said: "The Source Fours' light weight and flexibility made them perfect for this application; plus a large number of lens tubes could be used with the same luminaire body. The 70° lens was particularly suitable, and the 50° also gave a considerable angle, even at seven metres.
"ETC is delighted to be able to help la Biennale with their lighting, and I'm sure that they'll get many years of service out of their luminaires."
(Jim Evans)
