In Cartagena de Indias, the city walls form part of a heritage landscape of global relevance, defining the identity of the city and its relationship with the surrounding territory.

This project, developed by Celsa SAS, is part of the broader transformation of the historic centre, aiming to update its nighttime presence through a contemporary and respectful approach.

At MCI LIGHT, we approached the intervention with a clear understanding of the scale and sensitivity of the site, working with light as a tool for reading the space rather than as an added layer.

The proposal reinforces the presence of the walls within the nightscape through a clear, uniform and continuous reading.

Light follows the geometry of the structure, reveals its materiality and allows its scale to be understood without altering its character.

At the same time, the system incorporates the ability to adapt to specific moments in the life of the city, allowing the lighting to respond to celebrations, events and cultural contexts without losing coherence in its everyday operation.

The intervention is developed using SQUARE L and XL, adapted to the different conditions along the route and to the scale of the project.

The work focuses on how light is applied:

- Defining lighting levels appropriate to the environment

- Controlling uniformity across long distances

- Avoiding overexposure on heritage surfaces

- Integrating the installation with minimal visual impact

- Developing scenes that allow the lighting to adapt to different contexts

Our contribution is conceived as a comprehensive, end-to-end approach: from initial concept through to the final implementation of the system.

This includes the definition and programming of lighting control, scene configuration, on-site installation support and supervision to ensure the lighting is executed and perceived exactly as designed.

The walls regain a nighttime presence consistent with their urban and heritage significance.

The lighting enables a clear and balanced reading in everyday use, while providing the flexibility needed to accompany the city’s cultural life.

The result is an intervention that reinforces the value of the site without altering its identity.

Credits