The Giardion del Cielo, or "Garden of the Sky," at Vienza, part of Europa Village in Temecula, was designed to transport its guests to Old World Italy.
The lighting system needed to create a romantic ambiance for evening wine tastings and events, while also providing sufficient light for larger gatherings, such as nighttime farmers markets or craft fairs.
Achieving that “Old World” aesthetic involves using lighting methods reminiscent of those from the past—primarily candlelight and torches. However, while a candlelit dinner is undeniably charming, these sources are unreliable for consistent lighting. To maintain the desired ambiance while ensuring functionality, we opted for two types of lanterns, which were hung in the amphitheater's trees and within the beautiful colonnade backdrop of the property.
Originally, lanterns were designed to shield the candle or gas flame from the wind. Even today, we instinctively associate lantern shapes with a traditional, pre-LED world.
With the hanging lanterns as the primary light source, the human eye naturally associates most of the lighting in the space with these traditional fixtures. This creates an ideal foundation for adding another layer of depth and glamour through a low-voltage lighting system.
We integrated low-voltage lights throughout the colonnade trellis system and at the base of the amphitheater trees. This not only illuminates the walkway within the colonnade but also highlights the architecture and trees themselves, bringing the entire space to life. This allows guests to savor their Italian-style wine while enjoying the full beauty and grace of the landscape and architectural design, both day and night.