Work Portfolio
Sacred Architectural Lighting Mock-Up Study for Jakarta Cathedral
With great enthusiasm in welcoming the Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis to Jakarta Cathedral in September 2024, ALTA Integra contributed to improving the cathedral’s interior lighting quality through a mock-up lighting study exploring sacred atmosphere, visual hierarchy, architectural depth, color rendering, and human-centered worship experience within one of Indonesia’s most important religious heritage buildings.
Lighting within sacred architecture is not merely about visibility. It is about shaping spiritual atmosphere, emotional perception, and the relationship between human experience and sacred space.
With great enthusiasm in welcoming the Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis to Jakarta Cathedral in September 2024, Herwin Gunawan and ALTA Integra Lighting Design team contributed to enhancing the interior lighting quality of the historic cathedral through a series of architectural lighting mock-up studies.
The mock-up lighting study was developed to explore how different lighting strategies can influence visual hierarchy, contemplative ambience, architectural depth, and the perception of religious art and liturgical elements within the cathedral interior.
Rather than focusing solely on brightness, the study investigated how controlled contrast, color rendering quality, luminance balance, and focal illumination could create a more human-centered and spiritually immersive worship environment.
Through a series of lighting mock-ups and visual evaluations, the project examined how light can respectfully reveal the architectural richness, sacred symbolism, and emotional atmosphere of one of Indonesia’s most important religious heritage buildings.
Altar Main Table
Michael Ho from ERCO Singapore assisting Jakarta Cathedral during the lighting mock-up process, testing luminaire positioning, beam angles, and lighting quality to evaluate architectural perception, visual comfort, and worship experience within the historic cathedral interior.
A comparative mock-up evaluation was conducted between the proposed ERCO lighting solution (left) and the existing lighting system (right). Using a professional spectrometer, the assessment measured illuminance (lux), correlated color temperature (CCT), and color rendering quality (CRI) to understand how different lighting technologies influence visual perception and worship experience.
The results showed that the ERCO lighting achieved a higher illuminance level (736 lux vs. 389 lux) while maintaining a warm color temperature and superior color rendering performance (CRI 90 vs. CRI 82). This improvement allows priest face expression, architectural details, religious artwork, and liturgical elements to be perceived more naturally and accurately.
Flicker measurements were conducted to compare the performance of the existing lighting system and the proposed ERCO lighting solution. Flicker is an important lighting quality parameter that can affect visual comfort, concentration, camera recording quality, and the overall worship experience.
The measurement results showed that the existing lighting system exhibited a 14.31% flicker level, while the proposed ERCO lighting achieved a significantly lower 7.44% flicker level, representing nearly a 48% reduction in flicker. This improvement contributes to a more stable visual environment, reducing the risk of visual fatigue and discomfort during extended worship activities.
Tabernacle Lighting Mock Up
The comparison between the two lighting approaches demonstrates how lighting strategy significantly influences the visual perception, emotional atmosphere, and spiritual experience of the church tabernacle. Although both scenes illuminate the same sacred architectural object, the difference in lighting composition creates entirely different spatial qualities and emotional responses.
Existing Lighting - small spotlight create glare spot and exesive dart spot
Existing Tabernacle Lighting Strategy
Multiple Small Spotlights with Fragmented Illumination
The existing tabernacle is illuminated using multiple small spotlight sources with narrow beam distributions. While this strategy increases localized brightness, it also creates: excessive reflective glare, fragmented illumination, harsh bright-dark transitions, visual clutter, uneven brightness distribution and no focal points.
The multiple bright hotspots generate a visually busy environment where the eye continuously shifts between isolated illuminated areas rather than perceiving the altar composition as a unified sacred focal point. The lighting perception feels: overly contrasty, fragmented, visually loud and noisy, less calm and less spiritually immersive.
The narrow beam spotlights also create excessive dark pockets between illuminated surfaces, causing the sculptural narratives and architectural carvings to appear disconnected from one another. Although dramatic, the lighting lacks overall compositional harmony and reduces the contemplative quality expected within sacred architecture.
Mock Up Testing - Reveal Golden Color and Visual Hierarchy
Mock Up Tabernacle Lighting
Layered and Hierarchical Illumination
The mock up lighting strategy shifts toward a more integrated and layered composition with improved visual hierarchy and controlled luminance balance. The mock-up lighting creates a more refined and cohesive sacred atmosphere by revealing the natural golden warmth and material richness of the historic altar architecture.
This strategy creates: stronger visual hierarchy, better luminance balance, reduced glare perception, improved spatial continuity, greater visual depth, enhanced sacred atmosphere and reveal the golden color paint.
The crucifix becomes the primary spiritual focal point, while the surrounding relief sculptures and ornamental carvings remain visually connected without competing excessively for attention. The lighting perception now feels: more sacred and contemplative, more visually organized, richer in depth and texture, more emotionally immersive, calmer and more reverent
Rather than fragmented the tabernacle composition, the lighting now creates layered depth and gentle contrast that guide the eye naturally through the altar narrative. The result is a lighting environment that feels more harmonious, contemplative, and emotionally immersive while maintaining appropriate visual focus and reverence within the sacred space.
Subject to Background Light Ratio
The lighting study explores how subject-to-background illumination ratio influences visual perception, emotional atmosphere, and spatial hierarchy within a sacred architectural environment.
Rather than relying solely on overall brightness, the design approach evaluates how controlled contrast between the subject and background can shape focus, depth perception, and human emotional response.
Subject to Background High Contrast Ratio
Stronger Focus and Dramatic Emphasis
In the high contrast lighting, the lighting composition applies a higher subject-to-background contrast ratio by reducing background illumination and increasing visual separation between the speaker and surrounding architecture.
This strategy creates:
Stronger visual focus on the subject
Greater sense of depth
More dramatic atmosphere
Reduced background distraction
Enhanced subject prominence
Subject - Background Illumination Ratio - High Contrast
The darker background allows the human figure to emerge more clearly from the space, improving visual hierarchy and directing audience attention more intentionally toward the speaker. The lighting perception feels: More intimate, More cinematic, More emotionally focused, More visually dramatic and More contemplative.
This approach is particularly effective for: Camera-focused communication settings, Recorded presentations, Broadcast environments, Emotional or reflective moments and Dramatic or Contemplative Sermons storytelling,
Subject to Background Medium Contrast Ratio
Balanced Visibility and Spatial Integration
In Medium Contrast Ratio Lighting, the lighting composition applies a medium subject-to-background contrast ratio, where both the subject and altar background remain visibly connected within the visual field. This approach creates: Softer visual transition, Balanced spatial perception, Comfortable facial visibility, Natural skin tone rendering and Greater contextual awareness of the architectural background.
Subject - Background Illumination Ratio - Medium Contrast
The medium contrast ratio allows the speaker to remain visually dominant while maintaining the sacred altar as an important spatial backdrop. The lighting perception feels: Warm and approachable, Spatially balanced, Calm and conversational and Architecturally integrated.
This lighting condition is suitable for: Religious talks, Community interaction, Hybrid worship streaming, Educational or pastoral communication and Situations requiring both subject clarity and environmental context.
Via Crucis Mural Paint by Theo Molkenboer
The lighting study demonstrates how color rendering quality and illumination level significantly influence the visual perception, emotional atmosphere, and artistic readability of the Via Crucis mural painting by Theo Molkenboer.
Rather than functioning solely as illumination, the lighting becomes a medium for revealing artistic detail, material color richness, and spiritual narrative within the sacred artwork.
Existing Lighting - Low Color Rendering Index - Low Lux Level
Existing Lighting Mural Painting
Low Color Rendering Index — Low Lux Level
The existing lighting condition produces limited visual clarity due to insufficient illumination level and poor color rendering quality.
The mural appears:
Dim and visually compressed
Lacking tonal separation
Low in material richness
Reduced in artistic legibility
Flat in color perception
Visually muted and less emotionally engaging
The low Color Rendering Index (CRI) reduces the ability of the lighting to accurately reveal the original pigments, textures, and chromatic nuances of the artwork.
As a result:
Skin tones appear dull
Warm color layers become muddy
Fine artistic details are lost
Depth and dimensionality are weakened
The mural narrative becomes less visually expressive
The low lux level further diminishes the mural’s visual prominence within the sacred interior, causing the artwork to recede into darkness rather than serving as an important spiritual and artistic focal point.
The overall perception feels:
Dark and visually subdued
Less inviting
Less emotionally immersive
Less connected to the sacred storytelling intention of the artwork
Erco Mock Up Lighting - Higher Color Rendering Index - Higher Lux Level
Mock Up Lighting Mural Painting
Higher Color Rendering Index — Higher Lux Level
In the lower image, the improved lighting condition significantly enhances the visual and emotional perception of the mural through higher CRI illumination and increased, yet controlled, lux levels.
The lighting now reveals:
Richer color fidelity
Greater tonal separation
Improved material texture
Enhanced artistic detail
Better visual hierarchy
Stronger narrative readability
The higher CRI lighting restores the warmth and complexity of the original mural palette, allowing:
Skin tones to appear more natural
Gold and earth-tone pigments to emerge more vividly
Fine brushwork and texture to become visible
Visual depth and layering to feel more dimensional
The increased illumination level improves visibility while maintaining a warm and contemplative sacred atmosphere.
Rather than appearing flat or faded, the mural now becomes:
More visually alive
More emotionally engaging
More spiritually expressive
More architecturally integrated within the church interior
Lighting Mock-Up on vault balcony
Lighting Projection Mock-Up for the Memorial Plaque in the Foyer of Jakarta Cathedral
What is sacred architectural lighting concept?
The mock-up lighting study demonstrates that lighting quality within sacred architecture cannot be measured only by illumination level alone.
Different lighting strategies create fundamentally different perceptions of atmosphere, spirituality, emotional comfort, and architectural experience. Through careful control of luminance hierarchy, color rendering, contrast, and visual focus, lighting becomes more than technical illumination — it becomes an instrument for contemplation, reverence, and human connection.
For historic religious spaces such as Jakarta Cathedral, sensitive lighting design plays an important role in preserving not only architectural heritage, but also the emotional and spiritual qualities experienced by worshippers and visitors.
This study reflects a broader human-centered lighting approach where light is designed not to dominate the space, but to quietly support sacred atmosphere, visual comfort, and meaningful spiritual experience.
Project Information
Project: Jakarta Cathedral Architectural Lighting
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Service: Sacred and Heritage Architectural Lighting Design
Scope: Lighting Mock-Up, Visual Evaluation, Lighting Quality Assessment
Consultant: Herwin Gunawan / ALTA Integra
Year: 2024
Sacred Heritage Lighting Design Process Jakarta Cathedral Church
Discover how ALTA Integra transformed the iconic Jakarta Cathedral with a specialized lighting concept. This portfolio piece explores the design strategy used to enhance the sacred Neo-Gothic architecture while ensuring heritage preservation for Indonesia's landmark church.
Lighting a historical place of worship requires a deep respect for historical architecture, religious liturgy, and structural preservation. This case study details the meticulous, data-driven lighting design process utilized to revitalize the interior of the iconic Neo-Gothic Jakarta Cathedral.
Phase 1
Architectural Heritage Study
Liturgical Study
Existing Lighting Quality Assesment
Before introducing new fixtures, a comprehensive empirical audit of the existing lighting environment is mandatory to safeguard the building's heritage status.
Spectral & Illuminance Testing: Utilizing advanced diagnostic tools (such as UPRtek spectrometer technology), we mapped the ambient light levels and color rendering indices across the nave and sanctuary.
Data Findings: Initial assessments captured a baseline light level of 44.0 lux at the pew level, with highly uneven intensity distribution (ranging from 25% to 46% efficiency across different zones).
Identifying Deficiencies: The high contrast and dark voids in the upper vaults detracted from the cathedral's majestic Neo-Gothic verticality, while inadequate task lighting compromised the readability of liturgical texts.
Heritage Preservation Focus: High UV and heat-emitting legacy bulbs were flagged for replacement to protect centuries-old woodwork, paintings, and sacred artifacts from photochemical degradation.
Phase 2
Conceptual Lighting Design
3D Lighting Simulation & Digital Twin Mapping
To guarantee structural safety and visual accuracy before any physical installation begins, a digital twin of the Jakarta Cathedral was engineered.
Quantitative False-Color Analysis
Using specialized lighting simulation software, the cathedral's interior was modeled to calculate exact lux distribution, glare ratings, and surface reflectance. The false-color rendering allows stakeholders to visualize precisely how light behaves along the complex ribbed vaults and pointed arches.
Qualitative Material Rendering
Simultaneously, a 3D gray-scale rendering was generated to study the interplay of light and shadow (chiaroscuro), ensuring the architectural integrity and depth of the stone and timber pillars are enhanced, not flattened, by the new scheme.
Phase 3
Conceptual 2D Wireframe
Structural Integration
A core challenge of heritage conservation is hiding modern technology within historic architecture without altering the physical fabric of the building.
Non-Invasive Luminaire Placement: The 2D wireframe schematic illustrates the precise positioning of architectural uplights nestled into the capitals of the columns.
Accentuating the Architecture: By grazing the faces of the pointed arches with warm, directional light, the design draws the eyes upward, celebrating the structural engineering of the cathedral.
Reversible Design Principle: In adherence to strict international conservation standards, all lighting mounts and pathways are designed to be completely reversible, leaving zero permanent damage to the historic brick and stone.
Phase 4
The Final Ambiance
Harmonizing Liturgy and Light
The ultimate goal of the design is to foster a serene, contemplative atmosphere that elevates the spiritual experience for the congregation.
Layered Lighting Scheme:
Ambient Layer: Soft, warm-toned illumination reflecting off the ceiling vaults to provide comfortable, glare-free general lighting.
Accent Layer: High-CRI (Color Rendering Index) directional spotlights dedicated to the Stations of the Cross, altars, and sacred oil paintings, bringing out their true colors and textures.
Task Layer: Focused, dimmable illumination targeted precisely at the pews and sanctuary for reading scripts and hymnals.
Smart Liturgical Control: The entire system is integrated into a digital control framework, allowing church staff to transition effortlessly between various scenes—ranging from intimate daily masses to brightly illuminated festive celebrations like Christmas and Easter.
Project Information
Project: Jakarta Cathedral Architectural Lighting
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Service: Sacred and Heritage Architectural Lighting Design
Scope: Lighting Mock-Up, Visual Evaluation, Lighting Quality Assessment
Consultant: Herwin Gunawan / ALTA Integra
Year: 2024
Apoteker Perawatan Kulit Kiehls Since 1851 - Sustainable Retail Box pertama di Central Park Jakarta - akankah menjadi toko retail terhijau di Indonesia?
Toko Farmasi tempat John Kiehl memulai karirnya sebagai apoteker perawatan kulit sejak tahun 1851
Kepedulian Kiehls since 1851
Kiehls adalah sebuah perusahaan farmasi kecantikan yang memulai usahanya pada tahun 1851. Pada tahun 1924 Kiehls mempelopori keterbukaan material dengan mencantumkan bahan yang terkandung di dalam produknya. Tahun 2018 Platform Kiehl’s Future Made Better diluncurkan untuk mewujudkan komitmen pembangunan berkelanjutan dalam rangka menjaga keberlangsungan bumi dan kegiatan filantropis lainnya.
Di tahun 2020 Kiehls berhasil meningkatkan persentase kandungan bahan terbarukan pada semua produk perawatan kecantikan sampai dengan 98%. Tahun 2022, Kiehls dibawah manajemen L’oreal menjalankan program Retail Sustainable untuk meningkatkan kenyaman dan kesehatan pekerja dan pelanggan serta membangun dan mengoperasikan toko ramah lingkungan.
Sebagai langkah awal Sustainablity Design team L’oreal International memilih outlet Kiehls di Central Park Jakarta sebagai proyek pertama program Retail Sustainable di Indonesia, dan ALTA Integra terpilih untuk menjadi partner dalam mewujudkan program tersebut.
Sustainable Retail Box
Sustainable Retail Box diadaptasi dari rating US Green Building Council LEED dan International WELL Building Institute rating. Adapun parameter L’oreal Sustaible Retail Box dibagi menjadi 6 kategori sebagai berikut.
Construction & Project Management
Manajemen proyek dan konstruksi melibatkan seluruh stakeholder seperti desainer-kontraktor-landlord dalam proyek sustainable retail, mereview perencanaan kualitas desain dan konstruksi, menjaga kualitas udara saat dan setelah konstruksi, memilah material bongkaran yang dapat digunakan kembali, material bongkaran untuk didaur ulang, sampah berbahaya, dan aspek lainnya.
Building Design & Space Layout
Desain bangunan dan layout ruangan meliputi aksesibilitas difabel, kenyamanan indera penciuman, ergonomic furniture, manajemen sampah operasional toko dan lain-lain.
Materials
Kategori bahan meliputi penggunaan kayu bersertifikat, material eco-label, material dengan kandungan kimia yang terdeklarasi , material dan furniture rendah emisi, dan lain-lain.
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
Pemanasan, Pendinginan dan Pertukaran Udara meliputi kenyamanan termal sesuai dengan ASHRAE Standard 55-2010, kecepatan sirkulasi udara, tingkat pertukaran udara, sistem filter sirkulasi udara, dan lain-lain.
Lighting & Electricity
Pencahayaan dan Listrik meliputi lighting desain dan automasi hemat energi, penggunaan lampu LED dan perangkat toko hemat energi, perhitungan penggunaan listrik per meter persegi dan pemasangan listrik metering untuk monitor harian, konektifitas internet, pembatasan eksposur elektromagnet dan lain-lain. Selain desain hemat energi, kualitas pencahayaan yang harus dicapai meliputi level pencahayaan di tiap bagian, color temperatur dan color rendering index untuk yang sejalan dengan kualitas produk yang dijual.
Water
Kategori air meliputi ketersediaan air minum untuk pekerja, air yang aman untuk membersihkan uji coba sampel perawatan, strategi desain plumbing agar tercipta penggunaan air yang hemat, pemasangan meter air untuk memonitor penggunaan air harian dan lain-lain.
Pengukuran parameter teknis pencahayaan seperti tingkat pencahayaan (Lux) , correlated color temperature (Kelvin) dan Color Rendering Index sebagai benchmark data untuk penilaian peningkatan performa dan index kepuasan.
ALTA Integra adalah desainer Lingkungan Fisika yang berfokus pada kesehatan manusia dan lingkungan
ALTA Integra dibentuk karena kepercayaan bahwa lingkungan fisika di mana kita hidup, bekerja dan bermain dapat membentuk dan mempengaruhi tubuh, pikiran dan perilaku manusia. Penelitian multi-disiplin yang dilakukan mendukung teori yang menyimpulkan lingkungan fisika dapat meningkatkan kesehatan, kebahagian dan produktifitas.
Sayangnya banyak bangunan yang dirancang tanpa memperhitungkan aspek lingkungan fisika sehingga setelah terbangun memberikan dampak negatif kepada penghuninya seperti suasana cahaya yang tidak nyaman membuat lekas lelah, gangguan suara yang menyulitkan untuk beristirahat, fokus bekerja dan belajar serta beragam masalah yang dapat merusak bumi dan alam.
Untuk itu ALTA Integra selalu fokus dalam mendesain lingkungan fisika bangunan yang dapat mempertimbangkan kepekaan dan kecerdasan indera sehingga bangunan tersebut dapat membuat pengguna dan lingkungannya berkembang secara positif. Untuk informasi lebih lanjut bagaimana Konsultasi Multi-Disiplin Fisika Bangunan yang berfokus pada kesehatan manusia dan alam dapat memberikan nilai tambah buat usaha ANDA, klik tombol dibawah ini.
Interior Lighting Acoustic Karaoke System: Miami Vibe KTV Bar
Miami Vibe Karaoke Television KTV Executive Club Comprehensive Multi Discipline Design. Seamless Integration Design of Audiovisual Interior Acoustic Design Lighting, Excellent Audiovisual Karaoke Experiences with Excellent Acoustic and Miami Style Lighting Design.
Seamless Integration Design of Audiovisual Interior Acoustic Design Lighting, Excellent Audiovisual Karaoke Experiences with Excellent Acoustic and Miami Style Lighting Design
City View Bar
KTV Room
Entrance
Toilet
Lighting Design: Masjid Apung Ancol Jakarta
ALTA Integra lighting design team create An-Nur or Guidance Light Atmosphere to bring Human closer to Allah, in this beautiful Floating Mosque designed by Andra Matin Architect.
ALTA Integra lighting design team create An-Nur or Guidance Light Atmosphere to bring Human closer to Allah, in this beautiful Floating Mosque designed by Andra Matin Architect.
Architectural & Electro Acoustic Design: Jakarta Cathedral Church
How we Improve Speech Intelligibility in Cathedral Jakarta - A Neo Gothic Church Architecture with Reverberant Acoustics Environment while Preserve Historical Beauty
How We Improve Speech Intelligibility in Reverberant Acoustics Environment While Preserve Historical Beauty
Lighting Audiovisual Design: Plaza Maria Katedral Jakarta
Audiovisual and Lighting Design Plaza Maria Gereja Katedral Jakarta. With the mindset of respecting the architectural and heritage value of the building, we have choses solutions and technology that improved the congregation spiritual experience.
Saint Mary of the Assumption Cathedral Church in Jakarta is one of the most famous and beautiful cathedral churches in Indonesia. The construction began in the year 1891 - 1901 lead by Pastor Antonius Dijkmans, SJ who is appointed as the architect. Due to the lack of funding, construction was halted. After sufficient funds were accrued, MJ Hulswitt resumed the construction in the year 1899.
With the growth of population in Jakarta and so do the members of the Catholic Congregation, the church decided to increase the mass capacity of the church by developing an outdoor area as the extension space to make room for more people on Sunday Morning Mass or Special Event Mass.
The plan started in 2018, with the mindset of respecting the architectural and heritage value of the building. Taking advantage, choosing solutions and technology that would improve the congregation spiritual experience in accordance with international performance standards.
All the concerning issues were noted from the beginning as shown by the owners, including giving the church stakeholders: scientific methodology of acoustical, audio-visual technology and lighting engineering design, transparent tender, and professional construction management.
Project information
Audiovisual System Design and Lighting Design: ALTA Integra
Audio Product: Bose
Visual Product: Datascript
Lighting Product: iGuzzini, WE-EF
Lighting Audiovisual Design: Plaza Sumpah Pemuda Katedral Jakarta
Audiovisual and Lighting Design Plaza Sumpah Pemuda Gereja Katedral Jakarta. With the mindset of respecting the architectural and heritage value of the building, we have choses solutions and technology that improved the congregation spiritual experience.
Saint Mary of the Assumption Cathedral Church in Jakarta is one of the most famous and beautiful cathedral churches in Indonesia. The construction began in the year 1891 - 1901 lead by Pastor Antonius Dijkmans, SJ who is appointed as the architect. Due to the lack of funding, construction was halted. After sufficient funds were accrued, MJ Hulswitt resumed the construction in the year 1899.
With the growth of population in Jakarta and so do the members of the Catholic Congregation, the church decided to increase the mass capacity of the church by developing an outdoor area as the extension space to make room for more people on Sunday Morning Mass or Special Event Mass.
The plan started in 2018, with the mindset of respecting the architectural and heritage value of the building. Taking advantage, choosing solutions and technology that would improve the congregation spiritual experience in accordance with international performance standards.
All the concerning issues were noted from the beginning as shown by the owners, including giving the church stakeholders: scientific methodology of acoustical, audio-visual technology and lighting engineering design, transparent tender, and professional construction management.
Project information
Audiovisual System Design and Lighting Design: ALTA Integra
Audio Product: Bose
Visual Product: Datascript
Lighting Product: iGuzzini, WE-EF
Lighting Design: Kapel Kolese Kanisius Jakarta
Kolese Kanisius Chapel Architecture Acoustics Lighting Audio Renovation. Collaborate with Atelier Cosmas Gozali, ALTA Integra made renovation calculations and planning to improve the Acoustic Lighting and Audio Performance of Chapel of Kolese Kanisius
Architecture Acoustics Lighting Audio Renovation
Collaborate with Atelier Cosmas Gozali, ALTA Integra made renovation calculations and planning to improve the Acoustic Lighting and Audio Performance of Chapel of Kolese Kanisius
Acoustic Noise Control Design: Exodus Club Kuningan City
Working together with Julio Julianto Architect, ALTA Integra designed Acoustic for Exodus Club. An Integrated Cafe, Dining, and Club located at Kuningan City
