Monument lighting strategies in heritage sites: A case study on Volubilis

Illumination is a fundamental requirement for human beings. Numerous advancements have transpired within the realm of illumination after the creation of the incandescent light bulb. The significance of lighting applications has grown in relation to the perception of urban silhouettes and the aesthetic and functional requirements of natural and cultural landscape elements. The use of light serves to differentiate the physical arrangement of a heritage monument's facade and accentuates its distinctive characteristics. The facade elicits the viewer's sensory, aesthetic, and perceptual responses and serves as a visual component. It conveys a range of sensory connotations that serve as markers and symbols of a specific era and location, as it is a heritage monument that represents a particular civilization from a distinct period. This study will concentrate on the topic of lighting within the context of Morocco, with a particular emphasis on its heritage sites. This article aims to emphasize the specific requirements for illuminating cultural and heritage sites while also underscoring the importance of lighting as a crucial design element in such locations. Additionally, the article aims to present a methodology for conducting a case study in Morocco. The initial phase of this study aims to offer a comprehensive analysis of the outdoor lighting industry in heritage locations. The study will subsequently center on the illumination systems employed in Moroccan architectural landmarks of heritage significance, encompassing instances from diverse localities, particularly those that have been designated by UNESCO. In the concluding stage, a case study shall be conducted, with Volubilis selected as the site of interest. The rationale behind this selection is twofold: firstly, due to its strategic location, and secondly, its status as a UNESCO-designated heritage site.