Argentinian Basilica uses MEGAMAN’s LED technology with dramatic and artistic effect

When Basilica Nuestra Senora Del Socorro (Basilica of Our Lady of Help), Buenos Aires, in Argentina needed a lighting refurbishment, internationally renowned lighting designer, Ernesto Diz was called in to advise. As part of the scheme, over 270 MEGAMAN® LED lamps were installed to bring a vibrancy to the rich religious history on display – as well as to meet the needs of the daily congregations. The result is both beautiful and energy efficient, with savings of €1,882 in electricity costs and 28,977 kg in CO₂ emissions per year when compared to halogen equivalents.

Built on land donated by a Spanish devotee of ‘Our Lady of Mercy’ in 1750, the Basilica has a long history. From the marble onyx baptismal font, frescoes on the ceilings and gold leaf on the altars, to the sculptures of the patron saint of Buenos Aires, San Martín de Tours, the Basilica Nuestra Senora Del Socorro is a place of beauty for visitors and worship for the local community. 

Ernesto Diz commented: “I wanted the majesty of the interior of the Basilica to really stand out. The aim was to light the masterpieces discretely yet lead the worshipper’s eye up the aisle to the central altar. I used tight angles to spotlight key pieces and then wider angled warm colours to wash the columns with light, framing the altar and its magnificent sculptures. It is the first time that I have used Megaman LED lamps and I have to say that the results exceeded all of my expectations.”

Sebastian Serra from Artelum S.A, a leading provider of professional lighting solutions across Argentina and a distributor of Megaman LED lamps, supported Ernesto Diz on the project and added: “The Basilica’s halogen and metal halide light sources were replaced with Megaman’s AR111 and PAR30L LED lamp technology. Thanks to the variety of beam angles available in Megaman’s LED Reflector Series, Ernesto Diz was able to use the lamps to ‘paint with light’ throughout the Basilica.”

As well as providing superior spotlighting and colour rendering, the LED lamp technology needed to ensure that the ancient masterpieces were not damaged by heat or light radiation. With no UV and negligible IR light radiation or residual glare, Megaman’s LED AR111 and PAR30L lamps were the ideal solution for lighting a space of such historic, as well as spiritual value, as the Basilica Nuestra Senora Del Socorro.

Part of Megaman’s LED Reflector Series, Megaman’s LED AR111 range lasts up to eight times longer and uses 80 percent less power than halogen equivalents. Within Basilica Nuestra Senora Del Socorro, 244 of Megaman’s AR111 10W, 2800K LEDs were used in a range of 8°, 24° and 45° beam angles, for spotlighting as well as wall washing key areas. In addition, 28 Megaman PAR30L 15W, 4000K 25° and 45° LEDs were used to light the ceiling frescoes.

Father Gustavo Boquin, Basilica Nuestra Senora Del Socorro concluded: “We have been following a programme of refurbishment at the Basilica for many years. As well as improving the aesthetics with new lighting, we have also made the church office administrators very happy. Running costs have been significantly reduced.”