The Light Reveals History
The power of light as culture, beauty and sustainability
On 16 May, 2025, to mark the International Day of Light, I had the honour of curating La luce illumina la storia, a forum held at the enchanting Monastero dei Minimi in Cirella.
La luce illumina la storia (The Light Reveals History) brought together artists, experts, institutions, and students to explore the role of light in art, heritage, and urban life—bridging history and innovation while shining a spotlight on Calabria’s cultural treasures.
The Timeless Stage of Cirella
We gathered at the Monastero dei Minimi, overlooking the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria, a place as timeless as the themes we came to discuss, and where history and vision intertwined. The ancient stones of Cirella’s archaeological area became more than just a backdrop, they became a living metaphor of what the gathering sought to convey—that light is both memory and future, art and science, heritage and innovation.
The atmosphere was vibrant. Architects, artists, archaeologists, designers, writers, and ordinary citizens filled the cloister. The unifying thread was curiosity: What can light teach us? How does it transform spaces? How can it help us protect beauty? How can it inspire the next generation?
A Chorus of Voices
The audience was guided through the forum by Giovanni Butera, publisher and editor of Segmento, whose thoughtful narration introduced each of the expert speakers one-by-one. Each contribution added a fragment to a luminous mosaic of ideas.
Professor Franco Errico retraced the long history of restoration efforts around Cirella’s Roman Mausoleum, reminding us of the delicate balance between time, preservation, and innovation. Mayor Achille Ordine, with a lawyer’s precision, emphasized the civic value of light—not only as an aesthetic, but also as a tool for safety and well-being in the community.
Equally significant were the words of Alessia Ricioppo, president of the association Cerillae, who underscored our civic duty in protecting local heritage. From the world of cultural stewardship, architect Argia Morcavallo, head of FAI Cosenza, proposed synergies with the municipality of Diamante for the next Giornate FAI, envisioning the Mausoleum and the entire archaeological area as a shared cultural stage.
The academic world was represented by Professor Francesca Bilotta, president of In/Arch Calabria, who pledged continued support and research on the site—reinforcing the link between scholarship and territory.
My Role as Curator
As curator of the forum, and as an internationally recognized expert in daylighting and sustainable design, I had the privilege of presenting both a vision and a proposal. My lecture was a journey—an ode to natural light, its purity, and its role in shaping the built environment across the centuries. From the Pantheon of Rome, where the oculus transforms sunlight into a cosmic compass, to the great masters of painting such as Mattia Preti, Goya, and Picasso, I traced the artistic and symbolic dimensions of illumination.
But theory soon gave way to vision. I presented my lighting project for the Cirella archaeological zone—a sustainable design that respects both the environment and the site’s heritage, using dynamic, coloured lighting only for special occasions. The proposed system invites visitors to rediscover the Roman villa, the Mausoleum, and the surrounding ruins through a renewed sensory dialogue between stone and sky.
A Community in Dialogue
The forum was enriched with many voices beyond my own. Councillor Pasquale Greco brought greetings from the Order of Architects of Cosenza, whilst environmentalist Antonio Rancati—known as the “green volcano”—offered concrete proposals for sustainable development, recalling our collaborations. Architect Nicola Ruggieri, representing the Soprintendenza, offered the reassuring presence of institutional support.
Perhaps the most symbolic moment came from the youngest participants. Two high school students, Giulia Forestiero and Nicolas Laino, spoke with sincerity and gratitude for being included. Their presence didn’t just represent the involvement of schools—it felt like a symbolic passing of the torch, a shared commitment to safeguard Cirella’s heritage for future generations.
Light as Heritage and Innovation
The event’s success wasn’t only reflected in the full hall and the attentiveness of the audience— it resonated in the depth of the message we shared. Light is not merely a technical matter; it is language, art, sustainability, and an expression of collective identity. It has the power to revive ancient ruins, redesign modern cities, and inspire new forms of community belonging.
This belief has guided my career. As founder of the studio ddra+d in Cosenza, I’ve spent decades exploring the language of light. From the innovative project for Via Padre Giglio in Cosenza to international symposia such as Paesaggi di Luce in Diamante, I’ve been of the conviction that requalification passes through light—light that is dynamic, sustainable, and human-centered. Projects like the Castello Svevo in Cosenza and Luci sullo Stretto in Reggio Calabria have been recognized for embodying this vision, and I see them as milestones in a long journey of making light both my material and my message.
Toward a Luminous Future
La luce illumina la storia marked an important step not just for Cirella, but for all of Calabria. It reminded us that heritage is not a relic of the past—it’s a living resource. When illuminated with intelligence and care, it inspires sustainable innovation cultural renewal.
As I said during the forum, light is more than illumination. It is narration, identity, and future. And on that May evening in Cirella, it truly illuminated history.
Acknowledgments
La luce illumina la storia, enjoyed the prestigious patronage of the Italian National Commission for UNESCO, the Municipality of Diamante, In/Arch Calabria, and the Order of Architects of Cosenza. Their support underscored the cultural, civic, and educational significance of the initiative we had set in motion.
