Lighting Engineering Restoration of Palazzo della Canonica Pisa

Canonica Palace, Pisa: a state-of-the-art lighting restoration by DZ Engineering

30/01/2025

Canonica Palace, Pisa: a state-of-the-art lighting restoration by DZ Engineering

Tradition and innovation blend seamlessly in the redevelopment project of the Canonica Palace, a historic building located in the renowned Piazza dei Cavalieri in Pisa, where DZ Engineering has overseen a major restoration.

This ambitious design, commissioned by the Scuola Normale Superiore, aims to transform the diverse spaces of this landmark building, constructed in 1566 by architect Davide Fortini, into a modern library for the benefit of the prestigious university’s students.

Entrusted to the expertise and knowledge of our company, the project focused on several lighting design aspects to preserve and enhance the building’s splendid architectural features, through advanced technological solutions and meticulous attention to aesthetics.

Bridging History and Modernity: the design of the new Library spaces

The Canonica Palace has undergone a profound transformation of its interior spaces but, thanks to a detailed approach, DZE has succeeded in maintaining the structure’s historical identity.

The various rooms have been completely reorganised, focusing on lighting design, a crucial step in creating a welcoming and functional environment suitable for housing the new university library.

The Palace areas now feature high-quality linear luminaires from Zumtobel, a leading provider of lighting solutions. These fixtures offer an unparalleled level of control as they are equipped with an advanced dimming system, allowing for precise control of light intensity to meet users’ needs.

Furthermore, the integration of Litcom scenarios enables the creation of diverse lighting configurations, optimizing visual comfort and energy efficiency.

Accent Lighting in the Loggia

A key aspect of DZ Engineering’s involvement focuses on the Loggia, a defining feature of the palace, where the lighting design was carefully crafted to highlight its unique architectural character, drawing attention to the intricate details of the vaulted ceilings that represent one of the building’s most distinctive features.

The meticulously designed accent lighting system allows lines and details of the vaults to emerge with a new visual force, creating an evocative and refined atmosphere.

The Loggia’s first-floor lighting, encompassing both regular and emergency fixtures, was thoroughly designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal while maintaining full functionality.

By choosing an antique copper finish, the new installations have been seamlessly integrated into the historical context of the building. This solution adds a touch of elegance to the spaces while preserving the classical environment and architectural merit of the palace.

DZ Engineering’s Signature

The restoration project of the Canonica Palace stands as an exemplary model of harmonious coexistence between innovation and conservation.

DZ Engineering’s knowledge was instrumental in achieving a successful modernization that respects the identity of the site.

Thanks to attention to detail and the use of cutting-edge technologies, the Canonica Palace has been transformed into an ideal location for learning and research, providing Scuola Normale students with a functional and welcoming space.
Simultaneously, the project has enhanced the building’s intrinsic beauty, reaffirming Piazza dei Cavalieri as one of the most iconic symbols of Pisa.

With this project, DZ Engineering once again demonstrates its expertise in undertaking significant and delicate interventions, combining technological know-how with sensitivity to the historical context, a model of excellence that inspires the future of architectural redevelopment.