(Spain) – The City Council of Santiago de Compostela has announced the launch of an international competition to design the lighting scheme of the area surrounding the historic Cathedral, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site.

As part of the city’s Tourism Sustainability Plan, the initiative will place a strong emphasis on sustainability, heritage preservation, and the global projection of creative talent. Organisers have stated that the initiative aims to redesign the nighttime landscape with an approach that is emotionally resonant, calm, healthy, and cohesive with the historic significance.

Entries will be evaluated by an international jury of leading industry figures, including: David Chipperfield (architect), Teresa Tàboas (architect and academic), Manuel Antonio Castiñeiras Gonzàlez (Professor of Art and History), Roger Narboni (lighting designer and founder of Concepto), Esther Torellò (editor of Lightecture and Spanish ambassador for Women in Lighting).

Submissions will be judged on their creativity, technical quality, energy efficiency, and economic feasibility. Designers will have access to extensive technical resources, including a complete documentation package and high-precision 3D digital modelling of the Cathedral’s surroundings.

Six shortlisted proposals will receive €18,150 (VAT included). The winning team will be invited to negotiate a contract, under Article 168(d) of Spain’s Public Procurement Act, to deliver the final project and oversee implementation of the lighting scheme in Praterías Square. The contract is valued at €121,000 (VAT included).

The deadline for submission of conceptual proposals is 19 August 2025 at 23:59 (local time).

Go to compostelanocturna.santiagodecompostela.ga to find out more.