Get to know SKIRA - the team of lighting architects, designers, planners, engineers, and visualizers based in Pula, Croatia, who have created beautiful lighting experiences across Croatia and abroad. From artistic landscape installations to luxurious hotels and impressive commercial buildings, the SKIRA team has showcased a unique approach to architectural lighting in their work.

SKIRA’s dedication to going beyond the conventional principles and designing holistic lighting experiences has its roots in the philosophy of Dean Skira, the Founder, and Chief Visionary Officer. His career path is inspiring, to say the least: in 1986, he left his hometown Pula to study at the FIT - Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Soon after, he established his lighting design practice and became a professional member of the IES Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (the New York section). In 1995, he returned to Pula and continued building his architectural lighting design expertise. In over 30 years of work, he has poured his passion into holistic lighting projects that connect people, architecture, and the environment in unique and creative ways. Today, he leads a multidisciplinary team of experts in lighting design and is a member of several established organizations, such as the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), and is the only Certified Lighting Designer in Croatia the region.

‍The Home of Groundbreaking Lighting Engineering

When talking about their creative projects, it would be a shame not to mention the House of Light, SKIRA’s office built in 2006. The building is an excellent showcase of Dean Skira’s philosophy that the lighting should not serve the architecture itself but the people who live in it. Both the exterior and interior reflect that idea, as they put the intricate play of light and shadow in focus and create an almost ethereal atmosphere. 

Čikat bay on the island of Mali Lošinj is another project by SKIRA that shows ingenuity and creativity in lighting design. Čikat bay is a five-star luxury destination and home to the Bellevue Hotel. SKIRA has implemented a discrete yet lively lighting design that lets its visitors see the whole resort in a new light. The promenade overlooking one of the most beautiful bays in Croatia features a subtle lighting pattern that draws visitors into taking romantic walks. The architecture is also given a unique appeal by lights and shadows from the surrounding greenery. 

‍

Introducing Light as a Playful Artform

Lighting Giants is a colorful celebration of the history of Pula and an homage to the Uljanik Shipyard and generations of workmen who are its heart and soul. The dynamically positioned cranes juxtapose the large-scale light features and the sea horizon during the night. The cranes change colors in the evening and can be illuminated with as many as 16 thousand color combinations. Next to becoming an essential landmark of the city, this project has also received numerous awards.

Regarding awards, Skira has also won the prestigious DARC award in London for a project in his hometown Pula. The Zerostrasse is an underground network of tunnels under the Pula city center with a rich historical background. As part of an extensive renovation project of Pula’s fortification system, Zerostrasse has been turned into a pedestrian zone with a central gallery with an elevator taking visitors to the Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria. The lighting beautifully complements the exhibition and the majestic underground structure.

‍

Discover More of the Internationally Awarded Lighting Designs

Next to the numerous exterior and landscape design projects, a shining example of SKIRA’s interior lighting design is the Vitality hotel Punta Wellness, a project which carries the title of the BIG SEE Interior Design Winner 2020. Following a redesign of the wellness area, the lighting was carefully arranged to emphasize the rich textures and dark colors of the space, enhancing the luxurious and relaxing atmosphere of the whole area.

As part of its holistic approach to lighting and product design, SKIRA strives to implement innovative but also sustainable and adaptive design strategies. As a result, every project results from the utmost dedication to high-quality design, efficiency, and sustainability. Explore more of the amazing work of Dean Skira and his team here.

‍