Antwerpen
Antwerpen
Antwerp’s Grote Markt was transformed with energy-efficient, coordinated lighting that restores its historical charm, highlights key landmarks like the Stadhuis and Brabo Fountain, and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere while cutting energy use by 51%.
The Grote Markt, Antwerp’s historic market square, is a stunning showcase of late medieval architecture. At its heart stands the Stadhuis (City Hall), surrounded by ornate guild houses adorned with golden statues, reflecting the wealth of the city’s merchant past.
Prior to the project, the square’s lighting was incoherent & uninviting. It included: Outdated pole-mounted fixtures, some of which with a generic “historical design”, alongside wall-mounted lanterns in narrow streets; Two high-pressure sodium lamp batteries (5 × 400W each) creating an unbalanced & glaring effect on the Stadhuis façade while obliterating details, materials, colours & finishes as well as ruining the historical facades on which they were ungainly mounted; Uncoordinated private lighting: Tenants & property owners had installed inconsistent & commercially driven lighting, disrupting the square’s historical charm; Lighting trespass & glare: The mix of different, uncoordinated & ill-fitted fixtures & sources led to light pollution, glare & trespass & made the area appear grim rather than inviting.
The project took a holistic approach to restore balance, enhance safety, & celebrate the square’s history: Carefully selected façades received different lighting treatments, sensitively indicating importance hierarchy, ensuring harmonious intensity & avoiding over-illumination. The Stadhuis remained the focal point, with precise architectural lighting that emphasized its grandeur. The Brabo Fountain, a daytime focal point, was also given dedicated illumination to maintain its iconic presence after dark. Lighting levels were carefully calibrated to create a cozy yet striking nighttime atmosphere.
The square now appears welcoming & lively, encouraging citizens & visitors to spend more time outdoors. The new system reduced total energy consumption by 51%, while delivering superior lighting quality. Thanks to this transformation, the Grote Markt is now a vibrant, historically respectful, & well-lit gathering place. The square & its surrounding restaurants & cafés have become increasingly popular, reinforcing the area as the city’s cultural & social hub.
LOCATIONS
Bologna
Via S. Vitale, 38
40125 Bologna BO
Milano
Via Cadore, 38
20135 Milano MI
Tel: 02.5464300
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