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 and 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 It included: Outdated pole-mounted fixtures, some of which with a generic “historical design”, alongside wall-mounted lanterns in narrow streets; Two high-pressure sodium lamp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 and glaring effect on the Stadhuis façade while obliterating details, materials, colours and finishes as well as ruining the historical facades on which they were ungainly mounted; Uncoordinated private lighting: Tenants and property owners had installed inconsistent and commercially driven lighting, disrupting the square’s historical charm; Lighting trespass and glare: The mix of different, uncoordinated and ill-fitted fixtures and sources led to light pollution, glare and trespass and made the area appear grim rather than inviting.
The project took a holistic approach to restore balance, enhance safety, and celebrate the square’s history: Carefully selected façades received different lighting treatments, sensitively indicating importance hierarchy, ensuring harmonious intensity and 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 and lively, encouraging citizens and 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, and well-lit gathering place. The square and its surrounding restaurants and cafés have become increasingly popular, reinforcing the area as the city’s cultural and 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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