Mechelen
Mechelen
Mechelen’s 2008 Lighting Masterplan enhances safety, identity, and heritage by using adaptable white lighting across key urban features, respecting the city's structure while creating a layered, energy-conscious system tailored to function and aesthetics.
A Lighting Masterplan is a thoroughly studied strategy aimed at enhancing the city's identity and safety while respecting its structure and character within normative requirements.
In 2008, the city issued a public competition that we won for elaborating a Lighting Masterplan for the downtown area.
The plan addresses key features of the city: The ring road surrounding the city is emphasized, as well as the historical walls, partially demolished to allow for easier circulation; Important landmarks, major attractions for residents and visitors; The important urban axes, used for pedestrian and vehicular circulation; The Dijle river, which cuts through the city diagonally, with its natural features.
The Lighting Plan was conceived as a set of superimposed layers, each tailored to specific characteristics and challenges: It respects the city’s urban layout and highlights important areas; it meets functional needs of different spaces, ensuring lighting is adapted to seasonal requirements and specific activities; defined areas are treated in their own lighting vocabulary, creating internal nighttime identity based on aesthetic and functional considerations. White light was adopted citywide, enhancing colour perception, visibility of faces and general safety. Despite slightly higher consumption than yellow sodium, it outweighs drawbacks in urban settings.
The system is designed to adjust to seasonal changes and specific events. Architectural and landscape elements can be turned off or dimmed for eco-considerations, energy conservation and adaptability to future needs.
The Masterplan ensures lighting harmonizes with architectural heritage and the urban environment while remaining functionally efficient, emphasizing a balance between aesthetics and practicality, enhancing safety, orientation and the city’s nighttime identity.
LOCATIONS
Bologna
Via S. Vitale, 38
40125 Bologna BO
Milano
Via Cadore, 38
20135 Milano MI
Tel: 02.5464300
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