Light plan provides Leeuwarden natural, influenced light
A world first, because people themselves can influence via a web app brightness for 24 historical buildings and with the same web app also get information about the monument. The lighting concept is so unique because it is the first system in which people on the street itself can influence temporarily light via the mobile internet devise (smartphone or tablet) and are therefor able to adjust the brightness. Next to that it also provides information about the history of the building.
In the development of a new technology, there are always questions about the use. A frequently asked question is: what to do if multiple people want to operate the system? Research shows that people with such public affairs are going to work together. This creates a shared, enjoyable space for all and a social cohesion on the street. This project can be seen as a knowledge project, in which we learn how people react.
Natural light
The commonly seen orange-colored light or spot is not used in this project. That light discolor the facade, blind the passer and puts only lightly touches on pieces of the facade. The facade looks over dark with a slight accent here and there. The façades are designed by good architects, the fall of the daylight is one of the design starting points. Daylight is uniform, and often from one direction on the facade. There is a specially developed optic stroking the light uniformly over the facade. By applying the best LED technology of Philips, the color and texture of the façade will be faithfully displayed. The new fixture allows in this way to see the façade as it actually was designed.
Innovative luminaire, integrated in the façade view
The LED luminaire consists of a compact profile that appears to be a window sill, causing it to fall away against the wall. The light shines indirectly on the façade. In a specially designed reflector light it is reflected first, causing no glare, light pollution and the energy consumption brought down to a minimum..De LED technology consists of a linear line of Philips LED with high color rendering making the color and texture of the façade in full glory come out. The latest generation of LED technology is also extremely durable. The LEDs are very efficient (> 150lm / W) and have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. The applied Philips drivers are an ideal combination and are made for extreme conditions. In conjunction with the special Philips "Surge Protector", the electronics are protected from power surges from the public grid. This mimics a natural, uniform light and because the light shines upwards it does not dazzle the passer.
The innovative web app, light control and providing information
The lighting concept was initially created for 24 selected monuments. Leeuwarden has 321 municipal monuments and there are 723 national monuments registered. Therefor Leeuwarden is the city with the most monuments in the Netherlands. So to lighting of a few individual façades is not the goal, but to show and tell about the architecture of the entirely city. Via this web app, the light can be controlled, but it can also give information about the city. It is thus also possible to provide information about buildings, statues, fountains etc. which are not illuminated. This creates a server in the cloud that can serve multiple functions. This web app is managed by the city and consults people on the street or even control.
Knowledge Project: innovate, implement, evaluate and improve
This project is gripped by Lichtvormgevers to develop her ideas about new ways of illumination, operating and protocols and provide information. Lichtvormgevers sees it as a knowledge project so innovative concept can be implemented, evaluated, adjusted and improved. So Leeuwarden can be a 'Living Lab'. The goal is to involve colleges and universities in the North of The Netherlands to work on it together.
Think Global, act local
Lichtvormgevers has worldwide contacts with companies and organizations, enabling to import high-quality knowledge and production, if local not available. The goal is to realize the light consult, a part of the production, assembly and installation in cooperation with local businesses. That is good for employment and also sustainable. The north of the Netherlands has the development of a knowledge economy high on its agenda. This project ensures that knowledge is constructed by local students and companies, which creates a sustainable knowledge in the region.
