Lighting up
pride in the city
are controlled by the Philips CityTouch remote light management system. Using this system, the lighting points can be assigned to groups”, Van der Tuin explains. “A customized dimming profile can be defined for each group, adapting light intensity to how heavily that space is being used at any given time. Using light to reflect the characteristics and ambience of each area has played a significant role in the project’s success."
- Jan van der Tuin, responsible for public lighting planning in the city of Emmen
In order to boost the city’s economy, generate employment and enhance its international role, Emmen City Center Renovation Project included a new lighting concept. One of the key challenges was achieving the transformation in a busy urban area within a very short timeframe. The project also devoted attention to the aesthetic image of the city at night. The idea was to create atmospheric public spaces for residents and visitors that would be more appealing to spend time in, and to give the city center a distinctive appearance at night.
Despite many challenges, the city including four key areas, the Town Hall Square, the Market Square, the Boulevards and the Hondsrug Tunnel, each having its own individual lighting requirements, was transformed in a relatively short space of time. The metamorphosis has turned Emmen into a beautifully cohesive, inviting and accessible city while preserving its green and open character.
Today, all light sources in downtown Emmen are controlled by the Philips CityTouch remote light management system, Van der Tuin explains. ”Using this system, the lighting points can be assigned to groups. A customized dimming profile can be defined for each group, adapting light intensity to how heavily that space is being used at any given time. Using light to reflect the characteristics and ambience of each area has played a significant role in the project’s success.
An economic analysis calculated that the renovation project would generate 4,700 hours of work during the construction and 820 structural jobs after completion. “Clearly, the investment provides a significant boost to the city’s economy,” says Van der Tuin.