TECHNOLOGY / LED CASE STUDY 141
RIETBERG LIGHTS THE WAY
The historic Rietberg town hall after the town centre was transformed by the installation of LED lighting, one of a number of similar projects across Germany, instigated by the federal government. Pics: Niklas Reiners
www.rn-gestaltung.com
In switching to using only LED lighting in its centre, a German town has breathed new life into a historic setting, while preserving its heritage.
A German town has successfully switched to using only LED lighting in its centre, while launching an innovative new night- time guidance system for visually impaired pedestrians.
The new lighting in Rietberg, a historic town in western Germany, has been used to illuminate the main shopping streets, landmarks and central road junctions, as well as the banks of the River Ems, which runs through the town. Pioneering paving blocks with integrated LED lighting elements have also been developed as part of the project, forming a strip of light at night, guiding pedestrians with visual impairments from one destination to another.
After a rigorous dialogue with residents, the Rietberg project was completed in July, funded by a two million Euro grant from the
German government, awarded to the town after it was successful in the ‘Communities in a New Light’ competition in 2010, which aimed to see environmentally friendly outdoor LED changeovers implemented across Germany. Rietberg follows Azabu no Oka, a new town in Japan, as one of the few places worlwide to use only LED lights outdoors. A founding member of the North Rhine- Westphalian study group, Reitberg, with its many wood-timbered 16th and 17th century houses and elegant squares, expects the sharpening of the town’s image to attract people away from out-of-town shopping malls, in favour of experiencing Rietberg’s historic ambience. Local landmarks have also benefited from the facelift including the town’s ornate court house and the iconic chapel of St. John, attractions which
already draw many visitors.
The concept of firstly converting lighting in the middle of Rietberg and then working outwards, ensures that the elements which characterise the town’s image are brought to the fore first, underlining the social, cultural and economic importance of a thriving town centre. It is expected that the lighting will boost the local economy, as well as increasing safety. Andre Kuper, the retired Mayor of the area says Rietberg’s aims were considerable when they embarked on the project. “Our intention was to set a further milestone of modern town development and climate policy.” Kuper continues, “Innovative LED lighting in a historic town centre is not imaginable for many people, but it is for us. Our competition submission can be evidence,
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