Winners city.people.light award 2014
1st prize: Richard-Wagner-Platz, Leipzig (Germany)
The site of a 10th century market settlement from which the city of Leipzig was born, Richard-Wagner-Platz is steeped in political and architectural history from the Middle Ages through to the fall of Communism. The unique lighting atmosphere, created by lighting design office Licht Kunst Licht Bonn/Berlin, carefully matches the city’s architecture with warm white light to illuminate buildings, sculptural fountains and a skate park. Many different interests were incorporated in the final result to create the right atmosphere with modern contemporary LED lighting, preserve and highlight historic fixtures and make significant energy savings for the city.
The Bicycle Snake is a long, red sculptural bridge exclusively for cyclists. It is a unique and exciting ride high above sea level, separating cyclists from pedestrians and sheltering the quay side below. At night, the bridge is softly illuminated with built-in lighting in the hand rail to enrich the area with a bright, visual element. The jury this year was impressed by the limited lighting used, meaning no additional energy consumption for lighting effects and no glare.
3rd prize: Place du Château, Strasbourg, France
Place du Château is an iconic square adjoining Notre Dame Cathedral. This project set out to transform it into an outstanding feature of the Grande-Île, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The jury was impressed by the incorporation of light on both vertical and horizontal surfaces, a challenge which was executed in a unique, sophisticated and outstanding way. The rigorous year long preparation process involving citizens included conferences, guided tours, workshops and questionnaires, and added to the credibility of the final result.
Special Mentions
Interactive lighting preventing crime, Wellington, New Zealand
A narrow dark lit street has become a safe and fun place for pedestrians at night thanks to this creative interactive lighting scheme. Presence detectors trigger playful lighting schemes with animated patterns and muted colors that entertain and bring the space to life. In addition, the project impressed the jury for the thought put into preventing glare and spilled light.
Illumination of living cranes, Pula, Croatia
This unique project bathes eight majestic cranes in LED light programmed to emit 16 000 different variations in color and intensity. It highlights the industrial heritage of Pula and creates a dynamic sculpture for the seafront. With the shipyard made into a living landmark, the urban lighting project stood out for its bold decision to preserve the industrial heritage that has brought prosperity to the city.
People Choice award
Lighting master plan, Ankara, Turkey
The city of Ankara received the most votes from the public. Architectural harmony has been created by composing city structures into one lighting master plan. The warm and elegant ambience respects the nighttime landscape by using a variety of connected white and colored light technology. The result is a great improvement and enhancement of the city’s image and livability.
