Register for the next Coffee Bre@k
Register below for the next LUCI Coffee Bre@k!
When: 22 January 2026 – 10H CET
Presentation description:
The transformative project of Hamngatan and MDU plaza in the City of Eskilstuna
This presentation introduces the “Hamngatan and MDU plaza” project, that won the 2nd place in the 2024 LUCI Cities & Lighting Awards. Located at the edge of the city, the skyglow from this area, prior to this project, affected the natural surroundings since light close to water can reach far. Two traffic lanes dissected the area that accommodated the new university and a large parking lot. The space underwent a transformation into a dynamic plaza, seamlessly integrating urban amenities with natural beauty.
The close collaboration of the design team resulted in innovative catenary lighting at pedestrian crossings and the seamless integration of lighting into landscape design features. The project fosters connectivity and safety, and it prioritizes an ecological approach with measures like full cut-off fixtures and minimal, warm lighting. Overall, this collaborative effort promotes both social and environmental sustainability.
Speaker: Chiara Carucci – Lighting Designer, Founder of Noctua
With over two decades of experience, Chiara’s journey spans diverse projects and awards, including the inaugural Wildlife Night Watch Award by DarkSky Association. Her international work – ranging from guidelines to lighting designs – addresses both the preservation of specific species and broader biodiversity, while fostering community impact and the nighttime economy.
Chiara collaborates with professionals and researchers, advancing a transdisciplinary approach and pushing the boundaries of informed lighting design. Alongside her professional work, Chiara combines teaching and volunteer activities, and supports the IALD, International Association of Lighting Designers, also serving as Coordinator of the Southern European Chapter.
Speaker: Malin Christensson – Senior Landscape Designer, The Planning Partnership & former Landscape architect, City of Eskilstuna
Malin is a Senior Landscape Designer with eight years of experience in the field. She holds both a Master’s and a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.
Prior to joining The Planning Partnership, Malin was working as a Landscape Architect and Project Manager within the public sector in Sweden. During these years, she was involved in multiple public realm projects, both recreational and urban. Her experience ranges from conceptual design and detailed design development to construction administration and maintenance. She has also been involved in and led multiple community engagement processes and workshops.
Malin brings a European approach to her design practice, and is able to look at creative problem solving from a slightly different angle. Her passion for the field lies within creating beautiful and functional environments with the user as a number one priority.