Lighting of public parks and squares: how to obtain the best result
The lighting of the public parks and squares in a city is important. These areas have played a vital role throughout history as they allow people to enjoy large spaces where they can gather and socialise, enjoy their free time or simply go for a relaxing stroll. Given their importance, let’s take a look at the key points and main criteria for illuminating them correctly.
En este artículo trataremos...
- THE LIGHTING NEEDS OF PUBLIC PARKS AND SQUARES.
- ACQUISITION CRITERIA TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT
- SPECIALISED SECOM PRODUCTS
- SECOM PROJECTS
The lighting needs of public parks and squares.
The lighting of squares and parks has its own requirements as they are spaces that are used both day and night by many people. It is important to use light sources that will help improve the utility of the spaces, allowing them to remain open and functional for many hours each day. The following aspects are key considerations to take into account:
Creating atmosphere
Adequate lighting enhances the use and enjoyment of these areas, improving the aesthetics of their emblematic features with the appropriate luminaires. With the correct integration of these lights, it is possible to create a relaxing atmosphere while highlighting the most important features, such as statues or buildings of great value to the city.
Public security
Security is fundamental in these spaces, especially at night. If parks and squares remain in darkness, the public will not feel safe. Consequently, if these places are poorly lit, people may avoid them at night.
Energy saving
Saving energy is important when illuminating parks, in particular large ones. Care must be taken with the designs so that the installations are both efficient and effective. One such method is to install motion sensors in the luminaires so as to improve energy savings.
Reducing energy consumption reduces costs. This is possible thanks to LED lights that are designed for use on public roads. These luminaires have a lifespan of 100,000 hours and save up to 50% in energy consumption.
Light pollution
Any lighting project for public parks is obligated to take into consideration its impact on the environment. Not only do energy resources need to be used effectively, the lighting must not affect the life cycles of animals or people. Light pollution is another problem to take into account, and it can be solved with luminaires designed to reduce the upper hemispheric flux.
Colour temperature
Colour temperature is another interesting aspect. In order to minimise light pollution, amber LEDs, or even warm LEDs, should be used; both are good options. By using these luminaires, pedestrians will feel comfortable and be able to see clearly. Furthermore, the light won’t affect the environment.
Acquisition criteria to take into account
Once the needs of the parks and squares are known, some criteria must be drawn up in order to select the ideal LED luminaire. Planning is essential to ensure you find the perfect solution quickly and easily.
Manufacturing materials
Aluminium is an ideal material due to its natural resistance to adverse weather conditions and its low maintenance costs. It is lightweight, so light fixtures can be easily installed, and it can also be covered with a wide variety of protective paints that enhance its resistance. Of course, aluminium is also a thermal conductor, meaning it dissipates the heat produced by LED semiconductors.
Optics
Optics help control and direct the projected light of the luminaires. Extensive optics are used to illuminate large areas around the lights and asymmetric optics are used on roads and traffic areas to lengthen the light beam. In turn, this reduces the installation costs by reducing the number of luminaires. These different optics are great for showcasing specific features (statues, commemorative plaques or buildings) and offer adequate visibility for passers-by.
Power
Selecting appropriately powered lighting will affect the efficiency of the installation. To optimise energy consumption, it is best to not exceed 50W or 70W.
Efficiency
An LED light can achieve a luminous efficacy of 30% to 40% when compared to other lighting solutions. Therefore, LED technology is currently the best option since it reduces installation, operation and maintenance costs.
Drivers
There are adjustable drives that autonomously reduce the luminous flux, depending on the time of day. This allows maximum energy efficiency, which leads to greater savings in a public park lighting project.
Specialised SECOM products
These are the most noted products that SECOM has to offer for illuminating parks and squares.
- Auris. A lighting system specifically designed for outdoor use. With its low glare index, it makes it ideal for parks.
- Ripa. Its robust designs and the latest LED technology adapt seamlessly to both streets and parks.
- Regal. These lights have a classic design and are ideal for use in urban setting. This range has a wide choice of energy consumption options.
- Ray Ben. These are modern models that incorporate LED lighting, making them ideal for parks, gardens or streets.
- Ura. This range offers a classic touch without neglecting the most modern technical aspects. It is designed to be placed in parks and in urban areas.
SECOM projects
SECOM has participated in the following key projects with great success:
- Parque de la Compañía, Molina de Segura, Murcia. To achieve the best results in this popular park, our project focused on minimising energy consumption as much as possible.
- Parque Ciudad de los Niños, Cabra, Córdoba. In the case, we installed luminaires to boost the existing lighting and ensure the park was well lit.
- Parque Noia, La Coruña. Regal lighting fixtures were selected for optimal lighting and clear visibility in this park.
In short, getting good lighting for public parks and squares is possible if the correct luminaires are chosen. LED technology allows for a notable reduction in electricity consumption and provides a level of lighting that allows you to move through these spaces comfortably.
