Making city squares

sociable

Before the renovations, the three squares were very different places. Place Simon-Goulart was a parking area, Place de Saint-Gervais a traffic island, and Place de Bel-Air an unfriendly public transportation hub. As part of the transformations, all three squares needed illumination that would comply with Geneva’s Lighting Master Plan.

Place Simon-Goulart became a vast meeting place for all generations, complete with fountains and attractive architecture. Philips square lighting was used to generate a safe, social atmosphere that would attract locals after dark. The lighting system is suspended by cables eight meters above street level to free up as much floor space as possible. A ‘chandelier’, composed of three street lights equipped with LEDs, illuminates the central part of the square without any uncomfortable glare.

In Place de Saint-Gervais, wall-mounted luminaires free up space and sustain a comfortable social environment. In Place de Bel-Air, RGB LED pointers were installed at the top of triangular poles. Because it is a windy square, the lights have been programmed to change color according to the current wind speed. This color-changing effect is a talking point amongst locals, and it brings a new sense of pride to the area.

The Geneva installation was a successful entry in the Philips city.people.light competition for 2013, winning third prize in the prestigious contest.