In the Old Town – modern lighting?

Looking for suspicion

Kaunas residents who traveled through the Town Hall Square access pointed out that some new lighting poles have already been installed, but they are quite different than the old ones.

« New poles are much taller. Of course, they are modern, most likely and light, but I do not know if they really fit into the main Old Town space, after all, the square is surrounded by hereditary buildings, Kaunas Town Hall itself is a historic building, next to the Jesuit Church.

When Vilnius Street was maintained, lighting poles were also changed there. The old lighting, which reminded me of suspended lights, was replaced by modern luminaires. Initially, the townspeople meant criticism, but people seem to have become accustomed to other poles. A Kaunas resident considered that the Town Hall Square would have to get used to, but he had no doubt that there would be all kinds of opinions.

Works: A new granite coating is currently laid on the pitch. / Photo by Edgar Cickiewicz

More light

Aloyzas Pakalniškis, Head of the City Management Department, told Kauno diena that 24 new luminaires on the supports would be installed on the Town Hall Square. They are selected in the light of several important reasons.

« The current luminaires did not give the required lighting and not to be included in the Register of Cultural Heritage. If we tried to apply them to modern needs, the result would not be aesthetic or effective. Another thing is the lighting of architectural accents.

Modern lighting looks quite strange in the context of the Old Town.

In order to properly illuminate important buildings such as Kaunas Town Hall or Kaunas Priestly Seminary, we would have had to install additional floodlights on individual pillars. Different types of luminaires would be a visually non -composition, ”explained A. Pakalniškis.

He explained that the square seek minimalism and integrity. « Given iconographic research, the square was not lit with existing lights, luminaires. They were designed by analogues in other countries. Three existing luminaires, as author’s work, will be saved and moved closer to the seminary to illuminate this space. The principle is that the light is directed down so that people living or working in the buildings do not make, ”commented the head of the City Management Department.

Photo by Edgar Cickiewicz

Will complement the square

The municipal specialist stated that the height and number of new poles were determined on the basis of lighting analyzes and calculations. « The optimal proportions are sought – the less poles, the higher they must be to ensure the uniform and sufficient distribution of light across the square, » noted A. Pakalniškis.

He explained that the new lighting solution was coordinated with the square renovation project. The luminaires will be arranged in the perimeter parallel to the trees. It is planned to use 2,700 kW of light temperature as such light is warm and pleasant to the eyes.

« Such lighting will certainly match the Old Town. One of the principles of the renovation of the square is to avoid stylistic imitation and dominance. All new architectural elements, including lighting, are created in a modern but respectful way to complement the square design and harmoniously blend into the Old Town context. » Pakalniškis.

Currently, underground communication and networks are reconstructed in most of the Town Hall Square, the base of the pavement is installed and the granite coating is laid. In some areas of the square you can already go with a comfortable pavement. After the reconstruction, the pavement will be one level across the square, so it will be convenient not only to walk but also to move in wheelchairs.

It is announced that a modern fountain and benches will be installed after the reconstruction square. According to the plan, the Town Hall Square management should be completed by the end of the year.