Eindhoven First with Philips ‘Floating’ LED Street Lighting
Since the end of March, Catharinaplein in Eindhoven has been lit by FreeStreet, the latest street lighting from Philips. The atmospheric square is a pleasant meeting-place because of the ´floating´ light beneath and between the trees. At the same time, the square provides space for cyclists passing through and for crossing pedestrians.
“Eindhoven has opted for FreeStreet because the floating lighting system is adapted to the way people move and behave, rather than people having to adapt to where the lighting is located. I think this is a good example of technological progress,” says Mary-Ann Schreurs, Municipal Executive Councillor for Innovation, Culture and Public Spaces in the municipality of Eindhoven. “On the one hand we benefit from the new lighting due to the minimal use of lamp-posts, since this makes it possible to create additional public space for pedestrians and cyclists. On the other hand the atmospheric light contributes to the intimacy of the square in the evening.”
“The intimate atmosphere of the square is reinforced by FreeStreet because we have suspended a lowered light platform between the trees,” says Petra Hulst, Lighting Designer at Philips. “The lighting system is suspended at a height of four and a half meters by means of only four poles. It hangs just below the crown of the mature tree. This means that unlike with conventional lamp-posts the light source is at a low level and the light is emitted in all directions, both beneath and between the trees.”
“Another important consideration for us was that the LED street lighting is sustainable and energy-efficient,” says Schreurs. “In addition, maintenance costs are lower than with conventional lighting solutions.”
The design of FreeStreet is unusual because the LED lamps are incorporated in a single cable, so the lamp looks like a thicker part of the cable. This makes it possible to span large spaces without the cables swinging and the lamps are directed downward at all times. FreeStreet won the 2011 Dutch Design Award because of this unique design.
Finally, Schreurs says: “I don’t think people will even notice the new lighting because it doesn’t hinder them. They will however be able to make greater use of the atmospheric square, which is well lit in the evenings, as a pleasant social meeting-point with benches all around the newly planted trees.”
About Royal Philips Electronics:
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of “sense and simplicity.” Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 122,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 22.6 billion in 2011, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter
