Cities around the world are undergoing a profound transformation process that involves moving cars away from streets and avenues in order to make pedestrians the priority once again. This shift entails a humanisation of cities with a dual objective. On one hand, creating a healthier public space with more green and secure areas which will boost socialisation and local economy. On the other hand, reducing polluting emissions and noise pollution in neighbourhoods to improve the quality of life for residents, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

One such city is Torredembarra, in Tarragona, which has been implementing an urban planning plan over the years to increase green areas, squares, and pedestrian zones, prioritising pedestrians and bicycles over motor vehicles.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

One of the most recent projects carried out by the city council was the remodelling, through urban planning and lighting, of Plaça Catalunya, a square located at the intersection of four streets where vehicles circulated.

Due to its characteristics, this space functioned more as a roundabout than as a leisure area, as the usable surface was right in the centre and was surrounded by the roadway. In addition to its difficult access, this urban space increased the risk for those wishing to access or leave the square, especially for elderly people and children.

FROM ROUNDABOUT TO MULTI-PURPOSE SQUARE

Faced with this situation, the Torredembarra City Council decided to redevelop the square to create a genuine space for enjoyment, easily usable and protected from traffic. To achieve this, the connection between two of the four streets converging at the intersection was eliminated. This intervention enabled the enlargement of the pedestrian area as well as connecting the central circular space with the perimeter pavement. Although the appearance of a roundabout was maintained, its size was significantly increased with wide enough pavements for the placement of bars and pedestrian paths. A change in paving was also made, creating a single level to allow for pedestrian movement.
The project was drafted by architect Xavier Mercadé.

NEW LIGHTING FOR A RENEWED SQUARE

In addition to urban remodelling, the city council also decided to update the lighting. And for this, they counted on Carandini and our Spin and C-line solutions.

Previously, there were nine-metre poles with high-power luminaires installed. An obsolete, polluting, and inefficient technology that offered over-illumination of the space and poor light distribution, affecting neighbours living in adjacent buildings. To solve this situation and modernise the aesthetics of the square, new Spin model LED light points were installed on five-metre cylindrical columns. This was combined with Nikolson pole which were also five metres high, mounted with the LED C-line amenity luminaire.
The height of the columns was reduced from nine to five metres to create a more human space, with only the light that is strictly necessary and without the need for so much power.

It was decided upon that both light points would have a colour temperature of 2200K to create a warmer environment, conducive to the well-being of residents. The goal was to respect circadian rhythms, favouring a warm and relaxing atmosphere during night-time hours that would contribute to improving the quality of life for residents.

CHALLENGES OF THE PROJECT

The renovation project of Plaça Catalunya involved the construction of a half-moon in the centre of the square with a versatile stage that could be used for hosting small-format events such as concerts, cultural events, plays, etc.

One of the trickier parts of the lighting project was to properly illuminate the entire space, including the stage, without having to place extra light points to illuminate the performance area. In addition, the stage was covered by a pergola, an element that directly affected the light distribution and its uniformity.

RESULTS ACHIEVED

“Despite the various challenges we faced, the Plaça Catalunya lighting renovation project has been a complete success. We have achieved excellent uniformity levels of 0.76% and an energy saving of 70%. Intrusive light has also been eliminated, and a warm colour temperature has been chosen to respect people’s circadian rhythms,” stated Joan Vieito, Project Sales Manager.

Vicenç Ruiz, a technician from the Torredembarra city council, added, “We are very pleased with the results obtained. We have managed to prioritise pedestrians over cars without banning vehicle access. We have reorganised traffic to reduce emissions and suspended particles and mitigate noise pollution, creating a safer, welcoming, warm, and pleasant space for residential use.”

With a reduction in column height, the installation of less power, and the choice of Carandini LED luminaires, the new Plaça Catalunya has become a friendly and comfortable area, both at night and during the day, where you can enjoy a walk, watch a show, or simply socialise with neighbours.