Petersplatz Shines In New LED Light

The lighting group Osram gives St. Peter's Square in Rome a new radiance. Modern, energy-efficient LED outdoor lights provide an impressive lighting experience and are also said to save around 70% energy. In 2014 Osram already worked with the governorate to renew the lighting of the Sistine Chapel. The new lighting concept for St. Peter's Square, which has been in development since the beginning of 2016, was inaugurated on the evening of October 20, 2016.

Subtle and energy-saving lamps are in demand

"We have received worldwide recognition for the modern LED lighting in the Sistine Chapel since October 2014," says Olaf Berlien, CEO of Osram Licht AG. "We are pleased that we were able to offer our expertise as a provider of complex lighting solutions in Rome again with the lighting of St. Peter's Square." As with the project in the Sistine Chapel, Osram also implemented the lighting solution for St. Peter's Square in close cooperation with the service management of the Governatorato.

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"In addition to a perfect lighting result, visual aspects such as the subtle integration of the luminaires into the architecture and simple and unobtrusive electrical installation had to be taken into account," explains Eladia Pulido, CEO of the Lighting Solutions business unit at Osram. "Energy saving and ecological sustainability also played an important role."

Light management system saves 70 percent energy

The Vatican demanded a lighting level of up to 120 lux at night in order to offer visitors security and even make it possible to read on the square during events and celebrations. 132 LED floodlights were installed to ensure sufficient brightness and homogeneous illumination of the square. The light should underline the column architecture and emphasize the color of the marble.

At the same time, there was a focus on ecological sustainability. The lighting concept uses significantly less electricity and is intended to avoid unwanted light pollution. "The modern LED technology in combination with a Dali light management system saves approx. 70% energy," says Carlo Bogani, project manager at Osram in Italy.

132 customized LED floodlights installed

The 132 LED lights used are a customer-specific version of the Floodlight 20 LED with through-wiring and special plug connections for easy installation and wiring of the lights. The lights are equipped with a Dali Professional control and the light color 4000 K (neutral white).

St. Peter's Square, which is located directly in front of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, is divided into a trapezoidal section and the actual elliptical forecourt with a total area of ​​around 48,000 m ². For celebrations and special occasions such as the election of a new pope or at Easter there are up to 400,000 people on the extensive square. Extensive renovation work on St. Peter's Square began in 2011. (kj)