Public lighting can no longer be understood solely as a technical infrastructure intended to illuminate streets and reduce consumption, but as an active part of the way cities are perceived, used and experienced at night.
In this context, renewing a lighting network involves much more than simply replacing old lights with LED technology. It means adapting the lighting to the real needs of each urban space, combining energy efficiency, visual comfort, and integration with the surroundings.
The city of Vic (Barcelona) is an example of this approach. The City Council has undertaken a comprehensive renovation of its public lighting system, which includes the modernization of 91% of the city's Light Points , allowing for a 50% reduction in installed power and annual energy consumption.
Beyond the efficiency figures— with projected annual savings exceeding €350,000 and an approximate investment of €3.5 million —the project stands out for its ability to adapt the lighting to different urban types. A wide avenue doesn't require the same lighting as a pedestrian street, nor can a historic center be treated the same as a busy thoroughfare.
Indeed, one of the most unique aspects of the project is located in the historic center of Vic, where historic streetlights such as the Picallima have been restored and adapted to LED technology without altering their original design. This solution allows the visual identity of the area to be maintained while simultaneously improving the efficiency and lighting quality of the public space.
To reinforce this integration, a warm color temperature of 2700 K was chosen, suitable for heritage environments and capable of preserving the nighttime atmosphere of the historic center. Furthermore, Camprodon suspended lighting solutions have been incorporated in certain streets, maintaining an aesthetic consistent with the city's architectural character.
The project also adapts the lighting to the use of each space. In pedestrian areas, such as the area around the bus station or Avinguda dels Països Catalans, Innova luminaires have been installed, designed to provide closer and more comfortable lighting for pedestrians.
In areas with higher traffic intensity, such as El Passeig, Carrer del Pare Gallissà or Ronda Francesc Camprodon, Milan luminaires have been incorporated, guaranteeing adequate levels of uniformity and safety.
The project also incorporates a remote management system that allows for regulation and monitor the lighting network in real time, optimizing both energy consumption and the maintenance of the installation.
The renovation of Vic's street lighting demonstrates that better lighting does not mean more light, but rather adapting the light to each environment to improve efficiency, urban quality and the experience of public space.