Urban Regeneration

Background

OVERVIEW

Urban regeneration is a key focus for governments seeking to revitalise city centres, public spaces, and infrastructure. Well-planned lighting solutions play a crucial role in these projects, transforming urban areas into safer, more attractive, and more functional spaces for residents and visitors.

Lighting enhances security, improves wayfinding, and encourages community engagement by making public spaces usable beyond daylight hours. With over 125 years of expertise in high-performance lighting, Holophane provides sustainable, durable, and innovative solutions that meet the demanding requirements of urban regeneration projects.

Challenges

Urban regeneration schemes typically address a variety of public concerns, requiring lighting solutions that balance aesthetic appeal with functional and environmental benefits. Some of the key challenges include:

• Enhancing safety and security
  Poorly lit areas contribute to crime and anti-social behaviour, discouraging public use.
  
  Local authorities need lighting that provides consistent visibility while minimising light pollution.
  
  
• Attracting visitors and boosting economic growth
  Regeneration projects often aim to create vibrant public spaces that draw visitors and support local businesses.
  
  The challenge is to design lighting schemes that enhance architectural features, public art, and landmark areas without excessive energy use.
  
  
• Supporting Social and Cultural Activities
  Outdoor spaces need to be accessible and inviting at all hours to support events, performances, and social interaction.
  Flexibility in lighting control is key to adapting brightness levels for different activities.
  
  
• Improving navigation and accessibility
  Effective illumination of pathways, cycle lanes, and transport hubs helps people move around safely and comfortably.
  
  Glare control and uniformity are critical to reducing visual discomfort and ensuring clear visibility.
  
  
• Achieving sustainability goals
  Government-led regeneration projects must align with sustainability objectives, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.
  
  Long-life, recyclable materials, and smart lighting controls are essential in lowering carbon footprints and ensuring long-term viability.

Holophane's expertise and solutions

Holophane has a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality, efficient, and sustainable lighting solutions that directly address the challenges of urban regeneration schemes. Our expertise lies in providing lighting solutions that are visually appealing, environmentally responsible, and built to last.

Smart and sustainable lighting technology

• Glass optics for longevity and performance: Holophane’s borosilicate glass optics provide unmatched durability, resistance to environmental factors, and superior light control.
  
  
• PrismaLED technology: Reduces glare, improves uniformity, and ensures excellent vertical illumination for better visibility and security.
  
  
• Smart controls: Dimmable and sensor-based lighting solutions adapt to occupancy levels and environmental conditions, optimising energy efficiency.

Enhancing Safety and Security

• Holophane’s luminaires offer superior volumetric illumination, reducing dark spots and increasing visibility in high-footfall areas.
  
  
• Anti-glare technology improves pedestrian and driver safety, minimising accidents and enhancing comfort.
  
  
• Robust designs withstand harsh weather conditions and vandalism, ensuring reliability and low maintenance costs.

Creating engaging public spaces

• Our lighting solutions support the transformation of urban environments into lively and attractive areas, promoting cultural and social engagement.
  
  
• Dynamic colour-changing LED solutions can be used for events and seasonal displays, enhancing public enjoyment of spaces.
  
  
• Architectural and landscape lighting highlights key features, reinforcing a city’s identity and heritage.

Supporting sustainable urban development

• Our products are designed with circular economy principles in mind, ensuring longevity, reusability, and recyclability.
  
  
• Holophane’s luminaires are TM66-certified, independently verified for sustainability, and meet stringent energy-efficiency regulations.
  
  
• Our solutions contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and light pollution, aligning with government sustainability targets.

Improving accessibility and wayfinding

• Holophane’s lighting solutions ensure clear and comfortable navigation for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike.
  
  
• High-performance optics deliver consistent, well-controlled illumination along pathways, public squares, and transport hubs.
  
  
• Intelligent lighting systems integrate with urban infrastructure to provide dynamic and adaptive lighting levels.

Conclusion

Urban regeneration projects require lighting solutions that go beyond mere illumination; they need to enhance safety, support economic growth, and create vibrant public spaces that align with sustainability goals. Holophane’s industry-leading expertise in optical control, energy-efficient technology, and durable materials makes us the perfect partner for government-led urban renewal initiatives.

By providing high-performance, sustainable, and intelligent lighting solutions, Holophane continues to support the transformation of urban spaces, ensuring cities remain safe, attractive, and accessible for generations to come.

To see our solutions in action, we have a video showcasing our projects that support urban regeneration schemes.