Genk city centre
Sustainable lighting helps transform Genk city centre into a green oasis, enhancing climate resilience
Aware of the need for climate action, the local authorities in Genk, decided to transform the city centre into an 'urban forest'. They replaced the impermeable paving in Grote Markt, Stadsplein and Sint-Martinusplein areas with green spaces. Paved surfaces heat up quickly and cool down slowly. The new green spaces on Grote Markt, featuring 78 plant species, provide shade to significantly lower the urban temperature, mitigating heat effects and contributing to climate neutrality.
This transformation has also created a well-being space for residents. As the authorities wanted the square to be a place where everyone could relax, it has been fitted with playgrounds and areas where people can meet and enjoy nature in the heart of the city. This welcoming environment encourages people to spend more time outdoor, strengthening social cohesion.
This redevelopment has also had a positive effect on the local economy. The cafés and restaurants around the square now have attractive green terraces that encourage passers-by to stop and enjoy them. To ensure this welcoming environment remained safe and appealing after dark, the authorities required a sustainable lighting solution.
A sustainable and attractive luminaire designed for urban environments
The VALINTA range of LED floodlights, designed by Michel Tortel, successfully blends aesthetic design, technical performance and visual discretion.
VALINTA SCOPE luminaires, mounted on a slender, pointed pole, create an elegant ensemble with an organic design that blends seamlessly into the green urban environment. Furthermore, the unique arrangement of the LEDs in the luminaire makes it attractive when switched on or off. VALINTA SCOPE's refined design perfectly balances the developers' vision for an urban oasis with the robustness required for long-term performance.
Customer
Genk City Council
Partner(s)
Contracting authority: Genk City Council
Lighting operator: Fluvius
Lighting design: Loomit
Landscape architect: Bureau Bas Smets
Application(s)
32
VALINTA SCOPE Midi – warm white
7
VALINTA SCOPE Midi – RGBW
1
DALI control system
Another special feature is its unique mounting system for easy installation and 360° adjustment, which allows the lighting effect to be fine-tuned on site by precisely adjusting the light beam.
Equipped with the LensoFlex®4 photometric engine, VALINTA is highly energy efficient, maximising energy and CO₂ savings and contributing to the fight against climate change. Furthermore, VALINTA has been designed according to the principles of the circular economy to promote a responsible use of resources. Thanks to its highly recyclable aluminium and glass materials and robust, scalable design, VALINTA SCOPE is a reliable and durable outdoor lighting solution.
Urban lighting to enhance night-time appeal
In addition to the aesthetic and sustainable aspects of the luminaires, it was vital that the new lighting play an essential role in creating a safe and welcoming nightscape. The designers opted for warm white LEDs to create a warm atmosphere on the square and provide high visual comfort.
For a more fun ambiance, seven VALINTA luminaires were equipped with RGBW LEDs controlled by DALI. This allows the authorities to create a colourful and dynamic atmosphere according to their wishes and offer a unique visual experience.
With this project, we were able to meet expectations by combining design, quality of light and sustainability. The VALINTA luminaire reaffirms our commitment to providing lighting solutions that combine aesthetics, technology, and environmental responsibility.
Tom Daniels
Area Sales Manager - Schréder BE
The transformation of this public space into a welcoming green oasis in the heart of the city demonstrates the compatibility between nature and the urban environment, benefiting the well-being of residents and the planet.
