Smart Lódz

Smart lighting plays vital role in boosting social and economic cohesion to regenerate city centre

Lodz, the 3rd largest city in Poland, has a rich and diverse urban heritage as it was once the leading centre of the textile industry. Faced with economic decline, many factories were abandoned and the city, particularly the Ksiezy Mlyn area, had become neglected. In 2014, the local authorities launched the Integrated Development Strategy for Lodz 2020+ to restore its character, rebuild community life and create a resilient future.

Former factories benefited from a full overhaul to provide office space, art studios, workshops, food and drink outlets and premises for micro-entrepreneurs. Bike paths and pedestrian zones were created, new benches and bicycle racks were installed, trees were planted and the public lighting was upgraded. 
 

Create attractive public spaces at night

It was vital for the city to install aesthetic street lighting that would make the area attractive both by day and by night. They wanted the city to be as lively by night as by day, to encourage the local community to interact after dark and to drive economic growth.
 

Street lighting to reflect the city’s past 

It was equally important that the street lights reflect the city’s strong industrial and artistic heritage, a source of pride for the residents. Many of the buildings in the area were renovated with special attention lavished on the historic architectural details to restore the façades to their original glory. The local authorities wanted the street lights to help recreate the area's past look.
 

Latest lighting technology to minimise energy, costs and footprint

The city officials were keen to use the latest energy-saving technologies to minimise operating costs and implement more eco-friendly infrastructure for a truly modern and smart city. They wanted a better quality of light that would enhance visibility and safety when people were using the public spaces, especially the newly pedestrianised zones and bike paths.

We worked with the city to implement smart lighting that would enable it to achieve all of the above goals.
 

Classic ALBANY on bespoke poles enrich city’s character

The city’s architect chose the ALBANY LED with its classical forms to light the city centre streets as it perfectly complements the 19th-century residential and industrial buildings. The luminaires have been installed on bespoke VIADUKT poles - designed and developed by our Schréder STUDIO team - to incorporate the city’s coat of arms. The ensembles enrich the streetscape and enhance the city’s historic character. 

551
ALBANY LED
418
VIADUKT poles
797
LED floodlights

Energy-saving luminaires create a welcoming city centre

Just over 550 ALBANY LED were installed on 29 streets throughout the city. They deliver a warm white light that creates a welcoming public realm by night so people feel safe and want to spend more time out in the city centre, meeting up with family and friends.

Almost 800 energy-saving LED floodlights were also installed throughout the city centre to illuminate the façades of the renovated industrial buildings, museums and the city’s many monuments. They highlight the architectural details, enriching the street scape and creating vibrant destinations for locals and visitors during the hours of darkness.

TERRA MIDI floodlights uplight the many trees and shrubs lining Piotrkowska Street, the city’s main 4.2km-long artery. Home to many shops, restaurants and bars which attract residents and toursits, the recessed floodlights enhance the visitor experience at night.
 

Heritage lanterns go smart

As the city is passionate about preserving the city’s heritage and driving a sustainable future, the ALBANY LED street lights are controlled by Schréder EXEDRA to: 

  • reduce energy consumption;
  • optimise maintenance costs;
  • provide valuable data for the future. 

With the insights gained from Schréder EXEDRA, the city will be able to adapt the light to the real needs in the future, optimising safety for the local community and reducing its energy consumption further for a lower carbon footprint.

Schréder EXEDRA is an open and interoperable platform, which was important for the city as it plans to roll out smart city initiatives in the near future.
 

SHUFFLE makes its debut

The first smart SHUFFLE poles were installed in the city on Pasaz Majewskiego where a new and modern playground was installed for the children living in the neighbourhood. They deliver a bright white light so they can play in safety after school, even in the heart of winter. 
Controlled by Schréder EXEDRA, the light is dimmed when the playground is not being used.

These multi-functional smart poles can be fitted with extra features like WiFi or loudspeakers in the near future for a more engaging public space.
 

Smart street lighting supports Lodz regeneration

The new smart street lighting has proved to be a valuable tool in regenerating Lodz. It has improved the feeling of safety and enhanced the city’s heritage which has increased the attractiveness of the city centre so people are spending more time there after dusk, bringing social and economic benefits.

Schréder EXEDRA will help the city to achieve its sustainability goals and set the foundations for its smart city projects.