Monday, December 05, 2005

Swindon - Regent Circus

A splendid example of what can be achieved with a sensible level of high-quality modern lighting in an urban setting. The installation is complementary to the red-brick architecture and friendly layout of this vista in the heart of Swindon and results in an interesting, comfortable and relaxing night-time environment: there's sufficient illumination to maintain constancy of vision and yet it's not so uniform as to subsume detail and a sense of place.

The lights are 150W Metal-Halide, giving a warm white light; chosen in this instance to highlight the Town Hall. The colour-temperature of the light appears to be in the region of 2700-2800k: about that of a tungsten bulb and a world away from the tangerine fug of HPS on surrounding streets. It is worth pointing out that these halides are quite a pricey light in terms of initial purchase cost: three to four times that of 150W HPS. Ah, civic pride. Feel the quality. But just don't expect to see them beautifying Commercial Road in the near future.

4 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Not for the likes of us, eh? Great site, by the way. Keep it coming! Rgds, Craig

3:13 am  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

>>The lights are 150W Metal-Halide, giving a warm white light; chosen in this instance to highlight the Town Hall.<<

wow 8|
Where you taking these technix data? Outstanding! Never thought that someone can talk about different lights with great Enthusiasm, such as you...

12:48 am  
Blogger Ade Brown said...

Thanks for the compliments. All graciously received. I do try and infuse the subject with passion:- but it's more an aesthetic than a technical interest. I'm evangeligal about the benefits of white-light streetlighting, as it transforms environments and, sensibly applied, could be a serious contribution to reclaiming a dark sky at night.

8:36 pm  
Blogger Ade Brown said...

Evangelical, even.

Apologies for the lack of recent updates. Now that a few people are linking here, the improved motivation I'm feeling will surely breed a new batch of photees in due course.

2:00 am  

Post a Comment

<< Home