Bologna's historic center gets a luminous makeover with 77% energy savings

The municipality of Bologna commissioned I-DEA Luce Architettura to redesign the lighting of its historic center, completed in December 2023. The project covers 16 km of UNESCO-listed porticoes, 40 monumental sites (including Piazza Santo Stefano and Piazza San Domenico), 10 ancient city gates, and several green areas. A total of 51,000 LED light points were installed, achieving a 77% energy saving equivalent to 387 tons of CO₂ per year. The centerpiece is the 'Bird' luminaire, designed by I-DEA and iGuzzini for the porticoes, which illuminates both street and portico with different color temperatures. Historical light fixtures were preserved and restored. Technical partners include iGuzzini, Neri, Thorn, and Lumascape. The project was presented at Biblioteca Salaborsa, followed by a night tour. A photo exhibition 'La luce di Bologna' curated by Studio Babai with images by Oscar Ferrari runs until June 25 at the Scuderie of Biblioteca Salaborsa, detailing the lighting solutions and comparing the old and new city center.