The city of Aalborg, Denmark was awarded the first prize of the 14^th annual City.People.Light award for its innovative “House of Music Area” urban regeneration project. ÅF lighting, the company that designed and executed the project, was also awarded during the ceremony on 4^th of November 2016 in Seoul, South Korea.   

The “House of Music Area” is part of a larger renovation project that was geared towards transforming the Aalborg waterfront from an industrialized zone into a vibrant university city and buzzing cultural hub. The design embraced the local heritage of the site and used stakeholder analysis to ensure the space was not only attractive, but also inviting to local residents, students, and visitors to the city. “In the new space, lighting intertwines with the natural backdrop of the waterfront creating a unique landscape throughout the day and even at night. The space is adaptive and dynamic ensuring the perfect environment is created no matter the event, exhibition or season. This is achieved through tailored lighting solutions,” said C.F. Møller, the project’s landscape architect.

The city of Aalborg, Denmark won the 14th annual City.People.Light award for its innovative “House of Music Area”. (All photos courtesy of Philips)

The international City.People.Light award was created by Philips Lighting and LUCI, the international network of cities on urban lighting, in 2003. Over the years, it has honored multiple cities for their sustainable urban development projects that utilize light to enhance the environment and lives of local citizens. “Lighting is a crucial part of city planning and their appeal. For the 14^th consecutive year of this award, we received over 30 entries and have seen increasing interest from designers and cities in urban beautification and the importance given to urban lighting as part of their innovative city concepts,” said Kim Moonsung, Country Leader at Philips Lighting in Korea.

“The City.People.Light award participates in making cities within LUCI and beyond, progress towards a better use of light, leading to a better quality of life for their citizens,” said LUCI President Mary-Ann Schreurs, Vice-Mayor of Innovation and Design, Culture and Sustainability at the City of Eindhoven. 

The city of Aalborg, Denmark lighting seen at night.

Runners up for the award included Seoul (South-Korea) and Emmen (the Netherlands)

Second Prize - Gyeongui Line Forest Walkway Lighting Design Project, Seoul, Korea

Since the railway switched to being underground in 2005, the area had been neglected leading to high crime rates and pollution levels. The Gyeongui Line Forest Walkway Lighting Design Project revitalized this area by utilizing light to create a natural and comfortable space for local residents. The lighting was designed to minimize light pollution at night for local residents while creating a safe walkway for passersby throughout the day. The space has now been reborn as a popular city location with local resident satisfaction exceeding 80%.  

Third Prize - Emmen City Center Renovation Project, Emmen, the Netherlands

The Emmen City Center Renovation Project began in 2003 with a purpose to boost economic development, generate employment and strengthen the international position of Emmen. Since the project began, lighting has been embedded in attractions across the city emphasizing major landmarks such as the Marktplein (Market Square) and the Raadhuisplein (Town Hall Square). As part of the project, the Hondsrugweg, one of the busiest traffic routes in Emmen, was redeveloped with art instillations interweaved with functional lighting to create a unique roadway for local commuters.

Designers:

• The House of Music Area (Musikkens Hus Arealer), Aalborg Municipality, Denmark
• Design by: ÅF Lighting,
• Seoul, Gyeongui
• Design by: Urban Lighting-Design Partnership Co. Ltd.
• Lighting Design: Lee Yeon-So
• Emmen, NL
• Design by: Titia Ex and Studio DL