Lorenzo Viani Square, Viareggio (ITA)

For years, Piazza Lorenzo Viani was characterized by structural decay, poor amenity value and social marginalisation. The redevelopment of the square is part of a comprehensive development plan to upgrade the historic port and shipyard area known as Darsena, which forms the economic and maritime heart of the city. Darsena comprises several docks along the Canale Est. It is traditionally known as the location of important shipyards for luxury yachts, maritime industry and adjacent residential and urban areas. As a place of great economic importance, but long neglected in terms of amenity, it is an example of the transformation of many inner-city port areas. The aim of the intervention was to re-establish Piazza Lorenzo Viani as a safe, lively and identity-forming place during the day and in the evening hours as part of this transformation process.

The project was commissioned by the Autorità Portuale Regionale di Viareggio (Regional Port Authority). The architectural and urban planning was the responsibility of the MDSAP (Massimo Del Seppia Architetto) office, which not only functionally renewed the piazza, but also gave it a clear spatial order and new quality of stay. In addition to the reorganization of the areas, paths and seating, lighting played a central role in the reappropriation of the site.

Before the makeover, Piazza Lorenzo Viani was characterised by structural wear and limited usability over a long period of time. Especially in the evening hours, clear spatial references and a convincing quality of stay were missing. Against this backdrop, lighting was considered an integral part of the redevelopment from the outset. The aim was to make the square more usable and inviting overall.

For the lighting of Piazza Lorenzo Viani, Chameleon spotlights from ewo were chosen. They were mounted on slender poles using a lateral arm. This V–Notch pole connection was specially developed by ewo.

This solution allowed for a particularly flexible alignment of the luminaires. In addition, uniform and precise illumination of the square was achieved with comparatively few masts.

Instead of classic pole-mounted luminaires, two Chameleon spotlights were used per pole, which were individually aligned. Different connected loads and lens optics were specifically combined to homogeneously illuminate both paths and common areas and consistently avoid dark zones. Headlights in two sizes (Chameleon C165 Integral and C210 Integral) with connected loads between about 14 W and 43 W were used.

The lens optics AP07 (Asymmetric Extra Forward) and AS08 (Asymmetric Side and Forward Throw) used are exemplary for ewo's modular lighting approach. Projectors with this compact form factor usually have rotationally symmetrical light distributions, i.e. round beam characteristics from narrow to wide. However, they are only suitable for illuminating large squares to a limited extent. With the highly asymmetrical distributions of the AP07 and AS08 lens optics, on the other hand, extensive areas can be illuminated precisely and glare-free with comparatively few luminaires. A special feature of the ewo system is that these complex asymmetrical light distributions can be combined with the Chameleon luminaire family. This allowed the planners to use a luminaire with their preferred design and at the same time implement an optimal lighting solution for the location.

The lighting concept follows a clear design approach: the focus was not on staging, but on restraint and precision. The lighting subtly structures the square, makes paths and recreation areas easily recognizable and at the same time deliberately leaves the characteristic tree population and the architectural surroundings in the foreground. The targeted alignment of the Chameleon luminaires avoids unnecessary stray light. The light stays where it is needed: on the areas that are used. The result was a calm, balanced night image that conveys security without over shaping the place.

With the redesign of Piazza Lorenzo Viani, it has been possible to reopen a previously avoided place to the people. The combination of high-quality open space design and precise, pleasant lighting creates an urban space that invites people to linger and is also used in the evening hours as a matter of course.

Piazza Lorenzo Viani thus exemplifies the sensitive use of light as a functional tool, as an atmospheric element and as a significant contribution to quality of life in urban areas.