A new lighting project for Ascoli Piceno

In 2023, work was completed on new lighting systems for two historical and artistic, urban gems in Ascoli Piceno: Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Arringo. 
The two squares were the first to be chosen for a lighting regeneration project that will take place in several phases. In this case, adapting the existing system to increase energy saving is not the only target, as the local administration, working through the Esco Opera Group, also wishes to emphasise the city’s spectacular beauty. 

During the day, natural light with its changing balances of sunshine and shadow makes the architecture gleam, here. While at night, projected artificial lighting can risk blunting the beauty of the urban landscape.  
So, for these Ascoli squares, Effetto Luce developed a project that provides not only functional lighting, but above all architectural and scenic lighting. Grazing light, light blades and accent lighting effects emphasize the serene atmosphere of the squares, through the use of extremely compact, latest-generation LED luminaires that highlight architectural details without disturbing the viewer’s perception of the façades.  

The lighting design is built on different levels. The first ensures uniformity and is created by Platea Pro luminaires positioned under the eaves of the buildings. These feature a screen that has been specifically designed and manufactured to prevent the light emitted from creating unsightly patches of brightness on the walls. The second level focuses on the façades, which are lit by Palco In Out floodlights, installed on the cornices of the palazzos, and Agorà floodlights positioned on metal supports at the corners of the buildings. This second level includes lighting the porticoes in front of the Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo.

Here, Palco InOut floodlights, installed on bases so they point downwards, create a rhythmic lighting effect on the columns, while other Palco floodlights with emissions pointing upwards at the vaults, create a homogeneous indirect lighting effect. The third lighting level regards the friezes and architectural details. Here, Trick luminaires with 180° light blade optics have been placed in the centre of the window gables to illuminate and accentuate them. While Underscore InOut and Linealuce light lines fitted with Wall grazing optics have been positioned along the stringcourses to provide gentle grazing lighting.

Several Palco floodlights with super-spot optics highlight the portal of the Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo, that features a statue of Pope Paul III. A control system dims and switches the luminaires on and off to create scenarios designed for special occasions and different times of the day.  

In Piazza Arringo, the main features illuminated are the telamons and caryatids located around the windows of the baroque masterpiece, Palazzo dell'Arengoto, that now houses important municipal offices and the Pinacoteca Civica. 
Both these new lighting designs underscore the elegance of these dramatic backdrops in the heart of the city with style and care. 

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