Although incandescent lights are being phased out across the EU and energy efficient lighting solutions will be introduced, the lighting industry has been relatively slow to promote innovative and well designed low energy lighting solutions. The Monument presented a unique challenge as the structure predates electric lighting. The old scheme was typically unsympathetic, utilising large and unsightly bulkhead fittings.

The designers set out to create a new solution with minimal visual intrusion. Special linear LED sources were designed to the same dimension and profile as the iron stair balustrade spindles. Finished in the same colour and fixed by metal straps, the new lighting is barely noticeable to visitors.  

The original finish of the walls – a limed wash – was reinstated. The limed wash gives excellent reflectance and supports the indirect lighting solutions which were installed. The lighting designers had to strike a balance between providing the right mood inside this historic structure and safety requirements and decided to keep the illumination levels at approximately 50 lux average. The emergency lighting is a central battery system which feeds 25% of the standard LED balustrade sources.   

The big advantages of the new lighting solution are its low energy use (1.3kWh), longevity and minimum maintenance.

Over 100.000 visitors climb the 311 spiral steps every year to the Monument’s observation gallery to enjoy the unique and exhilarating views across London. On the way up and down they can now also admire a forward thinking energy efficient lighting solution.

The lighting solution was developed by Light Bureau. For more details on the project and the project partners, please visit their website www.lightbureau.com .

© thequietriot.com 2010

In the United Kingdom, walking has declined by 1% (from 322 km to 317 km per person per year) and cycling by 16% (from 69 km to 58 km per person per year) between 2002 and 2005, although cycling in London has been on a steady increase. Overall European citizens make, on average, 500 trips per year that are shorter than 5 km. The majority of these trips are done by car. Walking could be a realistic alternative for many of these trips.

Getting around cities can be very confusing. 109 journeys between neighbouring central London Underground stations are actually quicker on foot than the Tube. Street signs for pedestrians are hard to read, confusing or non-existent. 

Over the past years the designers at Applied Information Group (AIG) have been working onWalking Cities projects. The team has been designing multi-media systems for cities, which combine on-street signs, paper and digital mapping. The main purpose of the projects is to engage people with the city, make walking easy and reduce dependence on the car and public transport.   

The mapping designed by AIG takes an entirely pedestrian-centric approach. It incorporates graphics of recognisable landmarks and well known retail outlets. It also includes colour coding to indicate direct routes on foot. Custom designed digital mapping is accessible on the Internet – now also accessible on many mobile devices.

AIG have been working on wayfinding systems for Brighton & Hove and Legible London, which includes the three pilot areas Richmond and Twickenham, the South Bank and Bankside as well as Bloomsbury, Covent Garden and Holborn. The first prototype was tested in the West End. Londoners and visitors love the scheme and 85% find it easy to use.

Start the year 2010 walking – it is good for you and the environment.

www.legiblelondon.info

www.visitbrighton.com

www.appliedinformationgroup.com

Zipcar is the world?s largest and fastest growing car club with more than 250,000 members and 5,500 stylish vehicles located in dedicated branded bays across North America and in London for use by individuals, businesses and those on university campuses.

Top energy efficient and well designed models in the London-based fleet include the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic Hybrid, 20% of the more than 200 cars, thereby ensuring members receive a sleek and low energy drive wherever they choose to go. Zipcar has been established in London for the past 19 months.

Paying out hefty wasteful sums of money just to drive is also a thing of the past. Rather than spend hundreds a month on car owner related costs, car sharing club members can simply join up for a small annual fee, then book and drive a car on demand at their leisure via the internet or their mobile phone 24/7, from £3.95 an hour or from £29 a day.

Zipcar?s easy-to-use leading edge technology and web-based reservation system make getting a car as easy as getting money from an ATM. Cars can be reserved any time from one minute to up to a year in advance, and each member’s proprietary Zipcard ensures that their reservation is secure.

Each Zipcar reservation includes assigned parking, maintenance, the London congestion charge, full MOT, insurance, fuel and gives 60 free miles. Zipcar members report saving around £450 a month on car related costs.

Furthermore, Zipcar is committed to improving the quality of urban life and is an integral part of the urban transportation mix, complementing means of public transport and healthy living options. More than 1.5 million Londoners now have access to a Zipcar within ten minutes walk.

Carlo Colajori, MD of independent Italian wine merchant, Tuttialia, said: ‘I started Tuttitalia deliveries by bicycle. I have first-hand experience of managing a green fleet of electric vehicles in London which influenced my thinking about how I can best travel around this city and service my broad network of customers.

‘I am passionate about creating the Tuttitalia brand, just as my customers are passionate and knowledgeable about fine wine. Zipcar green ethos and simplicity are key in helping me to achieve my environmental and business goals.’

According to a recent company survey, drivers who use Zipcar as an alternative to owning a car ultimately spend less time behind the wheel. In many cases members have surrendered ownership of their vehicles, or halted a purchasing decision. The survey also indicated that each Zipcar introduced into local communities takes more than 20 vehicles off the road decreasing congestion, emissions and parking demand. Since it began eight years ago, Zipcar has taken more than 100,000 vehicles off the roads.

Whether Zipcar is used in the city to collect groceries or friends just once a week or perhaps conduct out of town visits twice a month, it makes driving a low cost and sustainable alternative.

For more information please go to www.zipcar.co.uk

Many European and North American communities run car sharing schemes. If there is no Zipcar near you, you might find other offers.

And don?t forget, there is always the option to walk, cycle or to use public transport.

Text provided by Zipcar in London