The City of Helsingborg has completed a lighting project in Sundspärlan – a green area with historic roots that today houses a theatre, a school, and conference facilities. The focus was on improving safety, increasing energy efficiency, and reducing light pollution. When the city lights public spaces, it is important to avoid light pollution – meaning the negative impact of artificial light on animals and nature. Light can disrupt animal behaviour, reproduction, and survival. That’s why it is important to carefully plan the placement and intensity of the lighting.

Part of the “Lighting of the Future” initiative

– It’s an important area for Helsingborg – and the result turned out really well. So that’s great, says Christer Jönsson, Technical Manager at the City’s Property Department. The project began in the summer of 2023 and was completed in the autumn of 2024. It is part of the city’s initiative Framtidens belysning ("Lighting of the Future"), where older luminaires are replaced with energy-efficient LED lights and smart control systems are installed.

Why Citygrid was chosen

In Sundspärlan, Citygrid was selected based on a recommendation from the project designer. The system met the city’s requirements for flexibility, individual control, and compatibility with open standards such as TALQ.

– We wanted to be able to control the luminaires exactly as we wish. That’s why we chose dual Zhaga sockets and a motion sensor on each luminaire. Our consultant also required the API to be TALQ-certified, which Citygrid could offer, says Christer Jönsson.

Lighting adapted to the site’s character

An important part of the project was to adapt the choice of luminaires and the light distribution to the unique character of the site.

– We used round globe luminaires from Ateljé Lyktan in Sundspärlan, while other areas were fitted with luminaires from Fox Belysning – in a special green colour to blend in with the surroundings.

Zoning and flexible control

From the start, there was a clear ambition to zone the lighting and adjust brightness levels according to events and activities. This has been made possible with the help of motion groups and individual control.

– For us, it was important to have the right light in the right place. We want to avoid over-lighting, while still ensuring it feels safe. We don’t run the luminaires at 100 percent – instead, we have dimmed them to between 70 and 95 percent light levels, which we think is fantastic, says Christer Jönsson.