Lighting the
Specola tower

Up until a few years ago, the lighting system for the Specola tower in Padua - the seat of the city’s Astronomical Observatory and a symbol of astrophysical research - was an environmental problem. Today, however, it is an example of ecological and economical sustainability
 
The new lighting system, designed by the architect Antonio Stevan, has given citizens back a fragment of their history, architecture and scientific culture while also reducing the effects of light pollution. This is a theme that iGuzzini is particularly aware of and has been publicising since its 1990s corporate campaign, ‘iGuzzini against light pollution’.

“We are extremely pleased to have helped bring a historic symbol of Padua back to the light and we are honoured to have done it in a place that studies, protects and enhances the oldest and most evocative artistic heritage in the world: the sky. This splendid operation indicates the importance of iGuzzini’s research and commitment to developing solutions for architectural lighting, combating light pollution and improving the quality of the environment and life in general.”

“We involved the Municipality, obviously; the University of Padua and the ARPAV, as the competent inspection body. We also thought it was right and appropriate to involve AcegasApsAmga, the municipal company that administers public lighting in the town. Then we needed a partner to actually construct the systems, so the Municipality put us in contact with iGuzzini, who were already working on the Scrovegni Chapel. Lastly, it was essential to include the Special Arts, Landscape and Archaeology Heritage Authorities too, as the Specola Tower is part of the Padua Castle complex. Everyone was extremely amenable and enthusiastic, so completing the project was a real pleasure at a human level too.”