Landsgemeindeplatz now benefits from better, more atmospheric, lighting

Light was a striking feature above the city and above Landsgemeindeplatz in particular last Friday. Firstly, there was a wonderful red glow as the sun set on this cold December evening; secondly a crescent moon made its appearance as if on cue; and thirdly, a new system of lighting was turned on, illuminating the area in a warm, more atmospheric light, and one which means lower costs than before.
 
The idea for this change in illumination dates back to 2010 when it was proposed by Vroni Staub, who has since become a member of the city council herself. She thought it would be a good idea if the city adopted a “Plan Lumière,” whereby a better, more attractive system of lighting, costing less, and causing less light pollution, was introduced.
 
Six years on, last Friday night, this new system was duly switched on in a ceremony on Landsgemeindeplatz in the presence of André Wicki, who is responsible for planning matters on the council, and a number of other dignitaries, including Santa Claus and a couple of the latter’s dark Schmutzli assistants. Not that Wicki himself could be easily seen after all, it was Landsgemeindeplatz itself, bathed in all its new illuminated glory, which was the focus of attention. Nevertheless, the councillor duly addressed those who had gathered to witness it all.
 
He mentioned how, with this new system, the city has managed to kill a number of birds with one stone. Firstly, the attractivity of the square has been considerably enhanced; secondly, the area has become safer, and thirdly, the new system with its downlighting means savings of CHF 30,000 a year, as less energy is needed. In fact the initial outlay of CHF 394,000 will have paid for itself in 13 years. He went on to say that the idea had been very well supported when initially suggested, with 39 out of 40 members of the greater city council voting for it, the 40^th not able to attend for reasons of ill-health.
 
Now that Landsgemeindeplatz benefits from this new light, it has been decided that a similar system be installed on Postplatz, too, though it is not yet certain when funding for this will be forthcoming.