A project born from a civic initiative and realized with lighting that respects the environment while enhancing Fidenza’s historical heritage.
Viale dei Gelsi con Dynamic White
Fidenza, Italia
Il progetto valorizza la riqualificazione del Viale dei Gelsi a Fidenza: pedonalizzazione definitiva, nuovi arredi e una nuova illuminazione, realizzata grazie alla collaborazione con Cariboni Group su progetto di Restart Engineering, società di ingegneria impegnata nella transizione energetica, montando i prodotti Levante 2.0 poles nella taglia small e integrando la tecnologia Dynamic White.
Dynamic White - Fidenza: technology serving citizens and nature
Fidenza is a city of art and culture in the province of Parma. It offers a concrete example of how innovative lighting can effectively meet citizens’ needs while contributing to the enhancement of cultural and natural heritage.
In 2013, a group of citizens mobilized to safeguard the final stretch of Via Caduti di Cefalonia, known as “Viale dei Gelsi.” This pathway, surrounded by nature and shaded by majestic mulberry trees, lies just outside the urban center and is frequently used by pedestrians and sports enthusiasts. Located near the historic Romanesque parish church of Cabriolo, along the the Via Francigena pilgrim route, the avenue was originally built by Maria Luigia of Austria — Duchess of Parma, daughter of Emperor Francis I, and widow of Napoleon Bonaparte — as a carriage road connecting Tabiano to the then Borgo San Donnino (today Fidenza).
The citizens’ committee requested an intervention aimed at preserving the environmental integrity of the area and improving its accessibility. In response, in 2016 the municipal administration launched the seasonal pedestrianization of a section of the road, marking the first step toward protecting the Cabriolo mulberry trees and enhancing the avenue.
In 2024, the project took shape with a complete redevelopment of the area: permanent pedestrianization, new street furniture, and new lighting — designed by Restart Engineering, a company committed to the energy transition, and implemented in collaboration with Cariboni Group.
Until then, Viale dei Gelsi had never been illuminated. This condition, while limiting evening activities, also benefited the local ecosystem, as the absence of light pollution preserved the biological rhythms of local flora and fauna.
It is well known that nighttime lighting can pose a threat to biodiversity, primarily due to the blue component of light (λ<500 nm), which is particularly disruptive to most animals. However, cool bluish light also provides better visibility for humans and greater energy efficiency.
To reconcile these needs, Restart Engineering, in agreement with the municipal administration, chose Cariboni Group’s Dynamic White technology, part of the Eco-Centric Lighting range. This solution allows the blue component of light to be modulated according to human presence. The color temperature can vary from a very warm light (1800K) — with an extremely low blue content and therefore more respectful of nature — to a warm light (3000K), suitable for human vision and evening activities. In addition to color adjustment, light intensity can also be modulated according to color temperature. The Dynamic White technology was integrated into Levante 2.0 Small Pole-Side luminaires, equipped with asymmetric optics for narrow streets.
The system was calibrated according to the area’s usage:
- Until 10:00 p.m., the light points emit maximum output at 3000K, ideal for the many pedestrians and athletes who populate the avenue after sunset.
- From 10:00 p.m. onward, the light warms to 1800K, almost completely eliminating the blue component to protect flora and fauna.
- From midnight until dawn, the luminous flux is reduced to 65%, ensuring energy savings during hours of minimal pedestrian traffic.
The result is a system that safeguards the biological rhythms of nature while ensuring safety and visual comfort for citizens — a virtuous balance between technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and the revitalization of public spaces.
During the inauguration of the new Viale dei Gelsi, Mayor Davide Malvisi stated:
“Today is a special day for all those who love this magnificent avenue. With the new lighting, we are giving back to Fidenza’s residents a place of incredible magic, right on the edge of the historic center.”
A project that demonstrates how light, when consciously designed, can become a tool for enhancement, protection, and innovation.
Informaciones
Productos
Proyectista
Restart Engineering
