Created for the Adelaide City Council as part of the broader Adelaide City Lighting Strategy, this project introduces a pioneering smart‑lighting pilot designed to activate evenings in one of the city’s most significant public squares. Stretching 1 kilometre along key pedestrian and cycling pathways, the installation transforms the precinct into a vibrant, welcoming night‑time environment while maintaining a strong commitment to ecological responsibility.
The lighting system uses colour‑changing technology to subtly animate the landscape after dark, enhancing wayfinding, safety, and the overall night‑time identity of the square. The design supports Adelaide’s ambition to create a more engaging, human‑centred city after sunset.
Smart Technology & Environmental Sensitivity. At the heart of the installation are the new WE‑EF luminaires, equipped with Zhaga Book 18 smart‑control interfaces. These fittings enable dynamic dimming and adaptive behaviour: Cyclist‑responsive lighting: illumination gently increases as bikes approach, then returns to lower levels once they pass. Flora and fauna protection: reduced baseline lighting minimises ecological disruption while still ensuring visibility and safety. Energy efficiency: adaptive dimming significantly reduces power consumption across the 1km corridor. This approach demonstrates how smart urban lighting can balance activation, sustainability, and biodiversity care.
City of Adelaide Light Designer: Ben Baxter City of Adelaide Landscape Architects: Alec Whitham, Skye Alan Electrical Engineer: Bestec
