Can energy efficient lights be fun? That question is answered every evening by the Rh?ne-Alpes case in the Urban Best Practices Area... with a resounding yes. The French region provides a dazzling 20-minute light display four times every evening using energy efficient systems. In the show, the public area and the Harmony Tower Chimney are illuminated with impressive animations. The designers have used the latest technology in light sources, light control and image projection, to create innovative patterns.
The show runs from between 7:30pm and 10:10pm every evening at Urban Square on the Puxi side of the park. Put it on your to-do list.
In the past 15 years, the capital city of Rh?ne-Alpes Lyon has implemented a lighting plan for the whole city, with the goal of highlighting the artistic features of its historic architecture, urban landscapes and public spaces. To bring both urban lighting technology and art into play, Lyon holds an annual Light Festival and forum, discussing such issues as: sustainable lighting planning, the application of new materials & technologies and the promotion of energy-efficient light devices, as well as the problem of light pollution.
How is energy efficient lighting developing in China? Light Emitting Diode lighting is playing an important part. It uses at least 30 percent less power and has a life span five to six times longer than ordinary lighting. The lighting used at the Beijing Olympics marked a milestone in the use of LEDs in China. So too is the Shanghai World Expo with its emphasis on landscape lighting. At night, many of the exits and buildings are illuminated using LEDs.
According to officials, LED technology will be used in 30 percent of local homes and roads by the end of the 12th five-year plan (2011-2015). So Shanghais famous night scenes will last long into the future without harming the environment.