CHICAGO, May 17 (Xinhua) -- While recognizing sustainability as the critical issue in urban lighting, a Chicago architect believes it is the deliberate placement and balance of lights that gives the city a magical image at night.
During the ongoing 2010 Shanghai Expo, under its theme of " Better City Better Life", Chicago's lighting system, and how it helps bring both a functional and esthetic experience to its residents, has become a hot topic, drawing global attention and generating global discussion as well.
Vojo Narancic is an accomplished architect with 30 years of experience in architectural design and urban planning. His extensive experience spans the globe from the U.S. and Asia to Europe and the Middle East, and encompasses projects from health care and education facilities to civic and performing arts centers.
On the important lighting issues facing cities today, Narancic told Xinhua at an exclusive interview on Monday, "Sustainability is more critical than ever. Most cities, certainly Chicago, are interested in improving the lives of their citizens and becoming more energy conscious."
Narancic noted, "Lighting systems are responsible for the largest consumption of energy in cities. People in my profession and others, including the city government headed by Mayor Richard Daley, are very committed to making Chicago one of the greenest cities in the world. That includes addressing the new sources of energy as well as being wise in using the energy that we have today. It certainly includes lights that require a great percentage of energy used in the city."
He continued to explain, "Technology of light source is continuously evolving. New developments and new fixtures are becoming more energy-efficient without sacrificing the quality or the amount of lighting. These are being installed throughout the city buildings and open spaces."
The extensive usage of lighting has caused pollution in cities and actions should be taken to address this issue. Narancic suggested, "A number of things could be done to control the extensive usage of lighting. One is to control the direction of light. The intensity of lights may change, which also goes hand in hand with sustainable consideration. So, perhaps at a certain point at night we could reduce the intensity of light or maybe totally turn it off if it does not affect public life or safety."