Brunnsum | Stadtzentrum

New enenergy for Brunssum

The city of Brunssum in the Netherlands has a new city center. A vibrant atmosphere greets visitors at “Lindeplein”, and they can experience the history of Brunssum through light.

Because the city has a long history as a major site for coal mining and still rests on coal, this theme was recognized as part of the Urban Code. The lighting concept “New Energy” created a fresh identity for the plaza.

Up until 2014 Lindeplein was a parking lot and a thoroughfare separated from the lake and not very attractive. The new design features prominent steps to the lake creating a lovely new place to socialize. Simultaneously, a large portion of the parking lot was turned into a public plaza, and this “city terrace” can be used in a variety of ways.

To the right and the left are three light columns with coal-themed embellishments which can be illuminated in varying colors. In between these, there are cables with hanging RGB luminaires. With intelligent light controls the atmosphere in the plaza can be easily changed. On occasion it is a starry sky, sometimes the national flag or a tapestry of color which can be coordinated with the time of the year. (s. article „Kohle für Brunssum“, LICHT Ausgabe 3/2016)

In the plaza there is a special highlight which was created especially for Brunssum: der Kohlenpott (the coal pot).
Thanks to a one-way mirror it was possible to create an effect in which one thinks they are looking deep into a coal mine at glowing coal. Visitors would be remiss to exclude this unique experience from their visit.

The plaza and the lake are connected through the element of water and the lighting. During the day the visitor is guided to the lake by stairs in which a water feature flows down the middle. At nighttime the lighting guides the visitor. The flowing water is illuminated to emphasize this feature. Fire and water create a historic, yet modern and vibrant composition for the center of Brunssum.

Bau des Lindenplein in Brunssum (Movie)

Movie was made possible by: “CASE Creative Communications” www.casecc.nl.