ILLUMINATION OF THE HISTORIC CANAL LOCKS 
2023 BYDGOSZCZ

The subject of the study was the design for the illumination of the locks of the Old Bydgoszcz Canal in Bydgoszcz. Decorative lighting is planned for the three historic locks on the now inactive branch of the canal. The aim of the illumination project is to illuminate the locks strikingly during the evening hours. The illumination should bring out the unique beauty of these historic structures from the dark, emphasise their architecture and guarantee the safety of people in the surrounding area.
Two independent lighting concepts were developed for each of the locks. Finally, two illumination options were selected and approved for implementation in the process of consultation with the Client.
Locks IV and VI: The proposed solution represents a minimalist approach to lock illumination. The design is based on specialised wall-washer luminaires, positioned on both interior walls of the sluice. These luminaires emit a wide beam of warm light towards the water and the lower part of the opposite wall, providing an uniform, soft illumination.
Lock V: clearly distinguishes itself from the other proposals. It is based on expressive, circular luminaires suspended above the sluice and illuminating its entire interior with flood light. These luminaires, with a diameter of 3.60 m, are designed for outdoor use and are striking objects in their own right. Visible from afar after dark, but also during the day, they intrigue and attract people walking around, while emphasising the prominence of the historic lock itself.