A sophisticated combination of light fittings spectacularly illuminates the grand façade and sides of the City Chambers' original 1880s West Building which dominates George Square. Other newly illuminated structures include the George V Bridge over the Clyde, the main Killermont Street entrance of Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, St George's Tron Church in Nelson Mandela Place, the historic Tron Steeple in Trongate, and Drumchapel Water Tower.
The city's lighting strategy is being driven forward by council leader, Charles Gordon. He explains: "Glasgow is renowned for its architecture and everyone should be able to see its beautiful buildings at any time of day - especially my own place of work, the City Chambers. Use of the latest techniques and technology to light up our buildings, bridges and other landmarks, not only makes people feel better about their city, it also raises the city's profile as a popular destination for British and foreign visitors."
In a separate initiative, the City Council intends to spend £85m over the next 10 years to replace all of its 67,000 lighting columns. These will feature white light as opposed to the traditional orange light. Pilot schemes in the city have shown that the public feels safer when white light is used because the light is thrown further, reduces shadows and highlights colours more accurately.
(Ruth Rossington)
