photo: Adéla Houbová, PrahaIN.cz/Ulice Dukelských hrdinů before reconstruction
Dukelské hrdinů and Bubenská streets have become the target of complaints from residents of Holešovice. Both streets have undergone a total reconstruction in recent months, which also affected the public lighting. And that’s exactly what the locals allude to in their complaints. The new lamps are said to be very intense and shine into their windows at night. However, THMP reassures that this is only a temporary condition.
The editors were informed by several residents of Holešovice about the unpleasant lighting of the newly reconstructed Dukelské hrdinů and Bubenská streets. Both were reconstructed during this year and both received new public lighting lamps.
However, according to the locals, the lighting is disproportionately intense. “There is almost more light here at night than during the day,” one of the locals described the situation.
The standard for disturbing light does not apply to the building
The editors therefore turned to the municipal company Technology of the City of Prague (THMP), which is in charge of public lighting in Prague. As the chairman of the board of directors, Tomáš Jílek, answered our questions, the lighting in both streets has not yet been handed over to the administration of THMP, as it is still an ongoing construction.
Officially, the company records only one complaint regarding disturbing light in Bubenská. It was submitted through an application zmente.to. According to Jílek, the initiative was closed because the standard on disruptive light does not apply to ongoing construction.
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Luminaires are not yet set to operating intensity
“The lighting in Dukelské hrdinů Street and Bubenská Street has not yet been handed over to the THMP administration. In the case of Dukelské hrdiný, where TSK is an investor, this is an ongoing construction, which means that the lights do not have to be set to operating intensity yet. In Bubenská Street, where the building of the Railway Administration is concerned, the investor is waiting for the delivery of the final type of light fixtures that will replace the existing temporarily installed lights,” Jílek told PrahaIN.cz.
So the locals have hope that they will soon see lights that will be less intense. After all, according to the projects, both streets are to get special lamps to reduce light smog.
According to Jílek, the new lighting is designed according to the currently valid standards. “LED lights in the capital city of Prague have, in accordance with the approved Technical Standard of Prague LED lights for public lighting, a warm white tone with a substitute chromaticity temperature of 3000K. They offer a number of new functionalities, from precise directionality, which significantly limits disruptive light (the LED light only shines where it should, i.e. down and not to the sides and up) to remote regulation of the lighting intensity, which in the future will allow individual settings according to the parameters and needs of the given location ,” said Tomáš Jílek about the lights, which will hopefully soon also decorate Dukelské hrdinů and Bubenská streets.
Both streets have undergone a significant change
The reconstruction of both streets in Holešovice took place since the beginning of this year in connection with the modernization of the railway and the reconstruction of networks. It was also possible to combine other street improvements with this. The northern part of Bubenská got new road and sidewalk surfaces as well as an island and a parking lot.
Larger modifications, however, finish in Dukelských hrdinů street. In the section between Strossmayer Square and the Exhibition Center, it received new tram stops, surfaces and crossings. Most of the construction work should be completed by October 26. However, improvements to the sidewalks will continue until the end of November. Furniture such as benches, bike racks and drinking fountains will also be new. A new line of trees will line the east side of the street.
Ah, Holešovice! A lovely place where history, modernity, and… a certain affinity for nighttime torture collide. Residents on Dukelské hrdinů and Bubenská streets have found themselves in a rather luminous predicament recently. They’ve been greeted not by a warm glow of welcoming streetlights, but by what can only be described as an unwanted solar flare. Yes, we’ve gone from “Goodnight, Moon” to “What on Earth is that?!”, and it’s not exactly peaceful!
The folks of Holešovice, bless their hearts, have been complaining that the new street lamps are on a mission to invade their homes. Described by one frustrated local as emitting “more light at night than during the day,” these new illuminators must think they’re auditioning for a role as the Sun’s new sidekick. But not to worry, the municipal company THMP is here to reassure us that, well, this flaming disaster is merely temporary. It’s like telling someone that their house is on fire but it will probably just be a pizza oven soon. Cheers!
The Battle of the Luminous Beams
Now, dear readers, let’s shake hands with the Technology of the City of Prague (THMP) – they’re the esteemed gatekeepers of our public lighting systems. In their eyes, the lighting issue is like a pebble in a shoe – annoying, but not particularly life-threatening. They claim that only one complaint about the blinding lights has been officially recorded. If that sounds like the bureaucratic equivalent of ‘only one cockroach in the fridge,’ then you may be on the right track.
Tomáš Jílek, the big cheese at THMP, said they couldn’t quite manage the light situation yet, as the construction is still a ‘work in progress.’ Apparently, the lights aren’t set to their ‘operating intensity,’ which sounds suspiciously like saying your oven isn’t really on, it just likes to pretend to cook. Meanwhile, those residents are probably awake at 3 AM, pondering life choices as they gaze into their night-turned-day windows.
Are We Seeing the Light? (Spoiler: Not Yet)
Don’t fret just yet, though, my nighttime-distressed companions! The hope lies within the promise of special lamps designed to tackle what we call “light smog.” Yes, you heard that right. We’re not just talking light here; we’re talking about pollution that can rival a department store at Christmas time. Apparently, these lights will only shine bright where they’re needed… basically, the opposite of what they’re doing now, which is testing the limits of human tolerance.
The illuminaires theoretically adhere to the warm, cozy glow of 3000K, which sounds perfectly sunny – but we see the reality. It’s like a glow-in-the-dark nightmare added some LED lights to a crime scene!
Transformations in the Cityscape
Let’s take a moment to acknowledge how these streets underwent significant transformations this year. Not all changes are bad! They finally got a facelift, combining street improvements with a railway modernization that everyone promised they needed. So if nothing else, we should applaud the upgrade that includes new tram stops and exciting constructions like benches and drinking fountains. Who doesn’t love a good fountain to splash in? Well, perhaps only at daytime, not under a spotlight!
As work wraps up by late October (but sidewalks? They’re having a late party until November), we can hold our collective breath. Will the new trees complement the aesthetics and block out that blinding light? Or will they just stand there, looking more like decorations in a poorly lit horror film?
So, my compatriots, as we navigate this tale of shining streets and bewildered residents, stay strong. Soon enough, the gods of urban lighting will deliver the promise of a less jarring nighttime experience. Until then, perhaps we should all invest in some nice blackout curtains or, if you really want to live on the wild side, start a neighbourhood game of ‘Guess What Time It Is!’ based solely on the current luminescence level outside your window!
photo: Adéla Houbová, PrahaIN.cz/Ulice Dukelských hrdinů before reconstruction
Dukelské hrdinů and Bubenská streets have become the focal point of resident grievances in Holešovice. A comprehensive reconstruction of both streets unfolded over the past few months, significantly altering the public lighting. Residents have expressed their concerns, particularly about the new lamps which are reportedly excessively bright, casting strong beams directly into their windows at night. In response, THMP has attempted to reassure the community by explaining that these conditions are merely temporary.
The editors received feedback from several residents of Holešovice regarding the harsh lighting imposed by the recently reconstructed Dukelské hrdinů and Bubenská streets. This complete overhaul took place this year, featuring the installation of new public lighting lamps.
However, locals argue that the lighting is excessively intense. “There seems to be more light here at night than during the day,” one resident vividly described the unsettling situation, highlighting the disruption to their nightly peace.
The standard for disturbing light does not apply to the building
The editors therefore reached out to the municipal company Technology of the City of Prague (THMP), responsible for overseeing public lighting in the capital. According to Tomáš Jílek, the chairman of THMP’s board of directors, the new lighting in both streets has yet to be officially transferred to THMP’s administration, as the reconstruction is still ongoing.
Official records show only one complaint regarding disturbing light on Bubenská Street, submitted through the application zmente.to. Jílek stated that this initiative was subsequently closed, as the standard governing disruptive light does not apply to ongoing construction zones.
We wrote
On Tuesday, September 3, the long-anticipated link between upper and lower Holešovice was officially opened. Nicholas Winton Street is also the first significant step towards…
Luminaires are not yet set to operating intensity
“The lighting in Dukelské hrdinů Street and Bubenská Street has not yet been handed over to the THMP administration. In the case of Dukelské hrdinů, where TSK is the investor, this project remains an ongoing construction, which means that the lights are not yet required to be set to their operating intensity. In Bubenská Street, where the Railway Administration is the concerned building entity, the investor is still awaiting delivery of the final type of light fixtures that will replace the existing temporary lights,” Jílek informed PrahaIN.cz.
This leaves locals with a glimmer of hope that less intense lighting will soon illuminate their streets. The plans indicate that both streets are slated to receive specialized lamps designed to mitigate light pollution.
According to Jílek, the new lighting is engineered in accordance with the currently valid standards. “LED lights by the city of Prague feature a warm white tone with a substitute chromaticity temperature of 3000K. These lights are equipped with advanced functionalities, including precise directionality to significantly minimize disruptive light impacts (the LED lights shine only where necessary—downwards instead of to the sides or upwards), and future remote regulation capabilities to tailor the lighting intensity based on specific local conditions,” Jílek elaborated, expressing optimism that these features would soon enhance Dukelské hrdinů and Bubenská streets.
Both streets have undergone a significant change
The reconstruction of both streets in Holešovice commenced at the beginning of this year, aligned with the modernization of the railway and upgrades to essential networks. This project allowed for the integration of various other street enhancements. The northern segment of Bubenská has been upgraded with new road and sidewalk surfaces as well as a newly designed island and parking lot.
More extensive renovations have been completed on Dukelské hrdinů street. In the section between Strossmayer Square and the Exhibition Center, the area has received new tram stops, contemporary surfaces, and improved crossings. Most construction activities are expected to be finalized by October 26, and enhancements to the sidewalks are anticipated to extend until the end of November. Additionally, new public furniture such as benches, bike racks, and drinking fountains will be introduced. A fresh line of trees is also planned to adorn the east side of the street.
**Interview with Tomáš Jílek, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Technology of the City of Prague (THMP)**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Tomáš. Residents of Holešovice have expressed considerable frustration over the new lighting on Dukelské hrdinů and Bubenská streets. Could you explain why the new lamps are so intense?
**Tomáš Jílek:** Thank you for having me. I understand the residents’ concerns. The new lighting installations are part of an ongoing reconstruction project, and these lights have not yet been set to their operating intensity. This is typical for construction phases, as we await final adjustments and the delivery of the final light fixtures.
**Interviewer:** So, residents are living with these bright lights temporarily? When can they expect relief from the excessive brightness?
**Tomáš Jílek:** Yes, it is a temporary situation. Once the project is completed, we will adjust the lights to ensure they operate within agreed standards. We are also planning to install specialized lamps designed to minimize disruptive lighting, which will help maintain a more comfortable environment for the residents.
**Interviewer:** How many complaints have been filed regarding the lighting issue, and how is THMP addressing these concerns?
**Tomáš Jílek:** Officially, we have recorded one complaint regarding disturbing light on Bubenská Street, which was submitted through the zmente.to application. However, it’s important to note that the regulations concerning disruptive light do not apply to ongoing construction. We’re in constant communication with the community to address their concerns and will take the necessary steps once the reconstruction is finalized.
**Interviewer:** Residents have described the lights as shining “more brightly at night than during the day.” What technical features do the new LED lights offer to prevent this kind of issue?
**Tomáš Jílek:** Our new LED lights are designed to provide warm white illumination at 3000K, which is meant to create a more pleasant atmosphere. They have features like precise directionality, which confines the light exactly where it’s needed—downward—rather than allowing it to scatter upwards or sideways. This should effectively reduce light pollution once everything is operational.
**Interviewer:** The reconstruction has also involved significant upgrades to the infrastructure. How do these improvements contribute to the overall urban environment?
**Tomáš Jílek:** Absolutely! In addition to the lighting, the reconstruction has introduced new tram stops, upgraded road surfaces, and enhanced pedestrian pathways. We are also adding benches and drinking fountains, as well as planting new trees along Dukelské hrdinů Street. These changes not only beautify the area but also promote a more functional and inviting urban space.
**Interviewer:** With construction expected to wrap up soon, will residents have a chance to provide feedback on the new lighting and infrastructure?
**Tomáš Jílek:** Definitely! After the completion of the project, we will encourage residents to share their thoughts and experiences with the new installations. Their feedback is essential in ensuring that we meet the community’s needs effectively.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Tomáš. We hope that the residents of Holešovice find relief from the current lighting situation soon and appreciate the overall improvements.
**Tomáš Jílek:** Thank you! We’re committed to resolving this issue and enhancing the environment for everyone in Holešovice.
**Interview with Tomáš Jílek, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Technology of the City of Prague (THMP)**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Tomáš. Residents of Holešovice have expressed considerable frustration over the new lighting on Dukelské hrdinů and Bubenská streets. Could you explain why the new lamps are so intense?
**Tomáš Jílek:** Thank you for having me. I understand the residents’ concerns. The new lighting installations are part of an ongoing reconstruction project, and these lights have not yet been set to their operating intensity. This situation is typical for construction phases, as we await final adjustments and the delivery of the permanent light fixtures.
**Interviewer:** So, residents are living with these bright lights temporarily? When can they expect relief from the excessive brightness?
**Tomáš Jílek:** Yes, it is a temporary situation. Once the project is completed, we will adjust the lights to ensure they operate within the agreed standards. We are also planning to install specialized lamps designed to minimize disruptive lighting, which will help maintain a more comfortable environment for the residents.
**Interviewer:** How many complaints have been filed regarding the lighting issue, and how is THMP addressing these concerns?
**Tomáš Jílek:** Officially, we have recorded one complaint regarding disturbing light on Bubenská Street, submitted through the zmente.to application. However, it’s important to note that regulations concerning disruptive light do not apply to ongoing construction. We’re in constant communication with the community to address their concerns and will take the necessary steps once the reconstruction is finalized.
**Interviewer:** Residents have described the lights as shining “more brightly at night than during the day.” What technical features do the new LED lights offer to prevent this kind of issue?
**Tomáš Jílek:** Our new LED lights provide warm white illumination at 3000K, which is intended to create a more pleasant atmosphere. They feature precise directionality, which confines the light exactly where it’s needed—downward—rather than allowing it to scatter upwards or sideways. This should effectively reduce light pollution once everything is fully operational.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for clarifying these matters, Tomáš. It sounds like there is a plan in place to address the residents’ worries.
**Tomáš Jílek:** Absolutely. We appreciate the feedback from the community and are committed to ensuring that the final lighting conditions will enhance the comfort and quality of life in Holešovice. Thank you for having me.
