Rome, also known as the Eternal City, has a history of nearly 2,700 years. This ancient city has witnessed the coming and going of the emperor and the pope, the rise and decline of the revolution. But it seems that the arrival of LED street lighting is somewhat unsuitable for some Roman residents.
The nights of Rome have a specific atmosphere that combines thousands of years of history, ancient architecture, rich cuisine and fine wines, and an inviting Mediterranean climate.
The shades of yellow sodium streetlights play an important role in the fascinating atmosphere of making Rome. These lights are currently being replaced by white LED lights.
At present, about 100,000 LED lights have been installed in Rome, accounting for half of the government's planned progress. Currently, it has cost about $52 million, but it is expected to save millions of euros in electricity bills.
Some parts of Rome are made up of a mixture of pebbles and steps, dark and unreliable, and better lighting makes it safer. Experts in charge of the LED project also said that the city is using warmer light, which is a decision made after meeting with cultural experts.
However, many local residents protested in different ways.
Vivere Trastevere, a local resident organization, urged residents to place a candle in the window as a silent protest against new lighting.
Residents have also been expressing dissatisfaction with social media.
A local resident said, “Lighting is the atmosphere, and the installation of LED street lights has destroyed the beauty of Rome.”
Others have complained that the cast iron tops of some old-fashioned incandescent lamps have been redesigned to look more "modern".
Los Angeles is one of the major cities in the world that have adopted LEDs to reduce electricity bills in recent years.
But cities like Los Angeles don't need to balance aesthetics and history like Rome. Therefore, these ancient cities must take into account the impact that each step in the future may have on past history.