Atkins Highways and Transportation’s objective was to replace ageing columns and lanterns with high-performance modern products incorporating state-of-the-art optics, thereby helping to improve the urban landscape in what is, and will continue to be, an important throughfare.

The Pocket Parks project ran very much in parallel with the A13, being designed to complement the other project’s objectives. The term ‘Pocket Parks’ is an apt one – they are very small (hence ‘Pocket’) urban areas offering a pleasant, relaxing environment in which busy shoppers and holidaymakers can take advantage of the seating provided, resting their aching feet while enjoying a sandwich.

Some of the columns incorporate banner arms. The banners used are 6m x 1m in size, which, in what is a coastal resort, acts like a sail, thereby exerting massive pressure on the columns. Consequently, precise calculations had to be undertaken in order to ensure that the columns would withstand the windage.

Our solution

A13 – Optima Stratum, SON. The Optima series was designed to offer excellent lighting performance, maximum efficiency and modern styling, the Diamond Optic® configuration 5/35 was ideal for wide roads such as the A13.

Pocket Parks – Manhattan, Metal Halide Manhattan lanterns were used to coincide with the Optima series providing unparalleled performance, while in keeping with the fresh, modern style required. We mounted the lantern on 5m columns, and featured colourfully planted hanging baskets, to create the ‘time-out’ atmosphere required.

Both products combine ultimate performance with a stylish luminaire, meeting the brief to supply state of the art optics with a modern attractive feel.