Christ the Redeemer Monument in Rio de Janeiro Bathed in LEDs |  |  | |
On the 80th anniversary of the Monumento Cristo Redentor, the world-famous statue of Christ on Mount Corcovado, OSRAM is providing the structure with an advanced lighting system. Henceforth, 300 LED projectors will be enhancing the landmark of Rio de Janeiro. The light sources used in the project will not only be powerful, but will also be exceptionally energy efficient, cost-effective and remote-controllable, the company says. The illuminations were on view for the first time on March 1. "It gives us great pleasure to highlight one of the 'New Seven Wonders of the World' with energy-efficient LEDs. This project impressively showcases not only our long-standing expertise in the LED sector, but also the fact that sustainability, design and energy-efficiency go hand in hand," explained Martin Goetzeler, CEO of Osram. Osram replaced the old, outdated lighting system with 300 advanced LED projectors from its subsidiary, Traxon Technologies, installing them on the monument and in the immediate vicinity. The high-output LED spots are fitted with a special lens which permits particularly precise spotlighting in alternating colors and different light qualities. The innovative system also has a special control system known as the Lighting Control Engine, with which each and every LED projector can be individually aimed and adjusted in terms of color and light intensity. Developed by the light designer Peter Gaster, the entire system is simple and flexible in operation. It can be programmed as well as activated and deactivated via the Internet or a mobile phone. If there is a power cut, a generator switches on automatically, ensuring that the system continues to operate in the selected lighting mode. With this project, Osram is not only providing atmospheric illumination for the monument, but also making an important contribution to environmental protection. For the LEDs used are highly energy-efficient. "The former lighting system was cost-intensive and required a great deal of work. With the new, power-saving LED technology, it will finally be possible to adapt the light simply and quickly to the surroundings. The famous statue of Christ will surely inspire even more awe and wonder in tourists from around the world," said Gasper. For Roger Michaelis, general director of OSRAM in Brazil, the illumination of the statue of Christ is one of the company's most important projects in 2011: "The Monumento Cristo Redentor is without doubt an emblem of Brazil. It is a great honor for us to have been able to lend it a new glow, especially with the soccer world cup approaching."
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