World’s Tallest Structure Lights Up
June 28th, 2007[This is the first post of many to come about the CN Tower. Just to note, this is an original post written by me, MT, a real Toronto resident. I hope to interest some readers on the new developments of the almost “new” tower.]
One of the world’s tallest but dimmest structures will officially light up tonight, with celebrations continuing through to Canada Day 2007.
The CN Tower has been outfitted with 1,330 light-emitting diodes that will brighten up the downtown skyline. These brilliantly-bright LEDs shoot over 400 metres up the elevator shaft, over the top floors and straight to the mast. These lights can change any colour to make spectacular light shows– just at the click of a mouse. They’ve spared no expense using wireless technology to control the lights remotely.
More (and also surprisingly interesting) info after the jump.
The lights were being tested sporadically during the month of June, much to the surprise and wonder of local residents and tourists, who clamoured to get a special shot of the unofficial show. Word of the CN Tower’s new shine was officially released June 13, 2007. This is the first time the tower will be lit since 1996 when incandescent lights the size of laundry machines were removed because of their high cost.
“What better way […] to honour the whole notion of Toronto and the nighttime sky in an elegant, architectural tribute to the legacy of the tower?” said Jack Robinson, Chief Operating Officer.
Some steadfast city-dwellers, however, were there to criticize the tower calling it tacky and out-of-place after seeing test runs. Many also argued that the thousands of toaster sized LEDs were counterproductive to the energy-conserving ideals of Toronto. These arguments were easily responded to, especially considering these new LEDs will use 10% less energy than the lighting that is currently in place, and 60% less energy than when the tower was fully lit in the 1990’s.
The CN Tower is catching up to many of the world’s major landmarks that have been lit for years, like the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Robinson said the CN Tower was just waiting for the right technology, which they’ve now found in the energy-efficient, computer-controllable LEDs.
Once active, the lights will coincide with official holidays, which means this weekend it will be lit up red and white for Canada Day. International holidays will also be observed, like Independence Day, where the tower will be red, white and blue; and St. Patrick’s Day green. It will even glow red on Valentine’s Day.
photo credit: mossproductions.ca
Update: The official opening was a blast. Hope to get some details up tomorrow along with some pictures and insider scoops!
July 12th, 2007 at 11:57am
[…] I said a couple posts back, the tower will have different lighting themes for many recognized […]