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06/05/2025

Bridging History and Holiness: DZ Engineering Enhances the Splendour of Palermo Cathedral, a UNESCO Landmark

The Palermo Cathedral, a jewel of architectural and artistic heritage recognised by UNESCO in 2015, shines with a new light because of DZ Engineering‘s recent efforts. A noteworthy relamping intervention has just concluded within the breathtaking Basilica of the Assumption of Virgin Mary, the vibrant core of Sicilian history and lasting spiritual significance.

Understanding the inherent value of the location and the crucial impact of lighting on the visual enjoyment of sacred spaces, DZ Engineering has completely replaced the existing luminaires with modern LED technology, emphasising energy efficiency.

 

 

The Interplay of Art and Illumination

Consistent with DZ Engineering’s commitment to excellence in every undertaking, considerable care was taken to ensure the aesthetic coherence of the new equipment within its surroundings.

The LED spotlights underwent a custom painting process, using a RAL tone that harmonises perfectly with the original hues of the ancient cathedral’s plaster and stucco, guaranteeing a discreet and respectful presence within the historical and artistic environment.

Tailor-Made Lighting Design Project

Before initiating the intervention, the team of engineers and designers conducted a bespoke lighting study tailored to the Cathedral’s specific needs. The diverse activities within the Duomo have necessitated the implementation of a functional and flexible lighting system. This design prioritises adaptability to varied needs while remaining keenly attuned to the location’s scenographic and liturgical dimensions.

To minimise visual impact, lighting fixtures have been seamlessly integrated into the Basilica’s architecture, enhancing the space without disrupting its inherent balance. This deliberate choice allows for an enriched appreciation of the frescoes’ material and interpretive qualities, respecting their historical and artistic depth.

The core tenets of this project can be traced as follows:

  • Light Direction: The team strategically opted for an alternating application of light sources, employing diffuse emission from the cornice upwards to accentuate the vaulted ceilings, alongside accent lighting to highlight cultural and devotional elements.
  • Light Intensity: The implemented solutions enable localised diversification of luminous flux and the ability to modulate emission, creating a perceptual layering of light beams.
  • Chromaticity: The designed illumination system facilitates the determination of the material recognizability of the mosaic surfaces.

Based on the findings of the lighting design study, indirect lighting was strategically employed to accentuate the arches and architectural lines, thereby establishing depth and a pervasive sense of spiritual ambience. Direct lighting was used to effectively illuminate pedestrian pathways, the refectory area, and designated reading spaces. Finally, particular emphasis was placed on highlighting artistic elements such as statues, paintings, and altars, with precisely calibrated light beams designed to enhance intricate details without causing glare.

 

 

Luminaire Selection and Layout

The light sources employ full-spectrum LED technology, which maximises the rendering of dominant colours. For optimal luminaire distribution, bespoke solutions were developed for the Cathedral’s distinct areas:

  • Central Aisle: Primarily indirect lighting utilising small projectors discreetly positioned at the cornice level; within the Sacred Hall, spotlights were installed on capitols.
  • Side Aisles: A combination of indirect and direct lighting employing small projectors arranged at capital level on the dome vaults.
  • Transept: Indirect, direct, and accent lighting.
  • Chapels: Accent lighting provided by small projectors seamlessly integrated at the cornice level at the base of the vault.
  • Presbytery: Indirect, direct, and accent lighting employing small projectors to enhance architectural volumes and specific elements such as the high altar, crucifix, pulpit, and organ.

Technology Serving Spirituality

The technological core of the new system is the DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface), a digital dimming system that allows for the control and regulation of the light intensity of each spotlight based on specific needs. Using portable devices and automated procedures, it is possible to create personalised and adaptable lighting scenarios for the Cathedral’s liturgical and civic functions, such as:

  • Establish a soft, diffused lighting ambience for moments of prayer and meditation.
  • Enhance the luminosity to accommodate public events or ceremonies.
  • Activate dynamic lighting sequences like for the Stations of the Cross, illuminating each stage of the path sequentially to symbolically guide the faithful along their spiritual journey.

 

 

Innovation Meets Tradition

The relamping project at Palermo Cathedral perfectly blends technological innovation with a deep respect for its historical legacy. This undertaking offers a new way to appreciate the sacred spaces, where light transcends its functional role to become an integral component of the spiritual and aesthetic experience.

The Basilica now presents itself in a new light that accentuates its grandeur, fosters contemplation, and welcomes each visitor in a luminous embrace that is both discreet and solemn.

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15/04/2025

Palazzo Guiccioli: Exploring 19th-Century Ravenna through the Byron Museum and the Museum of the Risorgimento

Nestled amidst the historic streets of Ravenna’s city center, Palazzo Guiccioli stands as an elegant landmark residence recently transformed into a sophisticated museum complex of international acclaim. This innovative project, which encompasses a significant restoration effort, was conceived and realised by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Ravenna, the building’s owner.

 

The exhibition tour unfolds across several levels, allowing visitors to explore the Byron Museum and the Museum of the Risorgimento. Each detail in the Palazzo’s halls has been meticulously curated to evoke the atmosphere of 19th-century Ravenna and enable guests to relive a flourishing era of art, culture, and the socio-political evolution of the region.

 

DZ Engineering, in collaboration with Project Unity, eagerly embraced the challenge of creating a lighting project within this prestigious historical site to merge immersive narrative with skilled light direction.

The Coexistence of Art and Light: DZ Engineering’s Role

The lighting system was carefully designed to establish a dialogue between art and light. The lighting and aiming activities adhered to a fil rouge, ensuring that the illumination was functional to the display setup, conveying the intentions each Museum seeks to impart to the public. Specifically, DZ Engineering opted to use spotlights to enhance the spaces and custom-made shapers to emphasise decorative and architectural elements, integrating lighting needs with the narrative shared between the exhibited works and the structural framework that houses them. The brightness was intentionally calibrated in each room, with the use of fixtures equipped with dimmable power supplies (18W power, CRI=98, 3000K) being essential to optimize the lighting values.

 

Byron Museum: When Italy Inspired the Romantic Poet

The first floor of Palazzo Guiccioli hosts the Byron Museum, dedicated to the eponymous English poet George Gordon Byron (1788-1824). The collection, originating from Teresa Gamba’s gathering of Byronian relics, intertwines with an interactive narrative that captivates visitors of all ages.

 

Strolling among the historical furnishings, paintings, personal objects, and manuscripts of Lord Byron, people witness the vibrant life of the man and the artist, along with the profound impact of his time in Italy on his writing and political vision, embracing the Carbonari ideals and supporting the struggle for Italian independence.

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26/03/2025

04 Park – Monte Coralli: Motocross Under the Spotlight

In the vibrant heart of Italy’s Motor Valley, a land of engines and speed, a place destined to become a landmark for all offroad enthusiasts has emerged: the 04 Park – Monte Coralli motocross track. This ambitious project, originally envisioned by racer and champion Andrea Dovizioso, promises to redefine the motocross experience, offering unique thrills and pure adrenaline, even after sunset.

 

The Monte Coralli motocross circuit came to life thanks to the partnership between Dovizioso, the Municipality of Faenza, and the Italian Motorcycle Federation. The new lighting system, designed and installed by DZ Engineering, allows skilled riders and enthusiasts to enjoy the two wheels even at night, offering a 360° experience of the circuit.

DZ Engineering: when technology meets passion

 

DZ Engineering has created a state-of-the-art lighting system, inspiring off-road enthusiasts to perform freely even during night sessions. 30 poles, 15 meters high above ground, stand tall on the track, illuminating it with 77 THORN CHAMPION 264L-740 V3 VSR ANT 935-Watt LED projectors, whose light intensity can be adjusted according to needs thanks to the use of the DALI protocol (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface), a communication standard for digital lighting that allows grouping different light sources and controlling them in an addressable way. This lighting solution guarantees optimal visibility on the track while ensuring maximum compliance with safety standards, always a top priority for DZ Engineering and all those who love motocross.

 

The system was engineered and realised in full compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines, combining the distribution of luminous flux to a high uniformity to allow riders to make the most of the circuit’s potential, even at night; the system’s scalability can eventually allow for its implementation in the realization of television broadcasts, even in high definition, thus giving spectators and fans an engaging and adrenaline-filled experience.

 

DZ Engineering has also overseen the installation of an important safety system along the perimeter of the Monte Coralli track: the Eye-Track. This invisible video surveillance system will grant constant monitoring of the track, detecting any dangerous situations in real-time and, if necessary, automatically signalling the danger to the riders, integrating the track supervisor’s work.

The Art of Illuminating Motorsport

The chance to race at night during the summer season opens a world of new opportunities for future riders’ generations, offering them a safe and cutting-edge place to grow and foster their passion. The 04 Park motocross track stands out for being entirely illuminated and it’s a significant investment for the local community.

 

Track conditions will be always updated on the official website and social platforms.

 

The lighting of 04 Park – Monte Coralli is a tangible example of how technology can improve the sporting experience, making it safer, more engaging, and accessible to all. DZ Engineering is proud to have contributed to illuminating this passion, bringing the magic of night racing to the heart of Romagna.

 

> For further details and information, visit the track lighting projects section.

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30/01/2025

Canonica Palace, Pisa: a state-of-the-art lighting restoration by DZ Engineering

Tradition and innovation blend seamlessly in the redevelopment project of the Canonica Palace, a historic building located in the renowned Piazza dei Cavalieri in Pisa, where DZ Engineering has overseen a major restoration.

This ambitious design, commissioned by the Scuola Normale Superiore, aims to transform the diverse spaces of this landmark building, constructed in 1566 by architect Davide Fortini, into a modern library for the benefit of the prestigious university’s students.

Entrusted to the expertise and knowledge of our company, the project focused on several lighting design aspects to preserve and enhance the building’s splendid architectural features, through advanced technological solutions and meticulous attention to aesthetics.

 

 

 

Bridging History and Modernity: the design of the new Library spaces

The Canonica Palace has undergone a profound transformation of its interior spaces but, thanks to a detailed approach, DZE has succeeded in maintaining the structure’s historical identity.

The various rooms have been completely reorganised, focusing on lighting design, a crucial step in creating a welcoming and functional environment suitable for housing the new university library.

The Palace areas now feature high-quality linear luminaires from Zumtobel, a leading provider of lighting solutions. These fixtures offer an unparalleled level of control as they are equipped with an advanced dimming system, allowing for precise control of light intensity to meet users’ needs.

Furthermore, the integration of Litcom scenarios enables the creation of diverse lighting configurations, optimizing visual comfort and energy efficiency.

Accent Lighting in the Loggia

A key aspect of DZ Engineering’s involvement focuses on the Loggia, a defining feature of the palace, where the lighting design was carefully crafted to highlight its unique architectural character, drawing attention to the intricate details of the vaulted ceilings that represent one of the building’s most distinctive features.

The meticulously designed accent lighting system allows lines and details of the vaults to emerge with a new visual force, creating an evocative and refined atmosphere.

The Loggia’s first-floor lighting, encompassing both regular and emergency fixtures, was thoroughly designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal while maintaining full functionality.

By choosing an antique copper finish, the new installations have been seamlessly integrated into the historical context of the building. This solution adds a touch of elegance to the spaces while preserving the classical environment and architectural merit of the palace.

 

 

 

DZ Engineering’s Signature

The restoration project of the Canonica Palace stands as an exemplary model of harmonious coexistence between innovation and conservation.

DZ Engineering’s knowledge was instrumental in achieving a successful modernization that respects the identity of the site.

Thanks to attention to detail and the use of cutting-edge technologies, the Canonica Palace has been transformed into an ideal location for learning and research, providing Scuola Normale students with a functional and welcoming space.
Simultaneously, the project has enhanced the building’s intrinsic beauty, reaffirming Piazza dei Cavalieri as one of the most iconic symbols of Pisa.

With this project, DZ Engineering once again demonstrates its expertise in undertaking significant and delicate interventions, combining technological know-how with sensitivity to the historical context, a model of excellence that inspires the future of architectural redevelopment.

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20/12/2024

DZe-Flag System Featured at Formula 1 Qatar Airways Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2024

On the fast-paced curves of the Baku City Circuit, the DZ Engineering Light Panels made their Formula 1 debut at the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, marking a thrilling milestone for our company.

 

The DZe-Flag system was successfully installed along the 6km track, ensuring perfect visibility and safety for drivers, even in the most critical conditions.

Thanks to the dedication and commitment of our team, the Light Panels installation fully met FIA’s rigorous safety standards.

 

Every detail was meticulously managed to deliver optimal performance and contribute to the breathtaking show that is an F1 race.

 

 

Wired Keyboard: The New DZE Tool

Another important innovation introduced in Baku is the DZe-Flag Wired Keyboard, an integral part of the DZe-Flag system and an alternative to the wireless version which remains an available option, designed for the dynamic management of the Light Panels.

 

This one-of-a-kind keyboard stands out in a competitive field thanks to its leading-edge features:

  • Simplified Plug-and-play connection: a single cable transmits power and data.
  • IP Technology: integration with existing network infrastructure and remote management capabilities.
  • Flexibility: ergonomic and intuitive design for precise and immediate control.
  • Durability and reliability built with top-quality materials to withstand any weather condition.

Fully customizable, the DZe-Flag Wired Keyboard’s high-visibility display includes all required flags, easily upgradeable via built-in software whenever a change in official regulations occurs. This makes our wired keyboard suitable for any type of race as the display can be quickly set to the required racing mode, ranging from FIA to FIM events, and more.

The DZe-Flag Wired Keyboard allows race stewards to manage light signals more efficiently and accurately by moving to safer points on track thanks to IP technology, always ensuring prompt responses in situations of danger.

Built to withstand any condition and environment, the wired keyboard responsiveness guarantees smooth and consistent productivity.

The DZe-Flag system is fully integrated with FIA systems and complies with all safety requirements.

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08/10/2024

Energy efficiency and public lighting Marina di Cecina

Each public lighting system has the dual objective of guaranteeing on the one hand the highest level of safety for its citizens and, on the other, urban decoration.

 

The correct design of a public lighting project depends on the following factors:

  • Consistency and quality of the emitted light
  • Perspectives on plant’s lifespan
  • Energy efficiency achievable
  • Reduction of maintenance costs
  • Selection of light sources based on the place’s characteristics and needs (including historical buildings, monuments, and other interesting structures).

 

The energy efficiency project of public lighting in Marina di Cecina

In line with the objectives described above, the Municipality of Cecina has advanced an energy efficiency project for public lighting envisaging the replacement of all electrical panels and lighting fixtures and the implementation of a remote management system able to promptly detect any malfunctions (damaged lamps and/or switches not working properly).

 

Once the project is completed, it is estimated that a total installed power saving of 60% will be achieved.

 

The project’s intervention areas

To ensure the project is carried out swiftly and efficiently, the municipality has divided the area under intervention into three lots, more specifically:

  • Lot #1: North-centre area and San P. in Palazzi
  • Lot #2: Marina di Cecina
  • Lot #3: Both Cecina centre and south areas.

DZ Engineering has been awarded Lot #2.

DZ Engineering’s contribution

While developing a public lighting project, DZ Engineering carefully studies the specific needs to create safe, efficient and captivating areas for residents and visitors.

As a result, the proposed solutions increase safety and lower operating costs and maintenance demands.

 

Regarding the project for energy efficiency of public lighting for the Municipality of Cecina, DZ Engineering has replaced the lighting fixtures in lot number 2 and installed a remote-control system for the regulation and control of the light points on the network.

Within the area of our competence, we reckon 1552 lighting fixtures, 80% of which consists of road armours while the remaining part is configured as furniture installed on tensioned or low poles.

 

DZ Engineering has proceeded to replace the entire lamp park of the municipal lot using LED illuminating bodies of brand AEC (I-Tron, Arya, Ecoray), the installation on each illuminating body of a remote-control node (internal or external according to the body), and the remaking of the electrical panels included in the lot.

Thanks to this intervention, it was possible to create a mesh network system in a dual free band at 2.4 GHz and 868 MHz that allows to control and adjust the connected lighting units and view them through an online application that not only shows the state of the body but can also detect any electrical anomalies.

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19/07/2024

DZE technology lights up Hankook London E-Prix 2024

The Formula E 2024 Championship will end in London at the ExCel Exhibition Centre with two exciting races on July 20th and 21st. Here will be crowned the 2024 driver and team champions of a breathtaking season battled until the last lap.

Once again, DZE’s technology will illuminate the circuit’s indoor sections for the fourth consecutive year through the track lighting system and advertising banners.

Following a change in correspondence of turns 16-17-18, which did not affect the overall layout but saw an extension of the building’s exterior covering, the technical design of our installation was also expanded.

 

 

Features and advantages of DMX technology

The project developed by DZE exploits the potential of Philips ArenaVision Gen3 – 3 LED modules with a luminous flux of 170k lm and DMX technology, thus allowing this product to create scenic effects during pre- and post-race entertainment.

The DMX protocol is a standard of digital communication that is used to control the lighting system in the professional arena, within theatres, congress halls, festivals, and events in general.

All these contexts are characterized by many light sources to manage and complex special effects to realize.
As a result of the layout change, 37 new headlamps were installed in curve 16 compared to last year.

DMX technology is also the best choice in the presence of LED technology to allow the creation of special effects and manage lighting by emphasising the architectural features of the location where the event takes place.

How the DZE lighting system improved the London E-Prix 2024

Safety has always been part of our company’s mission: it is the goal we intend to achieve in every project we realise in the field of Motorsport, on circuits of any category and degree.

By adapting the lighting system to the requirements of the track layout, it is possible to guarantee the safe conduct of the event while also ensuring optimal brightness during television shooting.

The design feature as well as the engineering philosophy of the Truss system implemented by DZE, both in Formula 1 and Formula E circuits, brings several appreciable benefits, especially in street circuits, that can be quickly summarize as follows: the positioning of the structure and the light sources close to the track allow an excellent incidence of the luminous flux and greater uniformity of the light; the streamlined installation meets the liking of the public as it is low impacting on the visibility from the grandstands; finally, an ease installation optimizes the work process making quick and efficient the overall assembly and dismantling operations.

Once again, the solution developed by DZE is the ideal option for temporary circuits.

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28/05/2024

The new artistic lighting system in the Grand Gallery at the Royal Palace of Caserta by DZ Engineering

On the 1st of March this year, after almost a century, the north wing of the western arm of the Royal Palace of Caserta was resplendent with light once again.

The restoration work, carried out by a temporary joint venture between DZ Engineering S.r.l., Vincenzo Modugno S.r.l. and Costruzioni and restauri Cosedo S.r.l., has made it possible to renovate these rooms, which had remained in disuse by the Air Force, to be used as spaces for temporary exhibitions.

As part of the project, DZ Engineering was responsible for the design and installation of a functional and accent lighting scheme, controlled by an integrated management and monitoring system.

 

Artistic accent lighting

During the design and installation of any artistic lighting system, DZE focuses on preserving and enhancing the intrinsic characteristics of the space involved in order to provide the public with a high-quality experience and, through the use of accent lighting, to create points of interest around the works on display, thereby capturing the attention of visitors and aiming to create an immersive experience for them.

In this setting, the objective is the conservation of artistic and cultural heritage through lighting installations that enhance and complement the structural, material and artistic elements of the various spaces in order to best highlight the works of art, as well as the architectural details that characterise the areas used for exhibitions and display.

 

DZE’s project for the Grand Gallery at the Royal Palace of Caserta

The artistic lighting system created for the northwest wing of the building by the 18th-century Italian architect Luigi Vanvitelli is based on a balance of functional and accent lighting, designed to respect the vision of the spaces as they were originally conceived of by the neoclassical architect.

The intensity of the lighting varies throughout the day thanks to the automatic light management system, which makes the lights flexible, allowing them to adapt to the ambient light.

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20/03/2024

DZe-FLAG FOR SEPANG INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT

DZe-FLAG, its origins and the phases of the project

The aim of the project that led to the birth of the illuminated flag system was to create a useful aid to ensure the safety of drivers on the track, by guaranteeing – thanks to cutting-edge LED technology – perfect visibility in all weather and light conditions, during both day- and night-time competitions.

The DZe-FLAG patent

DZE’s engineering team created the electronic flags based on the guidelines provided by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

Compared to other competitors on the market, the system designed by DZE stands out because of its ability to wirelessly communicate with the various components involved.

The patented technology allows the signal flags to be controlled and operated by means of touch-screen tablets, which can be highly customised in a short period of time, without compromising industry safety standards.

Electronic signal flags are unprecedented in this field and represent an element of true technological innovation in the motorsport sector.

What has happened since 2008

Following the debut of electronic flags in 2008 at Singapore’s Marina Bay circuit, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has introduced new guidelines with the aim of increasing safety levels at all international circuits.

New regulations and new standards have been introduced by both the FIA and the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) and our company has responded accordingly with full compliance as regards the illuminated flags project by becoming certified suppliers and installers of electronic signal flags for circuits of all categories and grades (Grade 1, 2 and 3 licenses assigned by the FIA and Grade A, B, C by FIM), thus becoming one of the three players in the world in possession of the full range of required certifications.

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21/02/2024

Smart City Control Room Florence, the role of DZ Engineering

Smart City, an ambitious project by the European Commission

A smart city embodies the ideal of an urban context where resources are managed with a view to achieving energy self-sufficiency and economic sustainability in order to guarantee its citizens a significantly higher level of quality of life.

 

In projects that involve the renovation of infrastructure and services provided to citizens, the use of IoT technologies has become of fundamental import for several reasons, for example: improved management and optimisation of resources, reduced environmental impact, the design and construction of environmentally sustainable urban transport networks, improvement and enhancement of services as well as the development of new ones.

 

Within a smart city, we also “work” to foster relations with intellectual, human and social capital: all citizens actively contribute to public policy and make city administration an interactive and responsive enterprise.

 

Furthermore, sustainability, efficiency and innovation make it possible to increase the level of safety in urban spaces, providing protection for the entire population.

 

 

 

Technology developed by DZ Engineering

The Smart City Control Room project is the result of the experience and know-how developed by DZ Engineering in both the motorsports industry and urban safety. The implementation of CCTV control systems at F1 and MotoGP racetracks (Singapore, Monza, Imola, Hanoi and Mandalika) and the city infrastructure in Ravenna, Forlì, Cesena and Crotone were the foundations for achieving a high level of excellence in the field.

 

A true gem of advanced technology that will allow the City of Florence to:

  1. increase the efficiency levels of its mobility management by facilitating complete information sharing;
  2. have total control over what happens every day regarding public and private mobility, security, lighting, traffic lights and infomobility;
  3. create a model to analyse joint urban functions where all data and information are leveraged to organise the day-to-day and extraordinary management of the city and to define strategies.

 

The IT infrastructure of the Control Room

The infrastructure of the SCCR has been designed to accommodate an operations centre that is responsible for communications and cooperation between the various stakeholders, the exchange of information and synoptic overview of shared information, and the integration of information systems and processes.

 

In order to foster collaboration and cooperation, a single workspace has been created where the hardware and software systems make it possible to:

 

  • centralise the information contained in municipal databases and management systems regarding the street network;
  • create a platform to interface with the systems of external operations centres;
  • develop a monitoring and management system that provides a real-time view of the level of efficiency of systems and municipal services.

 

Activities carried out in the Control Room

Day-to-day work in the Control Room involves the use of predictive logic to plan for and coordinate all events that could have an impact on city mobility, for example, construction sites or public demonstrations.

 

The transparent management of scheduled and unscheduled events allows efficient solutions to be implemented and pertinent information to be shared in a timely manner with all parties involved.

 

This modus operandi makes troubleshooting and/or problem-solving faster and smoother.

 

Finally, the Control Room constantly monitors public services and the proper functioning of technological equipment installed on the streets, such as lighting and Wi-Fi antennas.

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