The Human and Social Dimension of Urban Lightscapes

Book excerpt: This book explores new criteria and characteristics for integrating human psychology in the design of modern urban lighting. It identifies a new area of lighting design research and practice that focuses on the nocturnal urban experience in terms of people’s emotional, cognitive and motivational perceptions to achieve more accessible, sociable and sustainable cities. In turn, the book compares new tools and research methodologies for tackling complex issues concerning the ties between lighting, people and the city. Moreover, it presents a series of case studies to provide an in-depth understanding of the influence of urban lighting in terms of luminous atmosphere perception, positive social affect, social enhancement, accessibility and hospitability. Lastly, the book proposes a multidisciplinary qualitative and quantitative methodology for assessing the spatial experience of outdoor lighting.