Light in the city

Abstract

The use of artificial light as a means of improving quality of life has been around for some time. The introduction of gas street lighting in the beginning of the nineteenth century brought about a change in lifestyle. The activities that where practiced in the hours of natural light could now be carried out into the dark hours that where so to say forbidden. As technology advanced, so did the lighting tools available. From gas lighting we went on to electric lighting which brought with it more flexibility. Today we find an infinite range of light sources, each with its own particular characteristics. Environmental awareness has led to the development of energy saving devices, which in turn has led us to lighting based on figures and tables. This therefore means that we have missed the objective in lighting design, since it stands to reason that every lighting plan should be designed around its users. This does not mean that we should ignore the engineering aspect of lighting design. On the contrary, this stage is also very important and must be included. What it does mean is that it should not be given primary importance. External lighting used to illuminate our cities must first of all facilitate and not hinder its users. Lighting should be used as one of many tools in order to globally improve city life. Recent years have witnessed a revival of interest in the way we are treating our urban environment. Eager enough to seize the economic benefits offered by city life, we have until recently failed to maintain the physical elements that traditionally made us feel at home in our cities and gave us a sense of communal pride. In order to respond to the growing need for flexibility and personalisation, the city has to become a versatile place that is able to incorporate transience, transformation and change. As it becomes less defined and less 'solid' structurally, it needs to reinforce its historical and personal identity in order to give a sense of meaning in time and space. Above all, it needs to place its citizens at the centre of its existence. Its inhabitants need to identify, enjoy and interact with that city, and lighting can be seen as a vital element in personalising and humanising the city and thus in improving the quality of urban life. In order to respond to the growing need for interaction, participation and socialising, the city needs to open up more spaces for creative interchange and face-to-face contact. Thanks to its versatility and flexibility, lighting can contribute to an inclusive, socially-dynamic city.