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70 E L EC TR I C AL CONNEC T I ON
S PR I NG 20 1 6
THE ROAD FORWARD
I
n recent years the role of public
lighting has changed dramatically.
Technological advances have
brought about change, but so has
a shift in the mindset of councils
and designers when it comes to the
application of light and its effect on the
urban environment.
Susanne Seittinger, global sub-
segment manager for professional
systems at Philips Lighting, is
researching the effect of light in public
spaces. Susanne is exploring the
economic, social, environmental and
cultural aspects of lighting – all
of which will inform approaches to
this aspect of urban design for
lighting professionals.
Light is used in several ways, with
an emphasis on its relationship with
a city and its population in addition
to its technical characteristics. As the
landscape around lighting continues
to evolve due to urbanisation, so too
will the role light has to play in public
spaces – from parks to roads, and
footpaths to public squares.
We already see this in forward-
thinking municipalities. One of the
main trends has been a shift away from
lighting for cars towards lighting for
people – more than that, a shift away
from street lighting specifically.
Public lighting has generally been
synonymous with street lighting, its
main function inadvertently defined
as providing visibility for drivers. This
resulted in a uniform approach.
Now there’s a trend towards
accommodating pedestrians and
cyclists alongside drivers, an approach
that achieves better lighting outcomes
for the public and local governments.
Although it has yet to gain
widespread acceptance, particularly
in Australia, this modern approach to
lighting presents an opportunity for
electrical professionals. The public
sector is starting to take note of
digital lighting, and there’s potential
for an overhaul of legacy lighting in
public spaces.
DIGITAL LIGHTING BENEFITS
Bespoke lighting aids CO2 emission
reduction targets by replacing a
uniform approach with tailored lighting
that is fit for use and cuts unnecessary
energy output.
Programmable lighting systems
give local governments better control
over the use of light across their
municipalities. This allows flexibility in
lighting that has not previously been
achievable. With a programmable
lighting system local governments are
able to adapt lighting in the event of an
emergency or accident, to assist in a
swift resolution.
Contemporary pedestrian nightlife
is affecting the design of lighting,
allowing it to embrace, mirror and
encourage a vibrant urban atmosphere.
HOWIT ISACHIEVED
The new wave of lighting designers
have different views about lighting a
public space, and they are equipped
with the technology to better realise
their visions.
The introduction of light-emitting
diodes has made it possible to be more
precise in lighting design, abandoning
the method of ‘bathing’ areas in light in
favour of focused lighting for specific
areas and users.
Digital technologies in lighting
allow for user-centric, responsive and
adaptable designs in the public realm
and offer a chance to engage the public
in new ways.
PUBLIC LIGHTING HAS ALWAYS
BEEN A PRACTICAL MATTER, BUT
NOW IT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO
DEFINE AND REDEFINE URBAN
SPACES.
STEVEARTHUR
REPORTS.
GUIDING LIGHT