Outdoor Lighting for Pedestrian Safety and Enjoyment

LDS 7 1 magiclite ian 400

Jan 12, 2021

By Ian R. Smith, Magic Lite VP Business Development 

Lighting plays a major role in creating thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces. Recently Metropolis Magazine hosted a webinar on the topic, which they kicked off by asking: How can we light outdoor spaces strategically and responsibly to support and nurture good health – especially in the wake of COVID-19?

We thought that was a great question and wanted to share some key takeaways from the presentation as well as our ‘Magic Lite take’ on them:

1. Prioritizing pedestrians

Most pedestrian spaces are not lit with walkers in mind. In fact, even sidewalks are lit for cars more than they are pedestrians. But, as roads and other urban areas are converted into pedestrian-focused spaces, there’s a real opportunity to leverage lighting to both ‘light the way’ – and make the journey pleasant for those on foot.

In our opinion, achieving this is all about creating uniform illumination – and avoiding the ‘high highs’ and ‘low lows’ created by less subtle options (ie: floodlights). LEDs offer more tailored and controllable solutions via selection of optics and dimming.

2. Modifying open spaces in the age of social distancing

Thanks to COVID-19, all kinds of outdoor public spaces are being redesigned to discourage large gatherings and encourage social distancing.

Lighting absolutely has a role to play in this transformation. In our view, it’s less about creating a ton of functional light and more about delineating spaces – like benches or separate seating areas – in settings like parks, waterfronts and public squares. 

3. Considering circadian rhythms

Circadian rhythms are a hot topic right now, which we plan on covering in more detail in a future article. But for the purposes of this conversation, if we’re thinking about ways to make outdoor spaces more pleasant and inviting for people, the last thing we want to do is flood them with unnaturally blue lights in the evening.

In addition to being downright unpleasant, it can have a negative effect on people’s circadian rhythms and therefore their sleep. A warmer colour temperature is definitely the way to go for evening illumination. (If you’d like to read more about circadian rhythms as it relates to lighting, the Light Research Centre – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an excellent resource.)

Source

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE is pleased to announce the appointment of Sterling Architectural Products Ltd. (Sterling Lights) as their new specification agent in Ontario. This partnership strengthens LEDVANCE’s presence in the region and reinforces their commitment to serving the professional lighting design and specification community with innovative, reliable lighting solutions. With decades of experience and a service-driven mindset,… Read More…

  • May 29, 2025 - Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka is pleased to announce that its Velia, Cirra, and Junction luminaires have each received a 2025 Red Dot Design Award for Product Design. It is the 11th consecutive year that Eureka products have been honored with this prestigious award, which is a testament to the company’s consistency and relentless drive to design exceptional luminaires.… Read More…


Design

  • The Difference Between Accent, Ambient & Task Lighting: Ultimate Guide

    The Difference Between Accent, Ambient & Task Lighting: Ultimate Guide

    In interior design, lighting is not just about brightening the room. Sensitive lighting layout is the key in the whole aesthetic atmosphere. An outstanding lighting solution will not rely on one type of fixture. Rather, it is through the combination of different types of lighting. Accent, ambient, and task lighting are three basic types of… Read More…

  • Graphic Office Interiors Enhance Their Office Space, Incorporating State-Of-The-Art Lighting Solutions

    Graphic Office Interiors Enhance Their Office Space, Incorporating State-Of-The-Art Lighting Solutions

    Graphic Office Interiors, a renowned office design and furnishings company serving Vancouver Island since 1966, embarked on a unique lighting project for their personal office in Saanichton, BC. This project marked the first collaboration between Kelly Inglis of Mac’s II Agencies and Graphic Office Interiors’ in-house registered interior designer, Laura Harlos. Known for their exclusive Steelcase furniture line, modular moveable… Read More…


New Products

  • Eureka Announces New Accessories for Scout Luminaire

    Eureka Announces New Accessories for Scout Luminaire

    Eureka has announced the enhancement of its Scout luminaire family with the introduction of new accessories and a new color palette. Three new diffusers have been introduced. Bell is minimalist, translucent and cloche-shaped. Pebble introduces a soft touch and an ambient glow in a distinct, oval-shaped diffuser. Orb is sleek and dome-shaped, adding a touch… Read More…

  • Amico: SOLAR ECLIPSE – 2X4 Multi-Functional Luminaire

    Amico: SOLAR ECLIPSE – 2X4 Multi-Functional Luminaire

    The Solar Eclipse Series provides a multi-functional luminaire that supports the demands of the hospital environment. The sleek and modern design merges architectural aesthetics with exceptional lighting performance to improve patient comfort while maximizing clinical efficiencies. This architectural patient room fixture offers reading, ambient, and exam functionalities and an optional night light. Multi-functional capabilities provide… Read More…