Technical Luncheon 2024: Lighting Design in the Outdoors & Minimization of Environmental Impacts with IES Toronto

February 5, 2024

February 21 12:00- 1:00 PM EST
The Psychology Behind Pedestrian Enjoyment at Night Through Illumination Design

Good News! We have lighting standards that help prevent motorists from killing pedestrians. But do you know how to design with light to create beautiful outdoor spaces people enjoy?

This presentation will delve into the intricate relationship between lighting design and pedestrian enjoyment in outdoor environments. We will explore how lighting is not merely a functional element for visibility and safety but also a profound psychological influencer on people’s emotions and actions. By integrating current research and IES standards, this session will discuss how illumination can transform the night-time experience, fostering a sense of safety, reassurance, and delight among pedestrians.

Learning Objectives

Lighting Design for Outdoor Pedestrian Spaces at Night

  1. Evaluate psychological factors contributing to feelings of safety and reassurance
  2. Utilize current research on human night-time perception and emotional responses to improve night-time experiences
  3. Explore how the interplay of light and shadow can be managed to optimize visual comfort and enjoyment, while also improving contextual awareness
  4. Improvve lighting designs by applying recommended practices from ANSI/UES LP-2-20 and RP-43-22, specific to light placement, light levels, contrast and unifroemity ratios, glare prevention, light pollution prevention and control scheduling.

Throughout the presentation, we will illustrate the objectives with real-world examples, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of how lighting design can create inviting and enjoyable night-time pedestrian environments.

About the Speaker

Chris Smith-Petersen, LC began his professional journey as a Psychiatric Clinician at a community hospital, where he honed his skills in the Emergency Room, as well as in Psychiatrics and Additions units. In 2004, he made a significant career shift to the lighting industry. Joining Color Kinetics, later rebranded as Signify. This company was among the pioneers in the commercial lighting sector, dedicating its efforts entirely to LED lighting and control technologies.

Over the past two decades, Chris has accumulated extensive experience across various roles in Sales, Product Marketing, and Product Development with multiple lighting manufacturers. His unique expertise is evident in the numerous lighting application and technology training programs he has developed, along with Continuing Education Unit (CEU) presentations. As a testament to his industry recognition, Chris has been invited as a featured speaker at the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) events on five occasions.

Leveraging his foundational knowledge in psychology and human perception, Chris has supported 100s of Lighting Designers with product specifications for landmark projects, including the CN Tower in Toronto, multiple bridges, skyscrapers, and interior lighting designs for offices, hotels, museums, retail and residential. Chris approaches every project with the aim to enhance occupant outcomes through thoughtful and innovative lighting solutions.

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…