For a Qualitative Policy of Urban Lighting in the Master Plan

Urban Lighting

Gilles Arpin

In recent years we have become committed to making our cities pleasant and friendly places to live. We do this by remaking public spaces so that urban life becomes more humane, more safe, and more comfortable.

This is most evident in the redevelopment of our city centres, although my comments could be applied to all types of communities, including villages and towns. They are all equipped with increasingly greater responsibilities, particularly in urban planning. As I mentioned in my last article,  my goal is to sensitize you to the discipline of lighting designer. Today’s topic: a qualitative urban lighting policy.

Between the importance of reflecting a positive image of the city back to its citizens or attracting conventioneers and tourists to our most meaningful places and protecting the night sky through the safety of the towns, a reflection is necessary on the urban light.

Light must contribute to the city’s development. It is not only about illuminating but resolving the challenges of functional and safe lighting, protecting the night sky from undue light pollution, directing the stream of passers-by away from residential areas, and enhancing monuments and sites. All of these applications must bear in mind the visual comfort of users who place their trust in us.

As a lighting designer we contribute to the domestication of night public space. It takes ownership to deliver a certain interpretation based on experience and observations of nightlife. The value of this work is commensurate with the way in which the population appropriates public space in return.

Thus to implement a qualitative policy of urban light should go through a number of phases that I’d describe as follows: analysis, diagnosis, synthesis, projects.

An analysis would take into account the sites’ morphology and character, the sites’ relative importance, continuities, ruptures, and the consistency of the environment. We would then analyze usage and behaviours of users against three principles:
•    the readability of the site by the user
•    the safety and functionality of the site
•    the potential ambiance

The diagnosis will focus on inventory of furniture and lighting practices. Data on uses and specific urban issues will be also listed there.

The synthesis would highlight negative aspects, such as malfunctions, breaks… and positive aspects, such as the potential ambiance and elements of composition for nocturnal images. This would be time to establish a certain number of design criteria.

The projects phase would be devoted to developing an action plan for implementing the approach. It would identify the teams of professionals involved in different stages of the project, and serve as a reference framework (call for proposals, competitions, turnkey…) for completing various projects.

In my next article, we’ll look at concepts that to me are central to implementing a qualitative urban lighting policy.

Other Articles with Gilles Arpin: 

Public Lighting and the International Year of Light

 


Gilles Arpin is a lighting designer. He has 30 years of experience as a technician, lighting designer, technical director, production manager and producer for various ballet, opera and musical productions. Since 1996 he has been interested in the lighting of public places and residential and commercial spaces, and founded the firm Éclairage Public. Several of his projects have won awards and recognition. View a project portfolio at http://www.eclairagepublic.ca/index.php/en/. Professional associations include the Illuminating Engineering Society (IESNA) section Montreal, IALD International Association of Lighting Designers, and IDA International Dark Sky Association.

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…