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

  • 60-Watt vs 100-Watt Light Bulbs: Brightness & Wattage

    60-Watt vs 100-Watt Light Bulbs: Brightness & Wattage

    With the widespread use of LED light bulbs, the replacement and upgrade of different light bulbs have also made the concept of “equivalent wattage” more and more discussed. When comparing 60-watt vs 100-watt bulb, the wattage and brightness are the factors that need to be figured out first. Wattage is used to measure the energy consumption while many… Read More…

  • What is Human Centric Lighting: Benefits & Applications

    What is Human Centric Lighting: Benefits & Applications

    Human centric lighting (HCL) is a kind of illuminated way based on human physical and psychological needs. Its core goal is to imitate the changes in natural light to support the body’s circadian rhythm, improve visual comfort, and enhance mood. The key element of human centric lighting contains dynamic ​color temperature adjustment, adjustable brightness, spectrum… Read More…


New Products

  • LightForm: New Saule-L-01 Suspension Luminaire

    LightForm: New Saule-L-01 Suspension Luminaire

    LightForm is thrilled to introduce Saule, the newest lighting collection from Quebec atelier Larose Guyon, now exclusively available at LightForm. Inspired by the gentle grace of the willow tree, Saule is a sculptural light that feels alive. Cascading hand-formed brass leaves shimmer like foliage in the breeze, suspended from arched metal arms that echo the tree’s elegant… Read More…

  • Transform Outdoor Spaces with Lutron: Control, Elegance, & Performance

    Transform Outdoor Spaces with Lutron: Control, Elegance, & Performance

    Outdoor lighting is about more than just light—it’s an extension of the ambiance, design, and comfort of living spaces. With Lutron’s outdoor modules RR-15OUT-BL (for RadioRA 3 systems) and HQR-15OUT-BL (for HomeWorks QS systems), you can offer your clients powerful tools to transform their outdoor projects—whether gardens, patios, pools, or façades. Read More…