Architectural lighting 21 tanks is the main driver. This is why illuminance requirements were not considered; instead, a luminancelimiting target was specified for floor and other surfaces, so that fish tanks would not suffer from unwanted reflections or lack of focus. Another good instance is the facade of the Danish Experimentarium. The client was looking into options
concept and to use the facade as a silhouette for the large glazed opening. Using the opening as a natural means to invite visitors to explore the exhibition required a dark facade. The branding of the frontage was achieved with small gobo projections, limiting the exterior lighting to the spill from the internal spaces. The light levels were selected as a function of
Considering only illuminance is one of the most obvious and overlooked errors that occurs on a dayto-day basis in the lighting profession countries, may give rise to some criticism in regards to safety. In fact it is common to justify increased light levels with the argument of safety and CCTV lighting requirements. However, it is important to note that CCTV requirements should be updated with the advancement in camera technology. Current technology has very good low light performance (ISO 400,000) and does not require much lighting to provide good images. Outside of the Illuminate project realm, a good example of a dark cityscape is the waterfront of Doha, where the illuminance is less than 1 lux on the pavement. This darkness allows you to appreciate the wonderful bay as a theatrical set with colourful skyscrapers and the dark sky above. There is just enough light to walk and to see people moving along the path. But the levels are much lower than the values recommended by standards. Suffice to say that there is no crime to report.
The Klaipeda fortress in Lithuania: a good example of designing with luminance and darkness
for accenting the front of the building. The initial concept considered a floodlighting installation. But after considering the surrounding environment and the existing low key lighting, it was decided to change this
the effect desired, through luminance, rather than a response to a standard requirement for exterior lighting. The cityscape is dark, but with its own character and beauty. I can imagine that a dark cityscape, typical of Nordic
Conclusions Light levels, safety and security are all determined by our culture and society. Therefore the idea of standardising these is essentially wrong. We are different and live in different geographies and environments, and we should be striving to preserve these differences instead of conforming to all the same values. Difference should be valued and our role should be focused on helping clients to understand their specific needs, and codify these with projectspecific briefs and tailored standards. And ultimately we should be designing darkness as much as light. Giulio Antonutto is an associate with Arup Lighting http://ec.europa.eu/information_ society/apps/projects/factsheet/ index.cfm?project_ref=297227
Lighting Journal June 2014