Design basis to quality urban lighting masterplan

Abstract

Recent trends in formulating urban lighting masterplans and advancement in lighting technology had realized a kaleidoscopic range of lighting concepts. Amidst these illumination techniques, no research addressed the primary constituents to a quality urban lighting masterplan, which correlates to the fundamental needs human had in perception of his visual environment. Academic studies had pointed to importance of imageable environment, while reviews on academic literature, case-studies and guidelines revealed strong potential and parallels, to how environmental perception theories could relate to urban lighting fundamentals.The research hypothesis implied existence of primary design basis in urban lighting masterplan, which correlates to environmental perception and urban planning theories. To test the hypothesis, detailed analysis on various lighting masterplans, academic papers, guidelines and tests would be done.Establishment of such urban lighting design basis would aid in understanding of primary human perception needs for constructing legible illuminated urban spaces.