Illuminating the external and perimeter of public buildings should be designed for both amenity and safety. Additionally, good illumination creates a welcoming ambiance and provides clear visual cues to external signage, thoroughfares, and community facilities.
To enhance accessibility, light levels should be suitable for the application, with careful attention to maintaining consistent lighting during transitions between areas. Sudden changes in light levels or illumination characteristics can be disconcerting and disorienting, particularly for individuals with visual impairments.
Lighting with a directional component can add welcome definition to a scene. However, it is crucial to ensure that any highlighting or spotlighting is done peripherally and sensitively to avoid causing difficulties for individuals with visual impairments.
In many situations, lighting is fully exposed to the elements, necessitating high IP-rated luminaires. Thus, it is crucial that the lighting is particularly robust and requires minimal maintenance. Additionally, to ensure longevity and minimise costs, the external finishes of luminaires should be highly resistant to degradation.
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Different standards may be referenced dependent on the precise nature of the approach to a public building. This includes BS EN 12464‑2:2024 for general outdoor areas including car park spaces and BS 5489-1 Code of Practice for the Design of Road Lighting Part 1: Lighting of Roads and Public Amenity Areas.
Codes of practice will generally specify values of horizontal illuminance. It should be noted that light on horizontal planes is a poor predictor of the impression of brightness perceived by users of the area. Careful and controlled lighting of the vertical façade can dramatically increase the perception that the space is brightly lit and welcoming, far beyond what horizontal illuminance alone can deliver.
It should also be noted that when lighting on a vertical surface, a luminaire mounted on that surface can give
dramatically different results to lighting onto a surface from an “offset” position. This should be carefully
considered when creating a lighting design as should ensuring upward light is kept to a minimum to control
potential issues with light pollution.
For further lighting advice speak to our technical sales team on 020 8254 2022 or e-mail technicalsales@designplan.co.uk.
Best Practice Lighting Guide for Public Realm
Our lighting guide identifies typical applications in this sector, focusing on the principles of good lighting. We examine the benefits of robust construction and lighting controls to reduce your cost of ownership and carbon footprint. To download your copy click on the button below.
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