Lighting Design

Artificial light at night is important for
safety, sense of security, and navigation, however light pollution results when lighting is excessive or inappropriately used. The ability to recognize poor lighting design and determine whether lighting is appropriate or excessive is the first step towards addressing light pollution.

The Lighting Design Tookit includes resources for understanding outdoor lighting basics, responsible lighting principles, and identifying dark-sky-friendly lighting. Ideas and examples of how to creatively incorporate dark-sky themes into outdoor designs are also included.

IES LIGHTING READY REFERENCE APP | INTERACTIVE

This free app developed by the IES provides:

  • Core lighting knowledge, including values from illuminance tables
  • General knowledge information, assembled from The Lighting Handbook, 10th Edition and IES standards
  • Simple calculator for quick and easy basic lighting and energy and economic calculations
  • Search feature allowing you to find the information you want

The Illuminating Engineering Society

OUTDOOR LIGHTING BASICS | WEBSITES & PROGRAMS

An overview of what constitutes “good” outdoor lighting based on dark-sky-friendly principles and best practices.

International Dark-Sky Association

FIVE PRINCIPLES FOR RESPONSIBLE OUTDOOR LIGHTING | GUIDES

By applying these five principles, properly designed electric lighting at night can be beautiful, healthy, and functional. Projects that incorporate these principles will save energy and money, reduce light pollution, and minimize wildlife disruption.

International Dark-Sky Association & the Illuminating Engineering Society

BETTER LIGHTS FOR BETTER NIGHTS | TOPICS BRIEFS

An Illustration of fixtures that produce glare and light trespass vs. fixtures that shield the light source to minimize glare and light trespass.

Illustrations by Bob Crelin, darkskysociety.org

FIND DARK SKY FRIENDLY LIGHTING | WEBSITES & PROGRAMS

The International Dark Sky Association’s Fixture Seal of Approval program certifies outdoor lighting fixtures as being dark-sky friendly, meaning that they minimize glare while reducing light trespass and skyglow.

International Dark-Sky Association

INTERNATIONAL NIGHTTIME DESIGN INITIATIVE | WEBSITES & PROGRAMS

An international team generating an interdisciplinary, socially aware approach to the issues of cities after dark, conducting research, education and strategic planning.

nighttimedesign.org

”Generally, use lighting where it’s
needed, when it’s needed, and only
as bright as needed.”