public spaces

The identity of the nocturnal cityscape is determined by light. Light provides a sense of safety and orientation but can also tell stories and stimulate emotions. At the same time, the environment must be respected with sensitivity and tact.

The nocturnal identity of a city or site is of essential importance for the way in which its inhabitants view themselves, but also for the cultural and tourism marketing of the place. While sunlight illuminates everything equally, the night hours allow for the light design of exteriors in a targeted fashion and permit the deliberate showcasing of special features. Street lighting enhances the sense of safety and orientation, while architectural lighting design quite literally spotlights landmark buildings. Both elements jointly characterise the nocturnal cityscape and must always be viewed as one single “light space” on a larger or smaller scale. Light helps to tell stories and stimulate emotions.

A lighting master plan serves to develop strategies and guidelines for the illumination of a given site. This comprises the definition of identity-creating zones, identification marks, the handling of green areas and leisure spaces, the visualisation of topographic features, street lighting and architectural lighting design. In addition to technical know-how, such a master plan should also be imbued with artistic sensitivity.

As the example of the Vienna Danube Canal shows, riverbanks can be transformed from dark, anxiety-inspiring spaces into vibrant nocturnal leisure zones. Bridges tell stories and become landmarks that link the banks of the canal and facilitate orientation. All these designs and plans must, however, be steeped in a sensitive attitude towards our environment: light emissions into the night sky and energy consumption should be kept to a minimum, while sustainability and maintenance friendliness must serve as the quintessential basis for implementation.