FUNDAMENTALS

OF LIGHTING:
MODULE 9
LIGHTING FOR
EXTERIOR
APPLICATIONS

Illuminating Engineering Society

www.ies.org

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 1

 CONTINUING EDUCATION: AIA APPROVED

The IES is a Registered Provider with The American Institute of

Architects Continuing Education System. Credit earned on
completion of this program will be reported to CES Records for AIA
HSW-LU approved courses.

This program is registered with the AIA/CES for HSW continuing

professional education. As such, it does not include content that
may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by
the IES or AIA of any material or product.

Partial attendance will not be eligible for the IES CEU certificate of
completion. Individuals are responsible for their respective
credential maintenance reporting requirements.

www.ies.org | © Illuminating Engineering Society, 2023 FOL 9-2

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 2

 CONTINUING EDUCATION: GBCI APPROVED

The IES is a Registered Provider of GBCI Approved Courses for

Continuing Education.

This program is registered with GBCI for continuing professional

education. As such, it does not include content that may be
deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement of GBCI of
any materials or product.

www.ies.org | © Illuminating Engineering Society, 2023 FOL 9-3

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 3

 FUNDAMENTALS OF LIGHTING

• Module 1: Introduction to Light and Lighting

• Module 2: Electric Light Sources
• Module 3: Daylighting
• Module 4: Luminaires
• Module 5: Controls
• Module 6: Photometry and Calculations
• Module 7: Codes, Standards, and Design Process
• Module 8: Lighting for Interior Applications
• Module 9: Lighting for Exterior Applications
• Module 10: Review
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IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 4

 LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Participants will be able to:

• Recognize the distinctive characteristics of exterior environments

• Apply basic principles of lighting for darkened environments

• Apply fundamentals of wellness and sustainability to exterior lighting

• Navigate the IES Illuminance Recommendation tables

www.ies.org | © Illuminating Engineering Society, 2023 FOL 9-5

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 5

 LIGHTING FOR DARK ENVIRONMENTS

Lighting for dark environments

Parks, campuses and civic spaces
Streets and roadways
Parking facilities
Athletic facilities
Facades and landscapes
Sustainability and wellness
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IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 6

 RECAP: DESIGN PROCESS OVERVIEW

Post-
Schematic Design Construction Bidding Construction
Programming Occupancy
Design Development Documents Negotiation Administration
Evaluation

Gather relevant Create lighting Detail the chosen Fully document Evaluate bidders, Review submittals Assess installed
information about concepts for lighting concept the design in bids, and and RFI; project; modify
owner’s approval by owner in preliminary drawings, submissions; manage change aiming and controls
requirements and documents, specifications, Consider proposed orders; punch list; commissioning
constraints including luminaires schedules, and alternates aim luminaires;
and controls compliance supervise
submissions commissioning

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Regardless of the planning strategy employed on a project, a lighting design process that parallels and
complements the building design process will make the most of lighting and of the architectural
resources involved.

This the third time we’ve seen this design process diagram – and for good reason.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 7

 RECAP: LIGHTING QUALITY

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Quality lighting is at the center of every design process. This is applicable to interior and exterior.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 8

 DARK EXTERIOR ENVIRONMENTS

• No daylight
• No ceiling, few walls
• Varied ground condition
• Low reflectances
• Mesopic adaptation
• Weather
• High installation cost

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Interiors, by their nature, contain the light used in illuminating them.

Exterior lighting is not contained, leading to a host of considerations.

At night time, when the interior of a building needs to be well lighted, exterior lighting is often more
concerned with providing the right amount of surface luminance– less can be more. Weather and the
effects of the elements on equipment are also considerations.

IES has many TM (Technical Memorandum) and DG (Design Guides) publications providing specific
guidelines for exterior design.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 9

 DARK EXTERIOR ENVIRONMENTS – HUMAN VIEW

• Movement
• Multiple traffic modes
• Multiple perspectives
• Evening/Night retail
• Conflicting values

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IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 10

 BASIC TECHNIQUES FOR EXTERIOR APPLICATIONS

• Visual composition
• Luminaire light distribution
• Illuminance
• Visual comfort
• Luminaire mounting
• Control

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Designers of exterior lighting systems must consider goals such as pedestrian safety, vehicular
operation, safety/security, and lack of intrusion into the nighttime environment. Because of these
concerns in the exterior environment, the approaches and methods to exterior lighting vary from those
used in interior lighting design.

However, the process of designing and the considerations remain similar to lighting for interior
applications.

In some interior calculations as we discussed, we may consider using initial illuminance values to make
calculations less complex. However, with exterior lighting maintained illuminance is more useful
because it takes into consideration accumulated dirt, lumen depreciation, and equipment factors which
will be present in the exterior environment.” IES Illuminance Recommendations for Exterior Lighting are
given in terms of maintained illuminance, and manufacturer’s specifications for maintained lumens
should be consulted. These will of course vary from application to application, but also from region to
region.

This module provides basic information about visually based design for exterior applications, including
elements such as contrast, glare and veiling luminance.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 11

 VISUAL COMPOSITION

1
Ambient

2 Task

3Accent

&
Perimeter
Decorative
Sparkle
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How can the previously discussed ‘layers of light’ be applied to exterior applications in service of visual
composition?

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 12

 LUMINAIRE LIGHT DISTRIBUTION

Type I Type II Type III Type IV Type V

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For outdoor post-top luminaires for street and area lighting, the IES has developed patterns of lateral
intensity distribution, which are indicated by the arrows. Unlike the CIE classification, the IES patterns
suggest the shape of horizontal illuminance.
Each distribution is given a Type number in Roman numerals. In addition to the Types shown here, there
are variations.
A pair of asymmetric Type II or III luminaires installed back-to-back can create a symmetrical distribution.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 13

 ILLUMINANCE

Vertical Illuminance Horizontal Illuminance

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Horizontal illuminance - important in areas, such as parking lots, sports fields, and roadways; generally
given for a horizontal plane at the walking, playing, or driving surface.

Vertical illuminance – important for visibility of a person or an object in areas such as pedestrian
walkways. It is also important when designing Sports Lighting since the ball travels in the air and is
viewed from a vertical standpoint.

Following IES recommendations for uniformity ratios, from adjacent areas to more remote surrounding
areas, will help create a transition zone that is not overly illuminated.

Minimizing glare in exterior environments; where contrast is high between the luminaire and night sky is
important, but challenging.

Consider several exterior applications. How critical is illuminance uniformity to each of them?

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 14

 RECAP: VISIBILITY SPEED AND TIME

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In general, a person must take more time to accomplish a task accurately when visibility is reduced,
whether by low light levels or reduced contrast.
When we work at the same pace under reduced visibility conditions, then accuracy will almost certainly
be compromised. We covered the impact of speed and time on visibility in Module 1.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 15

 =GLARE

VISUAL (DIS)COMFORT

Shield light.

Diffuse light.

Redirect light.

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Fixture size, luminance, frequency, and background will all impact a viewer’s sense of visual comfort.

The use of properly controlled luminaires placed either on adjacent poles or, if possible, on the building
itself, will prevent light trespass and disability glare.

Here are three general approaches to reducing direct glare:

(1) Limit the amount of light emitted in the direction of the eye - Shielding devices such as the hand,
used instinctively, and sun visors improve visibility and restore visual comfort in this way. Very dim
light sources may not cause much glare.
(2) Increase the area from which light is emitted. In the above example, a globe diffuser is used on the
upper left, and a flat diffuser on the upper right. An effective diffuser causes the light to appear as if
it is being emitted from an area equivalent to the entire diffuser, not just the LEDs.
(3) Redirect light in the desired direction.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 16

 Check Effective
Projected Area (EPA)
value for wind loading

LUMINAIRE MOUNTING

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Luminaires are incorporated into the space in various ways, which provides another way to classify them:
that is, by the mounting method.
Although there is some overlap of possible mounting methods with “Indoor” and “Outdoor” luminaires,
there are some methods that are specific to each.

In Module 4 we covered some common mounting methods include recessed, surface-mounted, ground-
mounted, wall-mounted, suspended, semi-recessed, track, and pole/post top.

Roadway: Mounting heights typically range from 25’ to 40’, depending on the road. High mast luminaires
with poles up to 100’ and large light output may be used to cover interstate interchanges.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 17

 turn off during
daytime and on
during nighttime

CONTROLS

Streetlighting Photocell
Wireless Network
Control/
Monitoring
Facility

Panel
Board

Asset
Management

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Electric outdoor lights are generally controlled in groups via relays (contactors) and photocells, or
controlled individually with photocells mounted on the luminaires. In some cases, time switches (also
called timeclocks) are used to control the lighting. Today’s digital technology, in both control systems and
light sources, offers new potential to better control the lighting system and provide the right amount of
lighting when required. These types of controls allow the lighting system to adapt the light levels to the
ambient conditions. Better lighting controls can result in improved visibility and potential savings in both
energy and maintenance costs.

Networked lighting systems now provide the ability to monitor, control and even create systems that have
the ability to react to changing environments: adaptive lighting. A thoughtful, well-informed approach to
re-engineering street lighting systems is emerging to create cost-effective opportunities to reduce power
consumption and maintenance costs.

Time clocks (or time switches) are the least expensive and simplest of the system controls. More
sophisticated time switches can be programmed with over-rides for holidays, daylight savings time, etc.
One time clock can control a single or many luminaires using a variety of lamp types.

Photocells control the luminaires based on ambient environmental light levels. While it is possible for
each individual exterior luminaire to have a photocell, it is generally more effective to control a group of
luminaires with one device. These are often used for parking lot lighting and tunnel threshold lighting.
Photocells have programmable characteristics that allow them to respond to different light levels.

Motion-sensing controls are also available for exterior environments but may be difficult to locate due to
the motion of trees, vehicles along a road, or large animals. Therefore, it is necessary to tailor the
sensitivity of the device to the environment. While often used for exterior security lighting, a group of
mis-fires can be most annoying. In addition, motion sensors should not be used with high intensity

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 18

 discharge (H.I.D.) sources due to the restrike and warm-up time of those lamps

To be most effective, lighting-system controls should be automatic rather than triggered by an on/off
switch.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 18

 CODES

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Remember that codes and standards are in constant evolution.

It should be reinforced that to know which codes affect a project, jurisdiction is key: the location where
the project is located will determine the jurisdiction.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 19

 PARKS, CAMPUSES, AND CIVIC SPACES

Lighting for dark environments

Parks, campuses and civic spaces
Streets and roadways
Parking facilities
Athletic facilities
Facades and landscapes
Sustainability and wellness
www.ies.org | © Illuminating Engineering Society, 2023 FOL 9-20

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 20

 APPLICATIONS

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What would be your primary goals for implementing quality lighting in these exterior spaces?

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 21

 PARKS, CAMPUS, CIVIC LUMINAIRE MOUNTING
CATENARY POLE
(SUSPENDED) MOUNTED

WALL
MOUNTED

BOLLARDS
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Some common application of lighting within the campus, parks, and civic areas. You may also see
illumination integrated into signage, benches, or other design elements.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 22

 SEEING LIKE A PEDESTRIAN

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Pedestrians need to identify moving vehicles and other safety hazards within their environment.
However, there are many other criteria to consider for pedestrians, including glare and contrast.

Limiting glare is one of the key factors in a successful outdoor lighting installation.

In addition to the discomfort glare that observers may experience, disability glare can limit a person’s
ability to see. Glare can change with the weather.

Recall that glare refers to unwanted light entering the eye, and also that exterior lighting is not
constrained.

Therefore, the benefits of light may be negated if it means uncontrolled light entering the eyes.

Consider looking at a bright luminaire when you are outside on a dark night, with your eyes adapted to
very low light levels. The brightness of the luminaire could disable your vision, making it impossible to
see anything but the bright light source.

For bright environments, such as densely populated urban areas, heavy pedestrian traffic areas, etc.,
where the horizontal and vertical surfaces need to be brightly illuminated, as in both images above, a
designer has some flexibility in selecting luminaire types and lamp wattages.

In addition, just as we don’t assume that a person walks through a hallway peering up into recessed
luminaires, there are instances in which lighting needs to be designed in order to ensure light in the area
where the viewer’s gaze is assumed to be focused, given that all other concerns are addressed.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 23

 PEDESTRIAN CONSIDERATIONS

• Pedestrian safety and visibility

• Vehicle safety and visibility
• Visual comfort

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Designers of exterior lighting systems must consider goals such as pedestrian safety, vehicular
operation, safety/security, and lack of intrusion into the nighttime environment.

Because of these concerns in the exterior environment, the approaches and methods to exterior lighting
vary from those used in interior lighting design.

Vertical illuminance is important for visibility of a person or an object in areas such as pedestrian
walkways.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 24

 VISUAL COMPOSITION

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How would you describe the visual composition within this scene? Which lighting goals were
successfully met? Is there anything you would compose differently?

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 25

 LUMINAIRE LIGHT DISTRIBUTION

Type V

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Left: Students will remember that the IES has developed patterns of lateral intensity distribution, which
are indicated by the arrows.

Right: The luminaire Classification System (LCS), which defines the light distribution and optical control
of outdoor luminaires by the number of lumens in particular zones, is expressed as a percentage of the
total lamp lumens. These classifications allow designers to choose the proper product to control spill
light, light trespass, and sky glow. The IES has published IES TM-15 Luminaire Classification System for
Outdoor Luminaires and Addendum A Backlight, Uplight and Glare (BUG) Ratings. This rating may be
used to evaluate luminaire optical performance related to light trespass, sky glow, and high angle
brightness control.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 26

 ILLUMINANCE

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Consider this exterior parking lot application. How critical is illuminance uniformity? What impact would
mounting height have upon shadows and distribution if this parking lot were full of cars?

Isolux diagrams illustrate how light is distributed onto a surface from one or more luminaires, and are
particularly useful in understanding how multiple luminaires work together to illuminate a surface. These
diagrams can be provided as one type of result from computer calculations. Lines surround areas of
equal illuminance, providing an idea of how much light falls within a bounded area and providing an idea
of the distribution pattern of the combined luminaires. Measurements are usually provided in lux or
footcandles.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 27

 VISUAL COMFORT

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The image on the right demonstrates design strategies for increasing visual comfort. In what ways was
this strategy successful?

this strategy is less glary due to

surrounding light.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 28

 STREETS AND ROADWAYS

Lighting for dark environments

Parks, campuses and civic spaces
Streets and roadways
Parking facilities
Athletic facilities
Facades and landscapes
Sustainability and wellness
www.ies.org | © Illuminating Engineering Society, 2023 FOL 9-29

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 29

 Check different type
of area's standard.
--> IES provides it

APPLICATIONS

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How are the lighting needs different for each of these environments?

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 30

 STREETS AND ROADWAY LUMINAIRE LOCATIONS

www.ies.org | © Illuminating Engineering Society, 2023 SIDEWALK MEDIAN FOL 9-31

What is “wrong” with the picture on the left?

Critical considerations for exterior applications:
• Lighting designers first become familiar with all of the elements in the environment.
• Investigate applications and then coordinate the different elements with the design.
• Elements can consist of street furniture, signage, landscaping, parking, etc. as shown.
The designer should also consider changes that will occur in the future. For example, a designer would
have to avoid locating a light pole adjacent to a small sapling because if the pole placement doesn’t
consider the mature tree size, the design will be ineffective in later years due to the tree’s blocking the
luminaire.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 31

 SEEING LIKE AN AUTOMOBILE

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Response times are significantly reduced for vehicle operators as driving speeds increase. How might
the drivers’ needs vary from the pedestrians’ needs? How are they similar?

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 32

 ROADWAY CONSIDERATIONS

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The principal purpose of roadway lighting is to produce quick, accurate, and comfortable vision at night.
These qualities of vision may safeguard, facilitate, and encourage vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Every
designer should provide for those inherent qualities required by the user.
Proper use of roadway lighting as an operative tool provides economic and social benefits to the public,
including the following:
 Reduction in night accidents, attendant human misery, and economic loss.
 Aid to police protection & enhanced sense of personal security.
 Facilitation of traffic flow.
 Promotion of business and the use of public facilities during the night hours.
In the past, roadway calculations were based primarily on horizontal illuminance calculations at the road.
As driving speeds increased, the need to understand the driver’s ability to see the road, any pedestrians,
and other vehicles has made luminance calculations on vertical surfaces 1.5 meters above the road
important.
Roadway calculations are very complex and include contrast issues, reflectance of road surfaces, and
direction of traffic.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 33

 VISUAL COMPOSITION

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Ask the students to evaluate the visual composition within this streetscape. Which lighting goals do they
believe were successfully met? Is there anything they would compose differently?

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 34

 LUMINAIRE LIGHT DISTRIBUTION

Type 1 Type II Type III

Narrow Slightly wider Wide
Symmetric More asymmetric Asymmetric

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Remind your student about the IES patterns for lateral intensity distribution, which are indicated by the
arrows. Unlike the CIE classification, the IES patterns suggest the shape of horizontal illuminance.
Each distribution is given a Type number in Roman numerals. In addition to the Types shown here, there
are variations.
As we will see in Module 9, a pair of asymmetric Type II or III luminaires installed back-to-back can
create a symmetrical distribution.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 35

 ILLUMINANCE AND LUMINANCE

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Illuminance: amount of light arriving upon a surface.

Luminance: the amount of light reflecting from the surface and reaching the eye of the observer. If the
observer moves, luminance will likely change but illuminance will not. Luminance, as you remember from
Module 1, is the photometric equivalent of perceived brightness. In this photo, we see the tunnel wall on
the left hand side is of a more reflective material and so seems slightly “brighter”, with higher luminance.
Overall, the resulting effect with respect to surfaces of critical interest to the driver is that they are “well
lighted”: luminance is uniform.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 36

 VISUAL COMFORT

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Which image demonstrates greater visual comfort? Why? Why is this important to the pedestrian? To
the driver?

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 37

 PARKING FACILITIES

Lighting for dark environments

Parks, campuses and civic spaces
Streets and roadways
Parking facilities
Athletic facilities
Facades and landscapes
Sustainability and wellness
www.ies.org | © Illuminating Engineering Society, 2023 FOL 9-38

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 38

 PARKING LOT CONSIDERATIONS

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For pedestrian security, consider the need for vertical illuminance at 1.5 meters (5 feet) above grade. It is
useful to recognize that this measurement roughly corresponds to the height of vehicles and that
shadowing between vehicles may be a concern. While illuminance at grade is what is specified by the
criteria, vertical illuminance above grade is also important.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 39

 GARAGE CONSIDERATIONS

Type IV Type V
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Parking garages are not entirely outdoors, underground garages not at all. This reduces the need for
robust construction.
Luminaires are typically round or square, but enclosed and even open strip luminaires are used as well.
Type V light distribution is typical. Type IV might be used along walls or at perimeters. The challenge is
lighting the drive lane and spaces between parked cars without throwing light into drivers’ eyes. Both
batwing and cosine distributions are used.
While luminaires with a narrow distribution can serve in ceilings as high as 30’ (think garages for
industrial trucks), mounting heights typically range from 9’ to 15’.
Occupancy control is required by code, so integrated sensors is a popular option. Stem mounting allows
luminaires with uplight to reduce the contrast of a bright lens against an otherwise dark ceiling.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 40

 ATHLETIC FACILITIES

Lighting for dark environments

Parks, campuses and civic spaces
Streets and roadways
Parking facilities
Athletic facilities
Facades and landscapes
Sustainability and wellness
www.ies.org | © Illuminating Engineering Society, 2023 FOL 9-41

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 41

 Depending on sports,
light level changes

APPLICATIONS

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What similarities do you notice in the lighting design strategy for these various athletic fields? What are
key environmental considerations in these locations?

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 42

 RECAP: VISIBILITY CONTRAST AND COLOR

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As we talked about in Module 1, color and contrast are critical to visibility. Consider how the above
examples might impact the athlete, and the spectator.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 43

 ATHLETIC CONSIDERATIONS

• Mitigating Glare
• Color Rendering Importance
• Mitigating Light Trespass
• Lighting is calculated for
precise placement, amount,
and angle
• Pole-mounted luminaires
(high mounting height)

www.ies.org | © Illuminating Engineering Society, 2023 FOL 9-44

Outdoor sporting events are increasingly played and watched at night.

Illuminance requirements, especially for professional sports, can be quite high, which increases
associated problems of glare, the need to limit light trespass, and improve color rendering for better
visual performance.

• Glare can interfere with the players, as well as spectators’ enjoyment of the game and can be a factor
off site as well. Proper pole and fixture placement is required to avoid blocking spectator views.
• Good sports lighting design cannot be accomplished by approximation.
• It typically requires calculations using sophisticated computer programs.
• Avoidance of glare and light trespass are important factors in today’s outdoor sports lighting designs
for both the viewers and participants.
• Color rendition is another important factor, particularly when night time sports events are televised.
• Computer calculations, perhaps more than any other type of exterior application, sports lighting
should be field verified for light trespass.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 44

 VERTICAL VS HORIZONTAL ILLUMINANCE

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• Goal is to provide an appropriate luminous environment by controlling the luminance of the playing
target (ball) and its background so the target will appear clear and sharp to the players, spectators,
and television viewers, avoiding gaps and shadows.
• When the visual target must be observed at high speeds and at close range between players, higher
illuminance is needed.
• Higher levels of competition require higher levels of illuminance, as do the resulting requirements of
increased speed and accuracy.
• The average observer is usually farther away from the visual target, so higher illuminance is again
needed.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 45

 different colour tuning and light
level depends on sports' type.

UNIFORMITY
Spotting Diagram

Floodlight Aiming Diagram

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What impact might low uniformity ratios have on sports like baseball?

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 46

 FACADES AND LANDSCAPES

Lighting for dark environments

Parks, campuses and civic spaces
Streets and roadways
Parking facilities
Athletic facilities
Facades and landscapes
Sustainability and wellness
www.ies.org | © Illuminating Engineering Society, 2023 FOL 9-47

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 47

 APPLICATIONS

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Notice the visual composition within each image. How does luminaire placement and distribution
contribute to each scene? What challenges might you expect when identifying mounting locations for
luminaires in these environments? What environmental concerns are applicable to each?

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 48

 BUILDING CONSIDERATIONS

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Control strategies play an important role in the performance of security systems

Note that simply switching off every other luminaire at night can create shadows and dark spots, while
also complicating any maintenance scheduling.
Spill light, ordinances and standards may be relevant, and every facility is likely to have pathways,
entrances and signage.
A reduction in nighttime usage will help address light pollution issues as well as conserve energy.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 49

 LANDSCAPE CONSIDERATIONS

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Landscaping concerns and good lighting can go hand-in-hand. When undertaking completely new
exterior designs, landscape and lighting designers can collaborate in order to avoid conflicts with foliage
and to ensure the most effective lighting design given the proposed landscape.

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 50

 VISUAL COMPOSITION

www.ies.org | © Illuminating Engineering Society, 2023 FOL 9-51

What angle and distribution of light created the accentuated texture and pattern on these stone walls?
How many layers of light can you find in the image on the right? What are key environmental
considerations in these locations?

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 51

 LUMINAIRE LIGHT DISTRIBUTION

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Examine each image. What role does luminaire light distribution play in these compositions?

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 52

 ILLUMINANCE

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What role do illuminance and luminance each play in this visual composition?

IES Fundamentals of Lighting, Module 9 53

 VISUAL COMFORT

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What strategies have the designer incorporated to increase visual comfort in these scenes?

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 SUSTAINBILITY AND WELLNESS

Lighting for dark environments

Parks, campuses and civic spaces
Streets and roadways
Parking facilities
Athletic facilities
Facades and landscapes
Sustainability and wellness
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 A HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE

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Too often, outdoor electric lighting installations at night are over lit, left on when not needed, and are
harmful to the environment. As a result, light pollution is a growing global issue that can negatively affect
our environment and impact our quality of life. International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) and the
Illuminating Engineering Society have published the joint Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor
Lighting. By joining forces, our shared goal is to prevent and reduce light pollution through the proper
application of quality outdoor electric lighting.

By applying these 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.

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 SKYGLOW

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Sky glow: The brightening of the night sky that results from the reflection of radiation (visible and non-
visible), scattered from the constituents of the atmosphere (gas molecules, aerosols and particulate
matter) in the direction of observation. Sky glow may be natural or man-made.

Natural sky glow is attributable to visible radiation from celestial sources and luminescent processes in
the earth’s upper atmosphere. Man-made sky glow is attributable to man-made sources of radiation (e.g.
artificial outdoor lighting) including radiation that is emitted directly upwards and radiation that is reflected
from the surface of the Earth.
Think of the night conditions where you live. Can you see the stars? An interesting fact: during a
complete power outage in Los Angeles, emergency phone operators handled numerous reports of a
‘gigantic, silvery glowing cloud in the sky’. It turned out it was the Milky Way, never having been seen by
many residents in the city.

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Turtle lighting
: after laying, they follow moonlight (brightness) to come back. 야간통행금지
--> if street is too bright, they go into the city.
--> so that light shouldn't illuminate ocean or use amber-colour light.

LIGHT TRESPASS

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Light trespass is light that leaves the area for which the lighting system was designed and “trespasses”
onto nearby properties.
To minimize it light must be controlled with a combination of luminaire optics, pole placement, and overall
light levels.
Curfews are also a good strategy in some applications.

The idea of using curfews in lighting design simply suggests that if an outdoor lighting system does not
serve any use past a certain time, then it should be either reduced or extinguished. An example of this
might be a retail parking lot that either dims or turns off luminaires after the stores are closed.

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 For exterior lighting,
they need to meet over
IP66 rating.

LIGHT AND WELLNESS

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Consider everything we have learned about human physiology, lighting goals, and lighting strategies.
What role does light play when it comes to wellness?

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 MODULE 9: DESIGN GOALS WRAP-UP

• Design considerations:
• Exterior constraints
• Conflicting values
• Pedestrian view versus driver view
• Visual comfort
• Uniformity
• Glare
• Visual Composition
• Codes

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 MODULE 9: LUMINAIRE WRAP-UP

• Luminaire considerations:
• BUG ratings
 Backlight
 Uplight
 Glare
• Light distribution types
• Mounting types
• Mounting heights
• Controls

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 MODULE 9: SUSTAINABILITY AND WELLNESS WRAP-UP

• 5 Principles for responsible outdoor lighting:

• All light should have a clear purpose
• Light should only be directed to where needed
• Light should be no brighter than necessary
• Light should only be used when it is useful
• Use warmer color lights where possible
• Skyglow
• Light trespass
• Quality Lighting

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 FUNDAMENTALS
OF LIGHTING:
MODULE 9
LIGHTING FOR
EXTERIOR
APPLICATIONS

Illuminating Engineering Society

www.ies.org

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