At Whitecroft, we meet the demands of modern construction while exceeding standards and expectations along the way. For decades, we’ve been building and honing our solutions around the needs of our partners and the industry we serve.
Ensuring light levels meet the needs of people using the space is paramount. However, when designing for outdoor environments, there’s a balance between compliant task lighting and unwelcome over-lighting.
Light that falls outside of the task plane to a significant degree is light pollution. Standards and guidance for light pollution vary depending on environmental zone and application.
Adding unnatural light to a dark environment may be essential for human needs, but it can affect the nighttime activity of wildlife. Such disruption can decrease species numbers and leads to a drop in biodiversity. However, with good design there are ways to mitigate the ecological impact of light. One way is through consideration of colour temperature.
The Institute of Lighting Professionals (ILP) recommends using light sources with a colour temperature no greater than 2700K and a peak intensity >550nm to minimise disruption to bat habitats and other wildlife.
Lighting can influence human perceptions, emotions, and biological responses. Design can change how people experience and interact with public spaces, shape perceptions of safety, and contribute to the overall quality of urban life.
When too much emphasis is put on task lighting (often lighting horizontal surfaces), shadows can be cast on vertical planes—including faces—which can diminish facial recognition. This can have a detrimental effect on perception of safety. It also reduces the likelihood of a police identification from CCTV.
By thinking in the round with cylindrical illuminance we create outdoor spaces that
put users at their ease.
Lighting design is about getting the right light, in the right place, at the right time. And with smart lighting, your timing is always perfect. Balancing the needs of users and other factors such as building and site security, while also reducing energy
usage and minimising impact on neighbours and wildlife.
At a minimum, we recommend astronomical time clocks are included with all external lighting projects. However, with the addition of movement sensors and set-back lighting (dimming when unoccupied), further energy savings can be made. These smart features ensure the safe use of the space while minimising light pollution and impact on biodiversity.
In addition, photocell technoloy can also be utilised for automatic dimming of luminaires when maximum output is not required. With the option of a ZHAGA socket on our Mistral family, it is possible to integrate timeclocks and photocells to optimise energy efficiency and ensure the lights are only on when they need to be.
Ensures documentation availability and defines the project scope, minimising additional work and project non-compliance.
Ensures compliance with regulations and protects sensitive areas.
Determines environmental classification. Aligns design with client expectations for lighting levels and best practice requirements.
Considers physical constraints and identifies potential clashes, streamlining installation.
Helps to assess potential environmental disturbance risks, ensuring project sustainability.
Ensures even light distribution and efficient fixture placement, maximising lighting effectiveness.
Specifies automation needs and ensures safety during emergencies, enhancing functionality.
Enhanced visibility in high-traffic areas. Ensures safe environment and increases crime prevention.
Considers user comfort and safety by addressing glare, recognition needs, and light adjustment.
Addresses long-term maintenance needs and allows for more accurate calculations.
At the start of an outdoor project or looking for a supplier to meet your installation and lighting unit needs? Our team of experienced consultants can help you find the right lighting solution.
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Outdoor Lighting Guide