Research to show London’s public spaces in a new light

A new project has been launched to show how improved lighting in London can help create an even more attractive and sustainable city at night.

The Lighting London research project by the think tank Centre for London will explore how councils, developers and landlords can make London’s streets and public spaces more inviting and interesting at night, while reducing the city’s carbon footprint.

The research will build on the Illuminated River project which is lighting up central London’s Thames bridges in a new public artwork, the City of London’s lighting strategy, as well as the recommendations from City Hall’s Night-Time Commission.

It will also explore how light and darkness affect the lives of different groups of Londoners, how to use lighting more sustainably, and what it would take for London to become the best lit major city in the world.

The final report will be published in winter and will make recommendations to help City Hall, London’s boroughs, developers and building owners to develop a stronger and more coordinated city-wide approach to lighting, and better light their buildings and spaces.

‘Relatively little thought goes into the way London looks and feels at night,’ said Centre for London founding director, Ben Rogers.

‘Yet lighting has a huge impact on us, on our evening and night-time activities, on people who work at night, and even inside our homes from streetlights.

‘With Londoners set to spend more time outside than ever as we head into autumn, now is an exciting opportunity to help policymakers develop a stronger and coordinated city-wide approach to lighting.’

The director of the built environment at the City of London Corporation, Carolyn Dwyer added: ‘The City of London Corporation is taking a number of steps to realise our vision of a 24/7 destination and we are delighted to be part of this revolutionary ‘Lighting London’ research.

‘By exploring how all parties can work together to light our streets in a more sustainable way, we can further improve upon the safe, welcoming and accessible spaces that the Square Mile offers, while celebrating our rich heritage, culture and architecture around the clock.

‘This opportunity aligns with our vision developed in the City Lighting Strategy to take advantage of emerging technology to enhance what it feels like to live, work and visit the City at night.’

Photo Credit – PublicDomainPictures (Pixabay)