The Influence of Urban Lighting on the Sense of Belonging

Abstract

This research aims to gain a better understanding of the influence of artificial lighting on the sense of belonging in urban spaces and to investigate whether lighting is a determining factor in establishing bonds between humans and the city. An exploratory method is employed to give possible answers with the purpose of sparking a discussion in the lighting and urban design practice but without intending to be conclusive. The topic is addressed by an integration of a literature review on related concepts such as place attachment, the connections between urban lighting and atmospheres, the social dimension of urban lightscapes and placemaking, and input from conversations with professional lighting designers. The proposed answer consists of a series of models, design principles and methods for the lighting designer. It is argued that lighting can act as a generator of atmosphere, propitiating shared experiences in the outdoors, or as an object of memory when it acquires the category of a symbol. Both qualities can contribute to building a collective identity and, consequently, a sense of belonging. The lighting design - if unique, meaningful and sustaining social interaction - and the design process employed - if participatory - have a role in strengthening ties within the community.