We Need Good Light-Environment Design

Blinding Glare for the Drivers and Pedestrians
The above photograph is taken from an angle close to driver's seat. Several MV lights are located just within driver's view at an intersection. This is not a special example, but rather a common picture that you will find almost at any place.
Picture at left shows street light installed very close to the traffic light. Blinding glare interferes visibility of the whole intersection as well. Again it is a very common picture you find everywhere.
Problem of Obtrusive Light

UNCONTROLLED installation of outdoor light produces glare to motorist and pedestrians. Uncontrolled glittering light also destroy the night time environments.

Dr. K. Narisada of Chukyou University said; Efficiency of lighting fixtures, which output much light flux in the glare zone between 60 to 120 degrees, is not good.

Obtrusive Light

Take a look at this picture at right. Do you think these lights offer safe and comfortable night environment?

Have a close look one more time.

You may have mistakenly concluded it as good lighting system because of bright and glary lamps are installed. There is actually less useful light flux because much light is aimed sideways and upward, missing the road surface where it is most needed. It is dark on the road. It is dangerous for pedestrians because of the strong light directly coming to the drivers.


Visibility is Compromised by Glary Light

Light-Environment Design

The "Guidelines to Control Light Pollution" from Environment Agency says;

"It has not been recognized that Light-Environment Design requires a specialized study and technology, and the importance of lighting designer is underestimated in this country. This causes many lighting system being installed without proper design, and also the lighting design of layman is common. This has to be realized that there has rarely been good lighting design."

There is Solution

Good lighting system can be realized by utilizing fixtures that does not output light above the horizontal line, switching light on only when it is needed and directing light where it is most needed.

Smart Light Office
IDA Japan Section
‚v‚v‚vF http://www2a.biglobe.ne.jp/~wakaba/
e-mailFsuchida@mxb.meshnet.or.jp