Lighting modes and their effects on impressions of public squares

- Mode of lighting affects preferences for squares as predicted by prospect-refuge theory.
- A cross-section of U.S. adults rated their impressions of squares after dark.
- They preferred uniform to non-uniform lighting in the squares.
- They preferred bright to dim lighting in the squares.
- They preferred overhead to peripheral lighting in the squares.

Lighting may affect impressions of public places after dark. Prospect-refuge theory suggests that people would favor uniform, bright, or overhead lighting to the alternatives. The study had 363 (161 men, 202 women) adult participants. An on-line survey displayed color slides of two simulated squares, each repeated for all mixes of lighting modes (order randomized across participants). One square also varied the peripheral lighting tilt (down or out). For ratings, each participant was assigned at random to use one of twelve items for evaluation, excitement, restfulness, or behavioral intent. Because the scales had high inter-item reliability, we combined them into a composite preference scale. In agreement with P-R theory, uniform, bright, and overhead lighting received the higher scores. The peripheral lighting tilt (down or out) did not affect preference. Lighting designs might do well to offer unobstructed views of information ahead. Research could test on-site experience and different aspects of lighting.