Restraint in lighting building exteriors shows architectural detail better, and saves money.
Lessons learned in lighting large public buildings can be applied to homes and small businesses. Things to consider:
Two things to keep in mind are security and environment. We each need to feel secure in our spaces, but we also need to protect the environment from the ill effects of light pollution.
Tunable lighting, such as that used on Singapore’s Bund, can help with both. It can provide gentle highlighting, wrap the facade in brilliance, and do everything in between. With tunable lighting, many effects can be achieved without changing out lights to accommodate migratory birds, sea life, and community needs such as dark skies.
Most songbirds migrate at night and rely on the moon and stars to navigate. City lights overpower these natural cues, and attract birds into urban areas where they face deadly and deceptive building glass. Lights Out Portland is an effort to engage residents and building owners in carefully considering lighting options and voluntarily turning off unnecessary overnight lighting during spring and fall migration seasons.The project benefits not only the birds, but provides a healthier, more natural environment for humans as well. Portland Audubon is working with building owners, city government, lighting designers and agencies to adopt the LightsOut program throughout the city. Learn more.