Urban Lighting: Planning for Public Spaces in Vancouver's Southeast False Creek

Abstract

Artificial light impacts orientation, use, safety and the visual quality of public spaces after dark. Combining lessons learnt from a review of international lighting master plan case studies and systematic self-observation of Southeast False Creek, this report assesses the physical and perceptual qualities of urban lighting in Vancouver. Study analysis identifies key components of a successfully lighting plan and explores how plan elements translate to real use in the public realm. Recommendations are offered to the City of Vancouver for the purpose of advancing strategies, concepts and coordination of municipal urban lighting plans.