IES LP-2-20

It is important that outdoor public spaces at night provide sufficient light to engender the equivalent feelings of daytime reassurance, allowing people to enjoy public spaces. This document will help lighting practitioners understand ambient lighting levels, glare, contrast, and luminance to design for outdoor pedestrian spaces more holistically. It makes recommendations beyond illuminance—which, considered alone, is inadequate as a means of accomplishing the complete visual experience necessary for pedestrian based tasks. Instead, it takes a comprehensive approach and makes recommendations based on zonal light level allowances, glare, adaptation, spectrum, and contrast while addressing safety, timing, and the need for reassurance. Application of these recommendations will ultimately enhance the pedestrian's visual experience while also respecting the environment.