Light pollution
consequences and sustainable lighting design
Light has always fascinated humans but ever since the invention of the first light
bulb, the use of artificial lighting has accelerated dramatically. Darkness has never
been as rare as today and the overuse of lighting has created a new phenomenon
called light pollution. Most living beings are biologically dependent on the
recurrent twenty-four-hour rhythm of light and darkness, called the circadian
cycle. Human beings are evolutionary developed after this circadian rhythm and
the effects of constant artificial light is yet unknown. Scientists fear the consequences
of constant lighting and what it means physically, mentally and philosophically
for the human species. New science show that the absent of darkness
not only affect the sleep but might also lead to an increased risk of diabetes and
cancer. Even animals and plants are controlled by the circadian cycle. Light pollution
has therefore a great influence on nocturnal animals. The loss of darkness
has influences on fundamental biological systems that scientists do not know the
consequences of. Light pollution is therefore a crucial aspect for landscape architects
to consider while designing with lighting. The purpose of my bachelor essay
is to map out the negative consequences of light pollution. I chose to perform the
research by literature studies but also through conversations with skilled people
working with light. The results of the literature study showed sincerely negative
effects of light pollution on wildlife and humans. The conversations with light
designers and landscape architects gave though another point of view on light
pollution. The results of the conversations also gave some easy aspects to be
considered to reduce light pollution while designing with lighting. My essay finally
discusses light pollution as a global potential threat that has to be considered
while designing on the smaller scale.