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LIGHT STUDIO

Dark Skies & Assessments Earth Night View - ©PIO3

MINIGUIDE 02

Sky over Narberth, Pembrokeshire © Kimberly Bartlett

LIGHT STUDIO MINIGUIDE 02 | DARK SKIES & ASSESSMENT

THE NIGHT SKY IS PRECIOUS Humans and animals alike have a strong bond with the stars. From science to poetry, we owe a significant amount to the night sky in creating and building our culture and identity the world over. From the basics of navigation we use the stars to help orient and guide us through the dark, much the same as the animals, plants and insects we share our world with, and we have evolved to thrive through day/night cycles. Artificial light at night can significantly disrupt the natural behaviours of many species in many ways. For example, a change in light levels can impact predator–prey relationships, changing the dynamic between species and causing imbalance in the biodiversity of an area. We need to ensure that our projects and plans are working not just for us, but for our environment too, and this is where assessments and calculations are so important. We are here to guide you through the process, to support you through your projects and to help you to make the best decisions for people and planet.

Kimberly Bartlett, Head of Lighting Design Introba Consulting UK

LIGHT STUDIO MINIGUIDE 02 | DARK SKIES & ASSESSMENT

Light Pollution Light pollution is defined as emitted light that is serving no useful purpose as it falls outside of the area required to be illuminated. To protect landscapes, the environment and the night sky we need to prevent or reduce stray light as far as possible.

Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) – Langley Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE) © Kimberly Bartlett

Measurements Physical, on-site measurements using calibrated equipment such as luminance and illuminance meters or luxmeters offer the best understanding of lighting levels present in an area. Too little light and it can be difficult to move around a space. Too much light, and the area is brightly lit, potentially impacting the local environment, people and wider views. Even the best lighting can cause problems if too powerful, reflecting off surfaces and scattering light into the sky.

Illuminated Advertisement Assessment, Hounslow EMC TOWER | ILLUMINATED ADVERTISEMENTS ASSESSMENT

nt measurement point(s)

d for change of use to residential in the near umber of glazed apertures are now potentially rom the adjacent sign.

ans that only elevations 1 and 5 are likely to be own on the architect’s plan, right and model. med elevations with potential affected glazing

Calculate the illuminance (E)

𝐸𝐸 =

𝐼𝐼(𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐) 𝐷𝐷12

𝐸𝐸 =

𝐼𝐼(𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐) 𝐷𝐷32

𝐸𝐸 =

𝐼𝐼(𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐) 𝐷𝐷22

𝐸𝐸 =

𝐼𝐼(𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐) 𝐷𝐷42

16038(𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = 𝟔𝟔. 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 𝒍𝒍𝒍𝒍𝒍𝒍 38.52

𝐸𝐸 =

16038(𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = 𝟔𝟔. 𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒 𝒍𝒍𝒍𝒍𝒍𝒍 492

16038(𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 = 𝟓𝟓. 𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖 𝒍𝒍𝒍𝒍𝒍𝒍 83.52

𝐸𝐸 =

16038(𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = 𝟏𝟏. 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 𝒍𝒍𝒍𝒍𝒍𝒍 872

to be affected by Sign 2, complete with measurements for D.

or obtrusive light on these facades as the view he minimum and maximum distance (D) from used within the calculations to determine the ce values for each façade.

ese figures are split by elevation and noted raphically above in figure 11.

nces (D) of each assessed elevation φ

Ref.

Max. Distance

Angle φ

Ref

49.0m

50°

87.0m

45°

these windows are associated with sleeping f the architect to use glazed internal ‘walls’ to est of the flat, a worst case assessment should ng areas have the potential to be used for

width of 5.94m, the shortest distance between ed (D1) is 38.5m. The luminance of the sign as cd/m2.

m dimension of the sign (d)

<D1

When compared with the permitted values for an E4 environmental zone from ILP Guidance Note 01, summarised in table 8 (below), these levels are well within the permitted lux values. Table 8 - Obtrusive Light Limitations for E4 Zone Maximum Light Intrusion (into windows) Ev (lux) Location

Max. Permitted Values (lux) Pre-curfew Post-curfew

M4 Eastbound

Maximum Calculated Values (lux)

Result

6.41

M4 Westbound

1.33

PASS

Elevation 1

5.82

PASS

Elevation 5

6.45

PASS

12 OF 17

LIGHT STUDIO MINIGUIDE 02 | DARK SKIES & ASSESSMENT

Assessments Site measurements and desktop calculation models come together to build the data foundations for assessments. Assessments allow us to quantify the impact that lighting has on the area in question such as: • • • •

Lighting Impact Assessments (LIA) Landscape Visual Impact (LVIA) Photometric Assessments Glint & Glare Assessments

The results of these assessments can be used to justify decisions by designers or to confirm whether lighting may create an impact on specific sensitive receptors such as bats.

Bat Impact Assessment Calculation Model, Wiltshire

Modelling Calculation models offer opportunities to visualise how light works in specific scenarios and to test strategies for design or mitigation.

Using false colour, nuanced changes in light levels are clearer to see.

LIGHT STUDIO MINIGUIDE 02 | DARK SKIES & ASSESSMENT

Realistic models offer a visual clue to how a new installation will behave. Bat Assessment Calculation Models, false colour and render

Bats, Birds, Beasts Light can impact certain species of animal including the more well known bats, there are also sensitive birds, snails and insects that have been found to react to light in various ways. DATA ANALYSIS Using data from ecology surveys and reports we can work out the most likely places that sensitive creatures will be. CALCULATIONS This then gives us areas to assess and calculate to see where any problems may arise with light levels or locations.

LIGHT STUDIO MINIGUIDE 02 | DARK SKIES & ASSESSMENT

DESIGN Once a strategy is in place that offers the best options for people and planet the design can begin.

STRATEGY A good lighting design provides sufficient light levels for the required task whilst ensuring that areas outside of the task area are not subject to nuisance or spill or affecting sensitive ecological elements in the environs.

2,200° K 2,700° K 3,000° K

LIGHT STUDIO MINIGUIDE 02 | DARK SKIES & ASSESSMENT

Compliance Every assessment or design needs to be in accordance with various standards, regulations and guidelines which differ all around the world. It is important to make sure that lighting designs and calculations are from qualified lighting engineers and designers. That’s where we come in…

Our Team We have every type of light and lighting covered and we thrive in collaborative environments. Kimberly Bartlett HEAD OF LIGHTING DESIGN

With nearly 20 years experience in light and lighting, I provide the backbone of technical expertise underpinning our designs, supporting our team in doing what they do best.

Aliz Sanduj ASSOCIATE LIGHTING DESIGNER

The team’s creative powerhouse in lighting design, I oversee the transition of beautiful thoughts to incredible reality.

Christopher Harrison INTERMEDIATE LIGHTING CONSULTANT

A specialist in external lighting, I bridge the gap between inside and out, creating seamless movement.

Pablo Temboury INTERMEDIATE ENGINEER

Combining creative experience in the arts with technical lighting and electrical expertise, I transform conceptual ideas into realised environments.

LIGHT STUDIO MINIGUIDE 02 | DARK SKIES & ASSESSMENT

Transforming the Built Environment with Curiosity, Ingenuity, and Accountability Introba is a global engineering and consulting firm with more than 1,000 specialists across the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, and Singapore. We help clients improve the performance, reliability, and sustainability of the built environment through mechanical, electrical, technology, security, and fire systems engineering, supported by digital advisory, systems integration, and sustainability consulting services. Guided by curiosity, ingenuity, and accountability, we work with the public and private organisations across healthcare, aviation, education, science and technology, transportation, and commercial development to deliver solutions that meet today's needs and adapt to tomorrow's demands.

Contact hello@introba.com

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020 3697 9300

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