Start Date
03/04/2025
End Date
03/20/2026
Description
Urban spaces are, by nature, experienced differently after dark. Using lighting to create hierarchies of circulation, identify key decision points, and define gathering spaces reinforces other urban design elements and allows designers to create another layer of experience that is differentiated from the daytime experience, but no less meaningful.
Location
Seattle, WA
Distance Learning
No
Course Equivalency
No
Subjects
Urban Planning & Design
Health, Safety and Welfare
No
Hours
1.0
Learning Outcomes
Outcome #1: Identify opportunities for lighting to reinforce urban design elements in circulation and gathering spaces. Consider how lighting can enhance the visual hierarchy of pathways, making it easier for people to navigate and feel oriented. Additionally, use lighting to create inviting environments that encourage social interaction, helping transform public spaces into vibrant, accessible hubs
Outcome #2: Identify opportunities where lighting can be used to create a differentiated urban environment after dark. Look for ways to highlight architectural features, landmarks, and natural elements that give each space a unique nighttime character. Thoughtful lighting design can also enhance the ambiance and sense of safety, encouraging nighttime use and fostering a dynamic, engaging experience for residents and visitors alike.
Outcome #3: Learn how lighting at a variety of scales can enhance placemaking for gathering and social interaction. By considering both large-scale illumination and intimate, localized lighting, designers can create spaces that feel inviting and comfortable for diverse groups. This approach not only supports community engagement but also establishes a sense of identity and belonging within urban environments
Outcome #4: Learn methods to clarify circulation types through lighting contrast and fixture typology. By using varying intensities, colors, and fixture styles, lighting can guide users intuitively, distinguishing between main pathways, secondary routes, and gathering areas. This approach enhances wayfinding and safety, making urban spaces more accessible and easier to navigate, especially after dark
Instructors
Jill Cody and Ron Kurtz
Course Codes
Provider
Dark Light Consulting