TITLE:
An Exploratory Study on the Effect of Indoor Lighting for Buildings on Light Pollution
AUTHORS:
Raghad Abdul Rahman Al-Ansari, Abeer Abdulaziz Alawad, Raghda Hassan Bakr Hareri
KEYWORDS:
Interior Lighting, Light Pollution, Types of Lighting, Residential Buildings
JOURNAL NAME:
Art and Design Review,
Vol.10 No.1,
February
25,
2022
ABSTRACT: This study aims to identify the role of interior lighting in buildings in increasing light pollution, defined as the excessive use of artificial lighting that negatively affects humans, wildlife and clear astronomical vision. The research question is what aspects of interior lighting are the causes of external light pollution. In order to answer the research question, a qualitative approach was followed, by interviewing six lighting specialists, and using a questionnaire to ascertain the views of twenty-one interior designers interested in designing interior lighting. The data collection employed two axes: the first related to the characteristics of the indoor lighting unit, and the second related to factors affecting the interior lighting. The study concluded that interior lighting has a role in light pollution, which depends on its characteristics and the nature of the interior space, through the infiltration of lighting from the interior space to the outside of the building through the architectural openings, due to the lack of consideration of the following determinants of lighting installation in the space, such as the angle of illumination and the number of lighting units and the characteristics of the space in terms of colour, material and openings. We hope that the results of the study will benefit designers in helping to maintain environmental sustainability and reducing the increase in light pollution.