Lighting uniformity is a key factor in traffic safety, and it could even result in energy savings for light installations. However, highly uniform horizontal road lighting for motorized vehicles may not be optimal for pedestrian roads. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the way in which pedestrians experience road lighting uniformity. Accordingly, we employed a qualitative approach to examine pedestrian road lighting uniformity. Visual analyses were used to exemplify and discuss the perceived uniformity. The case studies were performed on three pedestrian roads with similar light installations. The results show that the experience of road lighting uniformity differs substantially between the three roads. Based on the case studies, there are many aspects that need to be considered beyond the light falling on the horizontal surfaces. This study suggests that the visual experience of road lighting uniformity for pedestrians is difficult to estimate with photometric values because the visual impact of uniformity is highly influenced by the spatial context and landscape.

Previous research showed that light distribution can affect the perception of spatial size and shape. However, most studies are limited to quantitative assessment of a few scenarios without explaining possible causes behind peoples’ experiences. This exploratory study aimed to reveal complex relationships between light patterns and perceived size, and to investigate how light patterns affect perceived spaciousness. A qualitative approach was used with pair-wise comparisons between systematic visual observations of scale models. The observations confirmed that illuminated walls increase spaciousness. Yet, darkness impacts the perception of spaciousness as well. Both compound and separated light zones can expand depth, height, or width, depending on the interpretation of these patterns of light seen in relation to the whole spatial context. Furthermore, the position of illuminated areas, with placements on edge or in the center, may additionally influence perceived size.

Visual techniques can capture information about visual experiences in ways that differ from speaking and writing. This article examines drawing as a data collection method in architectural lighting research. Lighting design is a rapidly growing profession, and there is a need to build research knowledge of people’s spatial experience of lit environments and to develop methods that capture it. Based on a study in which 16 participants’ experiences of different light scenarios were collected through sketches, semantic rating scales, and deep interviews, the participants drew the boundaries of what they experienced as “the room” and spatial directions inside it. In this study, the 64 sketches were compared in different combinations to detect patterns. The results showed that this drawing method worked well for everybody, both those with and those without professional drawing experience. This method, named Drawing Experienced Space, facilitated finding words and expressions for the experiences of participants, especially for those without training.

If the task is to illuminate an office landscape, the first thought is often that the luminaires should be positioned to provide as uniformly distributed light

In order to design lighting, we need to be able to see, observe, analyse, and understand light in a spatial context. There are many visual analysis methods to

To sketch is to see. Drawing on site increases awareness. Just as sketching can be used for analysis and illustration, it is also a way to test ideas and arrive