Work

Illuminating Perceptions: A Mixed-Methods Study of Public Views on Urban Park Lighting

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Urban parks are vital public spaces that provide opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and social interaction. At night, their accessibility and functionality depend strongly on the quality of artificial lighting, which must balance user safety and comfort with ecological sustainability. This study investigates public perceptions of urban park lighting through a mixed-method approach combining participatory workshops and surveys. A workshop (n = 15), involving local residents recruited through community networks, included introductory presentations, group discussions, and open voting to map the related problems in the park activities. Data were collected through participant notes, visuals, and sketches. In parallel, an online and on-site survey (n = 144) was distributed via Google Forms during winter 2025. Results reveal three main themes. First, users consistently emphasized safety and orientation as the most critical functions of park lighting, though the 52.5% perception of safety remained moderate even in lit areas. Second, respondents and workshop participants expressed a preference for adaptive, functionally targeted lighting over uniform illumination. Third, ecological awareness was evident as more than half of the respondents recognized the negative effects of artificial lighting on the natural environment, with strong support for warm-spectrum lighting and light zoning to protect biodiversity. These findings highlight the potential of participatory methods to inform evidence-based, ecologically sensitive lighting strategies for urban parks.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su17209266