The impact of facade lighting on environmental sustainability: Investigation methods

While light pollution has negative effects on the environment and people, including economic and social consequences, scientists are investigating relevant techniques to mitigate its effects. Façade lighting plays an important role in urban lighting, and according to recent studies, contributes considerably to the increase of energy consumption and light pollution, mostly due to bad practices during the early design phase. This needs to be addressed by applying appropriate architectural lighting design techniques. Although there is active research on issues related to street lighting, the research related to facade lighting and the associated light pollution is limited. The present paper conducts a systematic review using critical analysis of the available international scientific literature in an effort to evaluate the relationship between light pollution and façade lighting. This relationship is multifaceted and complicated, involving environmental and social variables and affects the architectural and cultural heritage of cities. Using a SWOT analysis, the advantages, disadvantages, risks and opportunities of implemented façade lighting practices and techniques are presented, concluding with the presentation of design principles in respect to architectural lighting and light pollution.