Research on Quantitative Design Method of Night Scene Lighting Effect
**Research on the Quantitative Design Method of Night Scene Lighting Effects**
Ma Wei, Rong Haolei
(Beijing Qingcheng Pinsheng Lighting Research Institute Co., Ltd., Beijing Tsinghua Tongheng Planning and Design Institute Co., Ltd., Beijing 100086, China)
Abstract: During the large-scale construction phase of urban night lighting, there are often discrepancies between the actual results and the intended design. This paper explores the reasons behind this gap and proposes practical improvements. By analyzing the causes, a design method tailored to industry needs is introduced. The process after creative design includes: 1) defining quantitative indicators for different parts of the building; 2) adjusting lamp parameters to meet the desired effect; 3) comparing experimental results with expected outcomes through lamp testing; and 4) fine-tuning lamp parameters and setting realistic expectations to ensure that two to three luminaires can achieve the target. The application of this method in the National Museum project has shown significant improvements in aligning the final implementation with the original design. The effectiveness verification step in this method also serves as a foundation for future service development in the lighting industry.
Keywords: building facade lighting; effect quantification; design method
CLC number: TM923 Document code: A DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-440X.2015.06.013
**Research on the Quantitative Design Method of Nightscape Lighting Effects**
Ma Ye, Rong Haolei
(Beijing TsingChengPinSheng Lighting Research Institute Co., Ltd, Beijing Tsinghua Tongheng Urban Planning & Design Institute, Beijing 100086, China)
Abstract: In the era of large-scale construction of urban nightscape lighting, the implemented results often do not match the original design concepts. This paper investigates the underlying reasons and provides practical suggestions for improvement. Through detailed analysis, a design approach that meets the required performance standards is proposed. The steps following creative design include: 1) establishing quantitative indicators for each part of the building; 2) enhancing lamp parameters to meet the desired visual effect; 3) comparing test results with expected outcomes after conducting lamp experiments; and 4) adjusting both lamp settings and expected values based on the test data, ensuring that 2–3 luminaires can achieve the desired result. The effectiveness of this method is demonstrated through the National Museum project, where it significantly improved the alignment between design intent and real-world outcome. The verification process in this method will become a key element in the evolving service industry.
Keywords: building facade lighting; effect quantification; design method
**1 Current Situation**
Currently, the lighting construction industry has largely moved past basic brightness issues and now focuses more on design concepts. However, challenges such as “idealization†and “effect diagram theory†persist. While the renderings may look impressive, the actual implementation often falls far short, as seen in Figure 1. Renderings are primarily used to help clients visualize the solution, but they lack measurable metrics like brightness, making it difficult to assess the quality of construction. These issues are not just about execution—they stem from deeper problems in the design process.
**1.1 Lack of Effect Quantification**
A critical aspect of any lighting plan is the evaluation of its visual impact. For example, a building façade can be divided into top, middle, and bottom sections, each requiring specific brightness levels and color temperatures. However, current designs often rely on overall aesthetics without detailing brightness distribution, leading to insufficient depth and clarity. From an urban planning perspective, setting quantifiable brightness levels for each building helps avoid disordered or excessive lighting. A survey of a major street in Beijing revealed that the brightness difference between equally important buildings was up to five times, while adjacent buildings varied by ten times—creating a fragmented street impression.
**1.2 Uncertainty Caused by LED Technology**
LEDs, as a new light source, lack standardized industry guidelines. Even within the same model and brand, different batches can have varying brightness outputs due to differences in chips and lenses. Traditional light sources were designed with clear power and brightness specifications, but LED technology introduces variability. Designers must therefore incorporate specific quantitative indicators in their technical documents to ensure the desired illumination. This approach is essential for achieving consistent and reliable lighting outcomes.
**2 Quantitative Control Design Method**
The quantitative control design method does not replace traditional lighting design practices. Instead, it enhances them by introducing quantitative measures during the creative design and lamp selection phases. It involves testing key luminaires, adjusting design goals, and ensuring the final effect matches the intended outcome.
**2.1 Proposed Quantitative Indicators**
This stage follows the creative concept and involves a detailed analysis of the design. First, the surrounding environment is studied, and the initial brightness of the building is determined based on nearby structures. Then, a structured and quantified brightness distribution is planned for each section of the building. In addition to overall brightness, minimum brightness, uniformity, and brightness ratios (e.g., brightest to second-brightest to dimmest) should be specified. For instance, in the National Museum project, brightness was set between 10 and 25 cd/m² based on surrounding buildings. Using a symmetrical design logic, the north façade was divided into three brightness zones with a ratio of 10:8:5.
**2.2 Proposed Initial Lamp Parameters**
Traditional lamps typically include parameters such as light source type, lamp body structure, electrical settings, and control systems. The quantitative design method advocated here adds specific effect requirements, such as the surface conditions of the illuminated area and expected brightness levels. Table 1 outlines the main parameters and their adjustments based on design needs. As long as the effect requirements are met, specific LED power, number of cells, beam angles, etc., do not need to be strictly defined. However, total power, size, and color temperature ranges should be specified to support energy efficiency and post-construction documentation.
**2.3 Lamp Experimentation**
Lamp experimentation is a crucial step in the design process. It can be conducted through simulation calculations, laboratory tests, or field trials. Each method has its advantages and limitations. Simulation calculations are cost-effective but less accurate for close-range lighting. Laboratory tests provide a realistic view of luminaire performance, making them ideal for comparing multiple options. Field trials offer the highest accuracy but are often limited by site constraints. For the National Museum project, field experiments were conducted to validate the lighting design.
**2.4 Adjusting Lamp Parameters and Performance Indicators**
After the experiment, the results are compared with the real-world conditions. For example, if a white wall was tested, the brightness of other materials would need to be adjusted according to their reflectivity. Once the parameters are refined, the preliminary lamp settings and expected effect values are updated to form the final design reference. This process ensures that the final lighting design closely matches the original vision.
**3 Development of Effect Quantitative Design Methods**
Lighting design combines creativity and technology, both of which are essential. Simple aesthetic designs remain at the qualitative level unless supported by measurable technical indicators. Whether the design concept is innovative or culturally rich, its value can only be realized if the lighting effect is grounded in reality. The quantitative design method helps designers refine their concepts and provides tangible data for improving luminaire performance. It addresses the issue of poor implementation in current lighting projects and mitigates the uncertainty caused by LED technology. Although some buildings require individual experiments, most applications are universal. Experienced lighting professionals can reduce costs and improve efficiency by standardizing the testing process. This method is expected to evolve further within the lighting service industry, transforming scattered experiments into professional tests that support better design decisions.
**References**
[1] Gehry Stephen. Architectural Lighting Design [M]. Rong Haolei, Li Li, Du Jiangtao, Trans. Beijing: Mechanical Industry Press, 2009.
[2] Ma Wei, Rong Haolei. Product-oriented product requirements for applications[J]. Journal of Lighting Engineering, 2013, 24 (6).
[3] Lighting Design of National Museum of China [J]. Journal of Lighting Engineering, 2012, 23 (Supplement).
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