Research on Quantitative Design Method of Night Scene Lighting Effect
**Research on the Quantitative Design Method of Night Scene Lighting Effect**
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 frequent cases where the actual lighting effect does not match the intended design. This paper explores the reasons behind this discrepancy and proposes solutions to address them. By analyzing the root causes, a design method tailored to industry needs is introduced. The design process following creative planning includes: 1) Determining quantitative indicators for each part of the building; 2) Adjusting lamp parameters to meet the desired lighting effects; 3) Comparing experimental results with expected outcomes through lamp testing; 4) Refining lamp parameters and expected values based on test results to ensure that two to three luminaires can achieve the target effect. A case study of the National Museum demonstrates how the quantitative design method improves the alignment between design and implementation. Additionally, the effectiveness verification step in the proposed method will become a foundation for the lighting service 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 phase of large-scale development of urban nightscape lighting, the implemented effect often deviates from the original design. This paper investigates the reasons behind this issue and provides recommendations for improvement. Through analysis, a design approach that meets practical requirements is proposed. The steps after the creative design include: 1) Establishing quantitative metrics for different parts of the building; 2) Setting lamp parameters to align with the desired visual impact; 3) Conducting experiments and comparing the results with the expected outcomes; 4) Adjusting lamp parameters and brightness expectations based on test results to ensure that 2–3 luminaires can reach the target. The National Museum project illustrates the benefits of this method, demonstrating how it enhances the consistency between design and real-world implementation. The effectiveness verification step is also seen as a key development direction for the lighting service industry.
Keywords: Building facade lighting; Effect quantification; Design method
**1 Current Situation**
Currently, lighting projects have moved beyond basic brightness concerns and now focus more on design concepts. However, issues such as “idealization†and “reliance solely on renderings†still exist. While the visuals look impressive, the actual implementation often falls far short, as shown in Figure 1. Renderings are meant to help owners understand the solution, but they lack measurable data like brightness levels, which makes it hard to assess the final result. These problems aren’t just about execution—they stem from deeper issues.
**1.1 Lack of Quantified Lighting Effects**
A critical aspect of any lighting plan is the level of visual impact. For example, a building façade can be divided into top, middle, and bottom sections, or inner and outer areas. Lighting effects should be defined by brightness levels and color temperature. However, many current designs rely only on overall aesthetics without breaking down the brightness of each part. This leads to shallow, imprecise results.
From an urban planning perspective, setting specific brightness levels for buildings helps avoid chaotic or overly bright lighting. A survey of a major street in Beijing found that some buildings had a brightness difference of up to 5 times, while adjacent buildings varied by 10 times, creating a disjointed street appearance.
**1.2 Uncertainty Introduced by LEDs**
LEDs, as a new light source, lack standardized industry norms. Even the same model from the same brand may perform differently across batches due to variations in chips and lenses. Traditional lighting sources were designed with clear power, size, and brightness standards. But with LEDs, designers must add specific quantitative criteria to their technical documents to ensure the desired outcome.
**2 Quantitative Control Design Method**
The quantitative control design method doesn't replace existing practices but enhances them by introducing measurable elements during the creative and lamp selection phases. It involves testing key luminaires, adjusting design goals, and ensuring the final effect matches the original vision.
**2.1 Proposed Quantitative Indicators**
This stage follows the initial creative concept and involves a detailed breakdown of the design. First, the surrounding environment is analyzed, and the building’s initial brightness is based on nearby structures. Then, a structured and measurable brightness distribution is established. Alongside overall brightness control, minimum brightness and uniformity are also considered. Describing brightness relationships (e.g., brightest, second-brightest, darkest) is essential for achieving a balanced design.
For example, the National Museum was designed with a brightness range of 10–25 cd/m² based on surrounding buildings. Using a symmetrical design logic, the north façade was planned with brightness ratios of 10:8:5, with the darkest part at 10 cd/m². The full distribution is shown in Figure 2.
**2.2 Proposed Initial Lamp Parameters**
Traditional lamps typically use parameters like light source type, housing dimensions, electrical specs, and control settings. The quantitative design method adds effect-based descriptions, such as surface conditions and expected brightness levels. Table 1 shows the typical parameters used.
Table 1: Light Source and Lamp Parameters
Note: Bold items can be adjusted according to effect requirements, such as the area to be illuminated, illumination level, and other visual needs. As long as the effect is achieved, specific LED power, number of cells, beam angle, etc., do not need to be strictly defined. However, total power, size, and color temperature ranges should be set. This allows for energy-efficient choices while meeting post-construction documentation needs.
**2.3 Lamp Experimentation**
Lamp experimentation is crucial for verifying design outcomes. There are three types: simulation calculation, lab testing, and field trials. Due to resource limitations, companies can choose the most suitable method. Simulation is cost-effective but less accurate, especially for close-range lighting. Lab testing offers a balance between accuracy and cost, while field testing is the most realistic but sometimes impractical.
At the National Museum, field experiments were conducted, as shown in Figure 3. Based on the results, the best-performing fixtures were selected. If the results don’t meet expectations, additional tests or improvements may be required. Choosing energy-efficient options with the lowest life-cycle costs is also important.
**2.4 Adjusting Lamp Parameters and Performance Indicators**
After testing, adjustments are made to account for differences between the experimental model and real-world conditions. For example, if a white wall is tested, the brightness of other materials must be adjusted based on reflectivity. Once refined, the lamp parameters and expected effect values are finalized, leading to a better match between the design and the actual implementation, as shown in Figure 4.
**3 Development of Effect Quantitative Design Methods**
Lighting design combines creativity and technology, both of which are essential. Aesthetic-only designs remain at a qualitative level, while quantifiable technical indicators are needed to ensure the success of any lighting scheme. Whether the design is innovative or culturally rich, its value depends on achieving the intended visual effect.
The quantitative design method helps designers refine their ideas and provide concrete data for product development. It addresses poor implementation in current lighting schemes and reduces the uncertainty caused by LED variability. Although some buildings require individual lamp experiments, the majority of applications are universal.
Companies with lighting expertise can handle these tasks, reducing costs for individual projects. The future of the lighting industry lies in professional lighting experiments conducted by specialized firms, which can then be used by designers. This approach has been widely accepted and will continue to evolve.
**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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