City Lights, Nighttime Design: A Research-based, Prototype Pilot with Citizen Participation

Audio&visual, expanding design practices, Low Density, PLANE—SITE, Politics and economics, Southern Coexistences, Territory and mobility, Urban Paradigms

Active Public Spaces, Agency of Urban Organization, Architect’s role, Audiovisual, Citizen’s role, Collaborative work, Colombia, Community, Empowering society, Empowerment machines, Installation, Interdisciplinary work, Light, Lighting design, Prototype, Southern Coexistences, Urban conditions, Urban culture, Urban Paradigms

Smart Everyday Nighttime Design is a collaborative research project spearheaded by Arup’s Lighting team with urban-lighting leader Leni Schwendinger; Don Slater, co-director of the Configuring Light research group at the London School of Economics; Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano and Despacio (local mobility research partners); iGuzzini (technical partner); Findeter (Development Bank); and Citelum (site engineering and installation). Smart Everyday Nighttime Design focused on innovative ways to improve the nighttime experience in Getseman í, a UNESCO world-heritage district in Cartagena, Colombia undergoing rapid gentrification

Urban design often neglects the nocturnal city. It is time to recognize the changing character of public space after sundown. The practice of Nighttime Design is a critical response to the after-dark experience, proposing new lighting solutions based on the in-depth study, for example, of local mobility, spatial elements, and activities. Nighttime Design positively impacts public health: illuminated streets extend walking hours, increase the number of social encounters, and stimulate economic activity through after-dark cultural and retail offerings. It also improves general wellbeing and feelings of safety in the community through crime reduction.