Light without consumption
Design for regenera- tive lighting in natural ecosystems
Abstract
The concept of public lighting is evolving from a mere technical function to a strategic tool for enhancing sustainability and the landscape. This study presents the case of the Andolaccio area, near Lake Bilancino, as an experimental laboratory for the application of regenerative lighting solutions based on photoluminescent materials and zero energy consumption strategies. The methodological approach combines laboratory testing, in situ prototyping and analysis of the ecological context, with a particular focus on reducing light pollution and preserving biodiversity. The results demonstrate that photoluminescence ensures diffuse visibility and orientation in public spaces, reducing environmental impact and improving the sensory perception of the night-time landscape. The treated surfaces showed durability, resistance to atmospheric agents and sufficient light emission in the hours after sunset, although solar radiation conditions influenced this. The project confirms the validity of passive lighting as a sustainable alternative to conventional lighting, suggesting potential applications in urban and natural settings. The article also proposes replicable guidelines, contributing to the debate on smart lighting ecology and the role of design as a tool for redefining the relationship between light, the environment, and the community.
References
- Alfarano, G. (2015). Forms of perception of form [Forme di percezione della forma]. In J. Filieri (Ed.), The product alone is not enough [Il prodotto da solo non basta]. Firenze: Altralinea. 78-85
- Alfarano, G. (2019). Neomorphism and the design of object-things [NeoMorfismo e il design degli oggettoidi]. AND Rivista di Architetture, Città e Architetti, 35(1). https://and-architettura.it/index.php/and/article/view/153
- Alfarano, G. (2023). Multisensory Space Design for lighting. Milano: Pietro Macchione Editore.
- Bogard, P. (2022). The end of night: Searching for natural darkness in an age of artificial light. Back Bay Books.
- Chen, G., Xu, Y., Yang, Y., & Liu, H. (2021). Luminescent materials for sustainable lighting design: Advances and challenges. Journal of Sustainable Materials and Technologies, 29, 102345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susmat.2021.02.006
- Falchi, F., Cinzano, P., Duriscoe, D., Kyba, C. C. M., Elvidge, C. D., Baugh, K., ... & Furgoni, R. (2019). The new world atlas of artificial night sky brightness. Science Advances, 2(6), e1600377. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.1600377
- Gaston, K. J., Bennie, J., Davies, T. W., & Hopkins, J. (2022). The ecological impacts of nighttime light pollution: A global perspective. Science Advances, 8(4), eabl6891. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abl6891
- Holker, F., Schlesinger, S., & Kyba, C. (2020). Impact of artificial light on biodiversity. Nature Ecology & Evolution, 4(3), 219220. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-019-1081-5
- Kuster, N., Durst, A., & Kuhler, K. (2020). Human-centric lighting design and its impact on well-being and perception in public spaces. Lighting Research & Technology, 52(4), 397-414. https://doi.org/10.1177/1477153519877194
- Li, X., Zhang, W., & Sun, Y. (2022). Energy-efficient luminescent materials: Towards a new paradigm in lighting technology. Advanced Functional Materials, 32(12), 2201078. https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202201078
- Roetzel, A., Tsangrassoulis, A., & Dietrich, U. (2021). Adaptive lighting design: Integrating daylight and passive luminescence for sustainable environments. Building and Environment, 191, 107593. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.107593
- Stone, T. (2020). Light pollution: Responses and solutions for a brighter future. Springer.
Copyright (c) 2025 Author(s)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
