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Balancing light and darkness

The excessive use of artificial light is becoming a global challenge for our society, with effects on humans, fauna and flora that are as yet unknown. Furthermore, the development of the LED, with its white-blue connotation, is negatively impacting the various ecosystems and creating harmful effects to the different species living on our planet.

Responsible outdoor lighting practices, such as minimising glare, light trespass and skyglow, are essential to preserving the natural beauty of the night sky and reducing the negative impact of artificial light.

Protecting the Night: A Dark Sky Dialogue

This summer, two of our colleagues travelled to the mountains of Italy to explore the profound impact of dark skies on nature and human health. Through this video, we hope to shed light on how responsible lighting practices can benefit both our environment and our health. Learn more about the importance of dark skies and how artificial light affects nature and human health.

Protege Noctem: If Darkness Disappeared

In this feature, we present a documentary project by Mattia Balsamini and Raffaele Panizza that chronicles the unofficial alliance between scientists and citizens to combat the disappearance of the night and its creatures. Through powerful images, you will learn about the profound impact the loss of darkness is having on our environment and the nocturnal ecosystem.

Discover the project

Thoughtful outdoor lighting

 

In these images, a thoughtful approach to outdoor lighting has been successfully implemented. Illuminated pathways feature carefully positioned lighting that avoids spilling into the sky or greenery, preserving the natural ambience. Street lighting is designed to focus downwards, preventing any upward light. Outdoor residential lighting uses ground-facing projectors to highlight architectural details without spilling light upwards.

 

Discover Outdoor by Deltalight

Expert Insights on Protecting the Night Sky

 

To further explore the importance of balancing light and darkness, we've interviewed a leading expert in the field of lighting design. Her insights shed light on the critical impact of light pollution and the steps we can take to preserve our night skies.

Chiara Carucci

Is Teamwork the Key to Environmental Stewardship?

Throughout my professional journey, working alongside experts like water and traffic engineers, conservation architects, and scientists has proven invaluable. A memorable instance occurred in 2017 during a discussion about a riverside park in Sweden, where the City architect raised concerns about beavers harming trees and consequently disrupting bird nests, including those of two protected species. The guidance of a zoologist and an ornithologist enabled us to devise an optimal solution for the lighting design.

Since then, when working in environmentally sensitive areas or Natural Heritage Sites, I've prioritized consulting local experts monitoring wildlife population trends, and researchers. Collaborating with ecologists, biologists, and conservationists, such as testing on-site findings regarding the effects of Artificial Light At Night (ALAN), contributes significantly to global efforts in conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable use of natural resources and the environment. 

- Chiara Carucci
IALD Associate / Noctua Lighting Design

Eager to go stargazing?

For those inspired to experience the beauty of the dark sky first hand, we recommend Lonely Planet's Stargazing Tourism Guide. This guide highlights some of the best places around the world to experience the night sky in all its glory.

Discover the Stargazing Tourism Guide

We hope this has inspired you to look up and appreciate the night sky and its beauty. Together we can strike a balance between light and dark, minimising the impact on our natural world.

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