The Six Principles of Good Lighting

From April 21 to 28, the International Dark Sky Week is celebrated — a global initiative to raise awareness about light pollution and protect the natural darkness of our nights. In this context, Fundación Cielos de Chile presents the principles of good lighting and offers tips to help protect our dark skies, biodiversity, and human health:

Lighting Design

Lighting is not just about switching on a light. Good lighting design means planning what to illuminate, how, when, and for what purpose. In a world increasingly affected by energy waste, pollution, and biodiversity loss, responsible lighting design is more necessary than ever.

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Direction

All fixtures should be designed so that the beam of light is directed toward the surface or object being lit — not toward the sky or into people’s eyes. It is essential to use fully shielded luminaires that control the emission angle and reduce the loss of useful light.

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Intensity

The human eye adapts to different light levels by regulating the amount of light entering it, allowing us to see even in dim conditions. Appropriate light intensity is that which allows us to perceive shapes, colors, and movement without causing visual discomfort.

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Control

Good lighting is not just about brightness, but about purpose. The principle of control reminds us to light only when needed. Today’s technology makes it easier than ever to dim, switch off, or time lighting for when it’s truly necessary. Light should be used where it’s needed, when it’s needed, and in the right amount.

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Color

Choosing the right color temperature is key to environmentally and health-conscious lighting. Artificial cold light at night disrupts the biological rhythms of all living beings, including humans. To avoid these harmful effects, choose warm-colored outdoor lighting and follow responsible lighting guidelines.

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Usefulness

This principle encourages lighting only when it serves a clear function. To avoid wasting light, prevent it from reflecting off other surfaces, make sure it’s not visually disruptive, and ensure it doesn’t intrude into neighboring areas.

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