Street lighting
The term street lighting (or street lights) refers to the provision of lighting to illuminate streets, roads, pavements, and other open areas, generally at night and in public places.
The earliest form of street lighting was the use of torches and lanterns made from materials such as wood, stone, and metal. These were carried by individuals or mounted on poles to provide light for streets, squares, and public spaces.
Street lighting was used in cities such as Rome and Athens, where oil lamps were placed along streets and in public squares to provide light for citizens. In medieval Europe, street lighting was provided by oil lamps and later, by candle lanterns that were hung from buildings or mounted on poles.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, technological advancements brought about significant changes in street lighting. In 1780, the Argand lamp was invented, which used a glass chimney to increase the efficiency of a flame and produce brighter light. This was followed by the invention of gas street lighting in the 1820s, which provided a more reliable and efficient source of light.
The advent of the electrical age in the late 19th century brought about the widespread use of electric street lighting. The first successful electric street lighting system was demonstrated in Paris in 1878, and soon after, cities all over the world began installing electric street lights.
Over the next few decades, advances in technology and design led to the development of various types of street lighting, including incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, and high-intensity discharge lamps. Today, LED street lights are increasingly being used due to their energy efficiency, long life, and low maintenance requirements.
Modern street lighting serves a variety of functions, from illuminating roadways and public spaces to improving safety and security. One of the most important modern uses of street lighting is to improve road safety by providing sufficient illumination for drivers and pedestrians. In addition, street lighting can be used to enhance the visual appeal of streets and public spaces, creating more attractive and welcoming environments.
There are several different types of modern street lighting, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Some of the most common types of street lighting include:
- LED (Light Emitting Diode) street lighting is a modern, energy-efficient form of lighting that is becoming increasingly popular due to its long life and low maintenance requirements. LED lights also offer a high degree of control and can be programmed to provide a range of light levels and colours.
- High-Intensity Discharge (HID) street lighting uses high-intensity gas discharge to produce light, and is commonly used in large-scale outdoor lighting applications, such as sports stadiums and car parks. HID street lighting provides a bright, white light that is ideal for illuminating large areas, but it can also produce significant light pollution.
- Incandescent street lighting uses a filament to produce light, and was once the most common type of street lighting. Although incandescent lighting is still used in some areas, it has largely been replaced by more efficient forms of lighting, such as LED and HID.
- Fluorescent street lighting uses a tube filled with gas to produce light, and is often used in commercial and industrial settings. Fluorescent lighting provides a bright, white light that is efficient and long-lasting, but it can also produce significant light pollution.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Registered building inspectors
Building types and conflicts of interest updates explaineed.
Engineering services still struggle with labour shortages
According to latest quarterly services survey of the sector.
Infrastructure that connect the physical and digital domains.
Harnessing robotics and AI in challenging environments
The key to nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering.
BSRIA announces Lisa Ashworth as new CEO
Tasked with furthering BSRIA’s impressive growth ambitions.
Public buildings get half a million energy efficiency boost
£557 million to switch to cleaner heating and save on energy.
CIOB launches pre-election manifesto
Outlining potential future policies for the next government.
Grenfell Tower Inquiry announcement
Phase 2 hearings come to a close and the final report due in September.
Progress from Parts L, F and O: A whitepaper, one year on.
A replicated study to understand the opinion of practitioners.
ECA announces new president 2024
Electrical engineer and business leader Stuart Smith.
A distinct type of countryside that should be celebrated.
Should Part O be extended to existing buildings?
EAC brands heatwave adaptation a missed opportunity.
Definition of Statutory in workplace and facilities management
Established by IWFM, BESA, CIBSE and BSRIA.
Tackling the transition from traditional heating systems
59% lack the necessary information and confidence to switch.
The general election and the construction industry
As PM, Rishi Sunak announces July 4 date for an election.
Eco apprenticeships continue help grow green workforce
A year after being recognised at the King's coronation.