Introducing a methodology to define the negative effects of upward façade lighting in historical buildings.

Abstract

Abstract Light pollution is a phenomenon that affects both humans and the environment negatively. Currently there are no established means to calculate light pollution. This work proposes a method for calculating the levels of light pollution on the facades of buildings, specifically historical buildings, which are the most difficult to light, using simulation techniques. The proposed methodology tested different simulation grid densities and concluded that the highest density produces most accurate results, since lower densities are prone to software errors. Moreover, this research proves that the visual perception of a lit façade is the wrong way to determine if a lighting design produces light pollution and that the comprehensive methodology proposed should be used to determine the percentage of light that spills into the environment.