For decades, we’ve flooded our nights with light – powering cities, connecting communities, and creating safer, more vibrant spaces after sunset. But as we illuminate every corner, we risk losing something vital: the balance between light and dark.

In this article, WSP’s global light at night experts explore how light and dark can work in harmony to illuminate our lives and protect health, wellbeing and nature; with the right light, in the right place, at the right time.

In cultures and societies throughout the world, light has often been credited with chasing away all manner of evil, real and imagined. From stories and traditions evoking a fear of the dark, to public lighting strategies synonymous with health, safety and enjoyment. Now, this perception is shifting. 

Stuart Morton, Associate Director – Lighting and Energy in the UK explains: “As we understand more about the impacts of light at night on people and wildlife, our evidence-based approach is becoming more nuanced and selective. We always start by questioning if light is needed, and if so, how it can work in harmony with its urban or rural surroundings."

An example of this shifting perception is the rise of experiences such as dark sky parks. Fiona Venn, Director of Specialist Lighting in Australia explains: “Dark sky parks are helping reconnect people with the stars and phenomena like the Northern and Southern Lights. Here in Sydney, I’m volunteering with the Blue Mountains Dark Sky Initiative to promote the region as a gateway to the Milky Way, supporting the local economy through ecotourism while protecting rare flora and fauna.”

Beyond colour and positioning, the way lighting is controlled is becoming just as important. Allan Howard, Group Technical Director in the UK believes the future is light on demand. “Advanced, AI-driven control systems will give people more influence than ever before. Enabling light to respond and adapt dynamically to all kinds of real-time social and environmental factors. From traffic patterns and bird migration to human movement and behaviour.”

For example, AI-enabled lighting is already being integrated with cameras to track safety and adjust lighting levels to meet user demands.

As well as balancing multiple needs, adaptive lighting will also help bridge the gap between the different sectors involved in lighting projects, such as transport, planning, and environmental control.

As well as tackling light pollution, finding the harmony between light and dark opens the door to new opportunities for cities. Selma Benmakhlouf, Senior Innovation Manager in the Middle East believes light at night can be a driver for local tourism. “From dark-sky parks offering breath taking views of the Milky Way to immersive experiences like light festivals, destinations are embracing a more thoughtful, responsible approach. Reducing sky glow not only benefits nature and local communities, it also creates unique attractions, draws visitors, and stimulates local economies during the winter months."

By taking a nuanced, multidisciplinary approach to balancing safety, aesthetics, and environmental impact, our global experts are helping to find the perfect balance of light and dark for our clients and their communities.

Working alongside national and international organisations including the International Commission on Illumination, we’re also supporting development of the global standards, guidance and good practice needed to enlighten change across the world.

Kristina Allison, Associate Environmental Capability Lead in the UK, concludes: “As new technologies such as illuminated digital media screens light up our cities, it’s becoming more important than ever to recognize the accumulative impact of different light sources. We start by understanding existing lighting conditions and work closely with everyone involved to minimize their impact on humans and wildlife. From integrating mitigation strategies early in the design process, to showing how light and dark can work in harmony to transform places and illuminate lives.”

If you would like to learn more about light at night capabilities, contact our team.