Theoretical Foundations of Designing for Darkness

Abstract This paper sketches the theoretical foundations of designing for darkness. Drawing from (lighting) design theory, philosophy of technology, and environmental ethics, it argues that we have an opportunity to re-examine the meaning and experiences of darkness, exploring why and how we should protect or re-introduce darkness into urban nightscapes – not as a constraint, but a constructive goal for urban lighting. It is further positioned as a formative, not prescriptive, framework: bounding and guiding a flexible design process, and able to inform different strategies and approaches. Framed in this way, three core principles are outlined that serve as moral and aesthetic goals for urban lighting. The first is aspirational, situating ‘darkening cities’ as a type of urban (ecological) restoration akin to greening cities. This requires seeing urban darkness as a critical natural infrastructure that can bring both material and social benefits. The second is evaluative, specifying the value-level design requirements to be fostered in urban nightscapes. Lighting strategies should, as a prima facie obligation, promote and preserve the values of darkness. The third principle is experiential, exploring how strategies can create the conditions for positive experiences of – and engagement with – urban darkness. In combination, they offer a means to specify darkness as a design requirement, as well as a reflexive tool to assess and refine the overarching theory of designing for darkness.