Concept
Cities today often face lighting issues: some facades are overly bright, while others are too dim. This creates discomfort for residents. Moreover, such lighting results in inefficient energy use and increases light pollution, negatively affecting the environment, public health, and the quality of urban life.
An adaptive lighting system addresses these challenges by adjusting to ambient light levels and weather conditions. Facade lighting automatically reacts to changes in natural light, gradually brightening as darkness falls and dimming at dawn, providing a comfortable visual experience. The system integrates with streetlights, reducing facade brightness when they are on to avoid excessive light and improve visual comfort. Seasonal adjustments ensure earlier activation in winter and later activation in summer, adapting to changes in daylight hours.
In addition to these core features, adaptive systems can respond to specific weather conditions. For example, in fog, the system increases brightness to improve visibility, while in heavy rain, it slightly adjusts to reduce glare. During snow, brightness can be lowered to prevent excessive reflection, ensuring optimal visibility and comfort for pedestrians and drivers.
Such systems not only enhance the urban experience but also significantly improve energy efficiency. By dynamically adjusting brightness based on need, they minimize energy waste, reduce carbon emissions, and contribute to global sustainability goals. This creates smarter, more sustainable urban environments while lowering operational costs.
Lastly, adaptive lighting offers aesthetic flexibility by allowing for programmable light palettes that reflect seasonal or event-based themes. For instance, warm tones in winter or vibrant colors during festivals can enhance the city’s atmosphere, fostering a sense of community and engagement.
In conclusion, adaptive lighting transforms urban environments by addressing practical, environmental, and aesthetic challenges. It is a step toward smarter, more sustainable cities that prioritize energy efficiency, comfort, and the well-being of residents.
The darker it gets outside, the brighter the facade lights automatically become
Bill of materials
Arduino wiring schematic
Code
Prototype
As darkness falls, the facade lighting automatically brightens. When a streetlight turns on, the facade lighting dims. If the streetlight turns off, the facade lighting brightens again.
Future development ideas
Smooth Transitions: Lighting adjusts gradually to avoid noticeable changes, ensuring a seamless experience for the human eye.
Environmental Sensors: Light and humidity sensors adapt the lighting to weather conditions such as fog, rain, or snow.
Color Palette: The lighting can change colors to reflect seasons or events (e.g., warm colors in winter, cool in summer).
Winter — 4000K–5000K
Spring — 3500K–4500K
Summer — 3000K–4000K
Autumn — 3000K–4000K
