Lighting the Way Forward 2025 with Lightscapes: Webinar Q&A

Following the successful Lighting the Way Forward 2025 with Lightscapes Webinar, Unilamp is pleased to share detailed insights from the live Q&A session. These questions reflect real concerns from professionals working on outdoor lighting projects and provide valuable guidance on balancing aesthetics, safety, performance, and compliance.

This article summarises the most relevant discussions and translates them into practical knowledge that can support better decision-making in future projects.

Balancing Aesthetics and Safety in Public Spaces

One key question addressed during the session was related to the La Carlota project, where participants raised concerns about the number of poles potentially obstructing the building view. The clarification revealed that what appeared as excessive pole density was largely due to camera perspective. In reality, the poles were spaced approximately 20–25 meters apart, aligned with proper lighting design standards.

As the area functions as a public park under CCTV surveillance, maintaining sufficient illumination is essential for safety. Lighting levels must remain above approximately 20 lux to ensure cameras can capture clear, high-resolution footage. Reducing the number of poles could lower visibility and compromise security, demonstrating how design must maintain a careful balance between visual openness and functional safety requirements.

Integrating Feature Elements into Projects

Participants also sought advice on how to introduce feature elements into their lighting designs. The response emphasized that the integration of features depends entirely on the desired visual and functional outcome. Whether aiming to create three-dimensional effects, decorative lighting, or artistic landscape highlights, design decisions should align with the identity and purpose of the space.

Defining the intended impact clearly allows the design team to recommend lighting concepts that complement the environment, whether for public areas, landmarks, or architectural focal points. Effective communication and early conceptual planning play a critical role in achieving cohesive and meaningful results.

Preventing Theft of Outdoor Light Fixtures

Another important topic was the protection of luminaires from theft, a concern in certain regions. Several practical solutions were discussed, including the use of protective metal cages, increasing mounting heights to around 4.5 meters, and installing specialised fixing systems that require specific tools to remove.

These preventive measures significantly reduce accessibility to fixtures and deter unauthorized dismantling, helping preserve both project integrity and long-term investment.

The Role of BUG Rating in Modern Projects

BUG Rating has become increasingly important in international projects, particularly in Europe and the UAE. The Q&A clarified that BUG Rating controls Backlight, Uplight, and Glare, serving as a vital factor in minimizing light pollution and enhancing visual comfort.

Proper BUG Ratings ensure that lighting does not disturb nearby residences, such as light entering bedroom windows or causing nighttime discomfort. Unilamp supports this requirement by offering products with compliant BUG Ratings across multiple categories, including street lights and bollards. A dedicated future webinar will further explore BUG Rating and Dark Sky compliance in detail.

Technical Considerations for Lighting Statues and Landmarks

When illuminating statues, determining the correct pole height and beam angle requires thorough analysis and precise calculation. Designers evaluate distances, mounting heights, tilt angles, beam spreads, and the physical dimensions of the structure to achieve optimal illumination.

Incorrect positioning can lead to glare or uneven light distribution, reducing visual appeal. By using professional lighting simulation and analysis tools, designers ensure that statues are highlighted effectively while maintaining visual comfort and enhancing aesthetic impact.

Enhancing Design Outcomes Through Knowledge

The Q&A session demonstrated that successful outdoor lighting design is not defined by products alone, but by the thoughtful application of technical knowledge, environmental awareness, and design intent. From safety and visual impact to compliance and protection, each element plays a role in shaping high-quality Lightscapes.

Unilamp remains committed to supporting designers and professionals by sharing valuable insights that help bridge the gap between concept and execution.

We encourage lighting professionals to leverage these insights as a reference for future projects and continue exploring how Lightscapes can transform outdoor environments into meaningful visual experiences.

For more information, visit www.unilamp.co.th or contact online@unilamp.co.th