Sidewalk lighting, beyond simply illuminating the path, is a key element in enhancing the safety, beauty, and inviting feel of urban spaces. By intelligently and systematically selecting and arranging lights, we can transform sidewalks into safe, attractive, and efficient environments. In this EDC article, we will examine the various aspects of sidewalk lighting, from its importance and necessity to design principles and standards.

Why do we need sidewalk lighting?

Sidewalk lighting plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of pedestrians, especially at night. With adequate lighting, pedestrians can be warned of dangers and obstacles on the path, such as steps, potholes, and changes in the ground surface, and help them navigate correctly.

In addition, sidewalk lighting can help enhance the sense of beauty and attractiveness of urban spaces. Using appropriate lights and their creative arrangement can create a pleasant view for sidewalks.

Who is responsible for designing and implementing sidewalk lighting?

The responsibility for designing and implementing sidewalk, street, and park lighting falls on municipalities. This is usually done by civil engineering or municipal services departments. In some cases, lighting specialists and designers are also used to provide advice and design more systematic lighting systems.

Principles of Sidewalk Lighting

Sidewalk lighting, like street lighting, must be carried out based on specific principles and standards so that in addition to providing sufficient lighting, it is also visually desirable and pleasant. Some of the most important of these principles are:

Providing uniform lighting: Lighting should be such that there is uniform lighting and no disturbing shadows in all parts of the sidewalk.
Glare control: Direct light should be avoided in the eyes of pedestrians and drivers.
Using the right light color: The light color of the lights should be such that, in addition to providing sufficient lighting, it is not irritating to the human eye.
Paying attention to the environment: The type of lights and their arrangement should be selected according to the width of the sidewalk, the type of materials used in it, the presence of trees and other environmental elements.
Saving energy: Using energy-efficient LED lights can help reduce electricity costs and protect the environment.
Types of lights used in sidewalk lighting

Choosing the right light for sidewalk lighting plays a key role in providing sufficient lighting, creating a beautiful space, and improving pedestrian safety. Below, we will introduce some of the most common lights used in sidewalk lighting and their applications:

1. Bollard lights

Bollard lights are short-height lights that are usually installed along the edge of the sidewalk at regular intervals.

Application: These lights are suitable for illuminating the sidewalk floor and creating light lines along the path. They can also be used to illuminate specific elements such as stairs, gardens and benches.
Advantages:
Beautiful and modern appearance
Easy installation and maintenance
Proper light distribution
High impact resistance
Disadvantages:
Creating shadows in some areas
Relatively high power consumption (compared to some other lights)
2. Wall lights

Exterior wall lights are lights that are mounted on walls adjacent to sidewalks.

Application: These lights are used to illuminate the side of the path and create a sense of depth and space. They can also be used to illuminate billboards, signs, and building entrances.
Advantages:
Great variety in design and model
Creates a dramatic and eye-catching space
Relatively low power consumption
Disadvantages:
Requires more complex wiring and connections
Possibility of creating glare if the right angle is not chosen
3. Using pendant lights to illuminate sidewalks

Pendant lights are lights that hang from the ceiling or from utility poles.

Application: These lights are suitable for general sidewalk lighting and creating a bright and airy atmosphere. They can also be used to illuminate intersections, squares and open spaces.
Advantages:
Wide and uniform illumination
Relatively easy to install
Creates a sense of invitation and attractiveness
Disadvantages:
High height and possibility of collision with objects and people
Requires structural elements such as utility poles or lamp bases
Creates shadows in some areas
4. Recessed lights

Buried lights are lights that are installed below ground level.

Application: These lights are used to create light lines on the sidewalk floor or to illuminate specific elements such as trees and sculptures. They can also be used to illuminate bike paths and ramps.
Advantages:
Creates a delicate and beautiful effect
Does not cause glare
High resistance to impact and moisture
Disadvantages:
Relatively high installation cost
Requires excavation in the ground
Possibility of damage to tree roots if not installed correctly
Laws and standards for sidewalk lighting in Iran

In Iran, there are specific rules and standards for lighting streets and sidewalks that have been developed by various organizations such as the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development and the Organization of Municipalities and Villages. These rules and standards have been established with the aim of providing adequate lighting, improving traffic safety, protecting the environment, and creating a beautiful space on streets and sidewalks.
The most important legal requirements and standards for sidewalk lighting in Iran are:

Providing adequate lighting: The horizontal lighting level on sidewalks must be at least 1 lux. This level of lighting must be provided uniformly at all points on the sidewalk.
Glare control: Direct light radiation into the eyes of pedestrians and drivers should be avoided. For this purpose, lights with an appropriate glare coefficient (UGR) should be used or hoods and diffusers should be used to control light.
Using the right light color: The light color of the lights should be such that it is not irritating to the human eye and does not affect the quality of vision at night. In Iran, the use of lights with a color temperature between 3000 and 4000 Kelvin is recommended for lighting walkways and sidewalks.
Pay attention to the environment: The type of lights and their arrangement should be selected according to the width of the sidewalk, the type of materials used in it, the presence of trees and other environmental elements.
Energy saving: Using energy-efficient LED lights can help reduce electricity costs and protect the environment.
Safety considerations: Lights should be installed and maintained in a way that does not pose a danger to pedestrians and drivers.
Differences in laws and standards in different cities

The laws and standards for lighting sidewalks in different cities in Iran may differ to some extent. These differences are mainly due to weather conditions, the type of urban fabric and the budget of the municipalities.
However, the general rules and standards are the same in all cities and their ultimate goal is to provide adequate lighting, improve traffic safety and create a beautiful space on the streets and sidewalks.

The role of municipalities in implementing rules and standards

The responsibility for implementing the rules and standards for sidewalk lighting lies with the municipalities. Municipalities are required to design and implement appropriate lighting systems for streets and sidewalks using lighting experts and designers. They must also regularly maintain and repair lighting systems to ensure their proper functioning.

Conclusion
Sidewalk lighting plays a fundamental role in ensuring the security, beauty and efficiency of urban spaces. By complying with lighting rules and standards, we can turn sidewalks into a safe, attractive and pleasant environment for pedestrians.
Title: Sidewalk Lighting: Laws, Standards, and Key Points
Description: In this article, we will examine the laws and standards for sidewalk lighting in Iran, legal requirements, safety considerations, and the role of municipalities in implementing these laws.