Sydney Lights Public Domain Design Code
Sydney Lights Public Domain Design Code
Sydney Lights Public Domain Design Code
prepared by
STEENSEN VARMING
Level 8, 9 Castlereagh Street
Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
ABN 50 001 189 037
t : +61 / 02 9967 2200
e : [email protected]
Adopted by Council 30 March 2015
MCGREGOR COXALL
21c Whistler Street Acknowledgements
Manly, NSW 1655, Australia
Introduction
Public lighting is an essential community service that aims 1.1 Purpose
to provide pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles with a safe
and comfortable visual environment at night. Lighting is The primary purpose of the Sydney Lights (the Code) is
also a contributing factor in reducing people’s perception to outline the City’s approach to public domain lighting
and fear of crime and can have a significant influence on through design principles, palette selection, technical
the aesthetics of streetscapes and other public spaces. requirements, and performance standards to guide public
domain exterior lighting works and upgrades within the
Sydney Lights is a design code that aims to provide City of Sydney Local Government Area.
an integrated approach to lighting for the City’s public
domain.
1.2 Why update this Code ?
The City has over 400km of state and local roads, over Since the preparation of the 2006 Interim Sydney Lights
400 parks and open spaces, numerous steps, pedestrian Design Code, a significant shift in thinking for the role of
tunnels, significant buildings, public artworks and lighting in the public domain has occurred.
monuments, all of which require a considered lighting
approach to provide a safe, enlivened and active city that This updated Code aligns the City’s public domain
is legible and easy to navigate. vision with the principles of sustainability, active transport
(pedestrian and cycling), accessibility, crime prevention
In addition to fulfilling functional lighting requirements this through environmental design (CPTED) principles and
Code recognises the importance of sustainability, energy public domain quality established by Sustainable Sydney
efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction and the role lighting 2030 and subsequent strategic planning and project
can play to reinforce a sense of place and be a mode for initiatives such as the Liveable Green Network and the
creative and artistic expression. City’s current LED lighting replacement program.
Public lighting, guided by a coherent strategy, will The City has also adopted “Open Sydney” which sets a
contribute to the identity of the City and serve as a vehicle clear vision and direction for the development of Sydney’s
for promotion, for attracting tourism and increasing night- night time economy over the next 20 years. This Code will
time patronage. contribute to promoting a connected, inviting and safe
night time environment.
1.3 Scope
The Code applies to exterior lighting of all streets, public
spaces and public areas within the City of Sydney Local
Government Area (LGA) that are under the City’s control.
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The Code does not apply to advertising and illuminated Part Six: Appendices
signage. These areas are addressed in separate planning
controls. Contact the City of Sydney for the latest Appendix 1: Glossary
information.
Appendix 2: Background-
City of Sydney Initiatives
1.4 Reading the Code
The Code comprises of the following sections: Appendix 3: International Benchmarking and
Positioning Study
Part One: Introduction
This section provides an overview of how the code is 1.5 User
set out, its use and relation to the City’s public domain
framework. The Code provides a set of specific design objectives
and technical information for the lighting of public areas
Part Two: Lighting Strategy and features within the City’s Local Government Area,
This section outlines the overall lighting strategy and key enabling the City, its community, designers, consultants
lighting considerations for public domain lighting and contractors to understand and deliver on the City’s
objectives. The Code should be used by all stakeholders
Part Three: Functional Lighting Requirements involved with planning, design and approval of public
This section provides information and requirements for lighting works for the City.
lighting levels and functional lighting palettes.
Technical Specifica-
Sydney Landscape
(draft completed)
Sydney Streets
Sydney Streets
Sydney Lights
Sydney Signs
Sydney Parks
(under review)
(in progress)
Code 2011
Code 2013
tions 2013
Code
Code
Code
For access to other documents that are part of the planning framework refer to the City
of Sydney website: www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
SYDNEY STREETS
Construction details
Technical
and specifications
Specifications 2013
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1.8 Application of the Code
The Code outlines the overall lighting strategy which
encompasses the functional standard lighting palette and
creative lighting overlay.
Lighting Strategy
2.1 Vision and Focus Underwriting this overall lighting vision, the Code sets out
two strategic directions for the provision of public domain
The key aim of Sydney Lights is to develop a coordinated lighting:
approach to the lighting of the City’s public domain
that contributes to a safe, active and sustainable City, Functional Use – provide a co-ordinated and
reinforces a sense of place and encourages creative and sustainable approach to the lighting of streets and public
artistic expression. spaces and setting of lighting levels and standards to
provide pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles with a safe and
comfortable visual environment at night.
(Refer to Part 3)
(Refer to Part 4)
Bourke Street, Surry Hills, Paul Patterson / City of Sydney Jason Wing, In Between Two Worlds, 2011 Kimber Lane,
Chinatown
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Key components of lighting strategy
FUNCTIONAL USE:
STANDARD LIGHTING PALETTES
AND LEVELS
(refer to section 3)
To articulate the Code’s strategic directions and reinforce This principle supports the Sustainable Sydney 2030
the public domain directions described in Sustainable Direction 4; A City for Pedestrians and Cyclists. Direction
Sydney 2030, the following five principles guide the 5; A Lively, Engaging City Centre.
development of public domain lighting provision across
the City. Direction 4 sets a key objective to enhance the City’s
night time accessibility through the development of a
safe pedestrian and cycle network. Pedestrian and cyclist
focused lighting is important in supporting safety and
in identifying key legible cycleway routes for night time
journeys. Establishing integrated and appropriate lighting
applications can assist in making sure people of all
abilities and ages can enjoy public spaces during the day
and night.
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Principle 2: Enhance Public Spaces, Public Life
The Code promotes the following directions: This principle supports the Sustainable Sydney 2030,
Direction 5; A Lively, Engaging City Centre.
• Establish appropriate lighting levels, standards
and luminaire criteria that promotes a safe Direction 5 sets a key objective to strengthen the City’s
public domain; public domain identity and create more places for
• Illuminate public and pedestrian areas to a level meeting, rest and leisure and to assist with the growth of
that will reduce the risk of crime to people and a diverse night time economy;
property;
• Provide a level of illumination which is adequate
for operation of CCTV camera surveillance; The Code promotes the following directions:
• Allow lighting to facilitate orientation and
wayfinding to assist in creating a legible night • Establish appropriate lighting levels, standards
time environment; and luminaire criteria to create an enjoyable
• Create an enjoyable night-scape and feeling of night-scape and feeling of comfort to attract and
comfort by improving the aesthetic quality of the encourage people to stay and enjoy the City at
environment at night time; night;
• Create a unique environment and recognisable
identity for Sydney;
• Create and enhance the night time experience
and vibrancy of the cityscape that generates
increased visitation;
• Deliver high quality lighting, considering lighting
colour, rendering and distribution.
Hyde Park (featuring Emergence Art and About 2012), Paul Patterson / City of Sydney
This principle supports Sustainable Sydney 2030, The Code promotes the following directions:
Target 1; By 2030, the City will reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by 50 per cent compared to the 1990 levels, • Achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas
and by 70 per cent compared to 1990 levels by 2050, emissions
and Direction 9: Sustainable Development Renewal and • Replace inefficient equipment with more efficient
Design. longer lasting technologies. (This Code provides
a range of LED luminaires as part of the City of
Current public domain lighting is a significant contributor Sydney Standard Luminaire Suite)
of energy consumption with 40% City’s emissions • Establish appropriate lighting levels,
coming from public lighting and accounting for more standards and luminaire criteria to minimise
than one third of the City’s electricity bill. Street lighting energy consumption and potential adverse
therefore provides a significant opportunity to contribute environmental effects including sky glow
to achieving this target through the use of technology • Establish efficient and cost effective standards
that provides a decrease of energy use a reduction of for asset management and ongoing
CO2 emissions, energy costs and minimisation of light maintenance
pollution.
This principle supports the Sustainable Sydney 2030, The Code promotes the following directions:
Direction 4; A City for Pedestrians and Cyclists.
• Establish appropriate lighting levels, standards
Conventional lighting layouts, in many cases, focus and luminaire criteria for pedestrians and
largely on the needs of the motorist; however lighting for cyclists.
pedestrians and cyclists at night is vital to encourage • Encourage active transport at night through
greater public use of the City by providing a feeling of appropriate applications of lighting that facilitate
safety and reinforcing wayfinding and legibility. clear safe wayfinding and orientation.
Providing legible and well lit public domain creates
comfortable and safe environments for people to move
around the City and within their local neighbourhoods.
Lighting applications should support the well-travelled
pedestrian pathways and include major cycle pathways.
Bourke Street, Surry Hills, Paul Patterson / City of Sydney Bourke Street, Surry Hills, Paul Patterson / City of Sydney
Sydney Lights Public Domain Design Code 17/97
2
This principle supports the Sustainable Sydney 2030 The Code promotes the following directions:
Direction 7; A Cultural and Creative City.
• Develop a strategic framework for targeted
As an intrinsic part of a city’s day and night-scape, creative lighting applications to express
lighting is used to shape life, place and identity in a city. distinctiveness of place;
• Ensure lighting is integrated as part of urban
Used in the right way, lighting can facilitate a unique design, streets and public art strategies.
identity and recognisable night time environment by • Ensure that heritage context is respected and
providing a clear and structured nightscape, emphasising considered when developing lighting schemes,
landmarks, defining spatial boundaries and increasing the strategies and design proposals.
legibility of the urban night scape.
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2.3 Public Domain Lighting –
Design Considerations
Quality of Light
Consideration of light quality is an important
consideration in the perception of the public domain at
night. This includes the consideration of the correlated
colour temperature of light sources, its consistency,
colour rendering and light direction.
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cool), is preferred as it reveals more ‘natural’ colours of to the degree of protection by enclosures for
the surrounding. The correlated colour temperate (CCT) electrical equipment against external mechanical
of a light source, as a measure of the hue of the white impacts in accordance with IEC 62262:2002 and
light output, influences people’s impressions of their IEC 60068-2-75:1997.
surroundings and should be considered for any lighting • The IK Rating ranges from IK00 for luminaires
project. not protected to a rating of IK10 that protects a
luminaire against 20 joules impact.
Colour rendering measures (such as Colour Rendering • Materiality and design of luminaires and
Index or Colour Quality Scale) provide an indication how brackets should be able to withstand
colours will appear under different light sources and are environmental conditions of the site.
an important consideration in public domain lighting. • Fixings to be concealed and tamper proof where
required.
• Mounting height to be considered for public
access.
Lighting Distribution
A cohesive lighting hierarchy is to be implemented to
ensure that darker spaces of the streetscape do not Minimisation of Adverse Lighting Impacts
appear unsafe or dimly lit when contrasted with adjacent If used inappropriately, lighting can cause adverse
brightly lit areas. Over-lit spaces can create high contrast impacts on the environment and spatial quality of an area.
with others and is to be avoided. Luminaires can cause light pollution and spill light which
can affect local biodiversity and clarity of astronomical
Awnings, verandas and trees may block street lighting observations. Luminaires can also cause discomfort
and cast shadows. Lighting to these elements should be glare if not used correctly, which can affect adjacent
considered in the overall design and lighting scheme. residences, reduce visibility and cause distractions to
both pedestrians and vehicle drivers.
Sky Glow
Luminaires and Vandalism
Urban ‘sky glow’ is the result of stray light, both direct
Vandalism is a key consideration in the selection and and reflected, being scattered in the atmosphere and
mounting of a luminaire. Considerations for luminaire brightening the natural sky background level. This has the
selection include: effect of concealing the stars in the spectacular Southern
• IK Rating: The IK rating of a luminaire refers night skies in a haze of waste light.
Nicole Foreshew, Born in darkness before dawn, 2013, William Street, Sydney, City of Sydney, Place Projections, Eora Journey Public Art
Project
Sustainability -
New Initiatives and future design considerations
Energy for public lighting is one of the largest causes of
greenhouse gas emissions from the City’s activities. The
reduction of the energy consumption of the City’s lighting
infrastructure involves not only the implementation of new
initiatives by the City of Sydney, but also the consideration
of future luminaire specification, maintenance and lighting
control.
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gas emissions. Luminaires retrofitting existing City fittings • Timer and Photo Electric Cell (sunset switching).
incur a saving of at least 40% from existing wattage • Provisions and Procedures for temporary special
levels to achieve lighting requirements. Ausgrid have now event lighting (colour change)
included LEDs to their standard range and is now the • Smart lighting - Ability to adjust lighting levels
default light for P category lighting. where appropriate
Within the last decade, there have been significant The implementation of smart lighting control allows the
developments in lighting technologies, which has shifted lighting level to be increased when required, resulting in
the focus of key lighting manufacturers into new areas of running cost saving and a more comfortable night time
research and development. These developments support environment.
many of the City of Sydney’s initiatives in the field of
lighting in particular in energy and cost savings. The new cabling requirements for each area shall be
studied holistically so that a master cabling and control
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) have developed over the strategy is implemented. The cabling and control system
last years into viable Light sources that have a number shall address current and future control requirements and
of environmental benefits, including increasing efficacy, most importantly possible reuse of the existing electrical
prolonged life time and low mercury content. It is infrastructure. The electrical infrastructure needs to be
predicted that LED products will consistently improve and fully utilised and expanded to accommodate the level of
mature over the coming decade improving in efficacy, control required.
colour rendering, colour consistency and in overall quality.
Consistent monitoring and reviewing of the City Other Future Design Considerations
of Sydney’s Standard LED luminaire suite should
be undertaken to ensure that the suite reflects the CCTV
most efficient lighting solution and that the City of Currently the City of Sydney recommends that in areas
Sydney remains at the forefront of urban lighting and of CCTV, 4 Lux vertical illumination is to be provided
environmentally sensitive design. in alignment with AS 4806. With constantly changing
technological developments in CCTV cameras, the
light required to create a legible image has significantly
Lighting Control reduced and is infinitesimal. Future lighting upgrades
with CCTV requirements should provide a lighting level
As technology improves, the City aims to implement suitable to the proposed equipment.
Smart Technology to enable flexibility for lighting level
adjustments. Automating lighting control and considering The video camera performance needs to be investigated
switching groups, allows the reduction of energy for each project to ensure required lighting level is
consumption when specific lighting elements may not be provided. Whilst lighting should enable satisfactory CCTV
required. performance it should be considered that new digital
imaging technologies can function at relatively low light
Lighting control generally consists of two elements. The levels.
first element is the physical lighting control equipment
that switches the appropriate lighting on at the relevant
times. The second element is the personnel management
control that ensures the lighting systems are fully
maintained and operational in accordance with the
objectives of the lighting master plan and the resulting
procedures.
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Lighting Hierarchy Map
AROO
BARANG
MARTIN PLAC
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CENTRAL
CENTRAL STATION
BROADWAY O
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BO
SOUTHE
George Street
CA
RD
NA
TA
Local Street
BO
GARDE
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Light Rail Streets
Harbour Foreshore Walk
Note:This diagram is indicative only. Confirmation of the appropriate lighting palette area is to be decided in consultation
with the City of Sydney on a project by project basis.
3.2 Standard Palette - Ownership and Range Lighting Levels – Standard applications
Sydney is one of the largest users of street lighting in The Code references the Australian Standards, setting
NSW with 22,000 luminaires at the time of writing the the base minimum requirements for lighting in streets and
Code. Of these, 13,500 are maintained by Ausgrid and other public spaces.
8,500 by the City.
AS/NZS 1158 Lighting for Roads and Public Spaces,
The Code encourages the consistent use of a limited provides quantitative guidelines on illuminance for exterior
number of fittings to help create a more coherent public applications which are referred to in this Code; lighting
domain and reduce asset management and maintenance categories consist of ‘Category V Lighting’ and ‘Category
costs. For functional standard lighting applications, P Lighting’.
luminaires are to be selected from the City of Sydney
Standard Luminaire Index. Category V Lighting: Lighting which is applicable to
roads on which the visual requirements of motorists are
dominant, e.g. traffic routes. Subcategories range from
Ausgrid are a significant stakeholder within the City of V1 to V5.
Sydney Local Government Area, owning a large number
of lighting poles installed largely in the local areas. Category P Lighting: Lighting which is applicable to roads
Ausgrid maintain ownership over the luminaires installed on which the visual requirements of pedestrians are
on these poles. Refer to the Ausgrid standard luminaire dominant e.g. local roads or outdoor public areas, other
suite web link http://www.ausgrid.com.au/ for further than roads, where the visual requirements of pedestrians
information. are dominant e.g. parks and plazas. Subcategories range
from P1 to P12.
3.3 Selecting Lighting Levels Based on the relevant standards, this Code provides a
range of lighting levels and requirements applicable to a
Lighting levels set the base requirements, however range of contexts and situations across the City.
lighting quality considerations are important for the overall
perception of space and pedestrian comfort.
Lighting Levels - State Classified Roads
These guidelines include quality considerations such as
correlated colour temperature of light sources, colour Within the City of Sydney there are streets that are Roads
rendering and light distribution. and Maritime Services (RMS) Classified State Roads
which are managed and partially funded by the NSW
Setting quantitative lighting requirements (‘lighting State Government under the RMS. These streets generally
levels’) for the functional lighting applications, include have high vehicular traffic and have specific lighting
consideration of a range of factors including pedestrian requirements as outlined by the State Government ‘Roads
and vehicle number, crime statistics and the importance and Maritime Services’.
of enhancing the area.
For State Classified Roads, refer to RMS specific lighting
The below diagram provides reference for comparative requirements for carriageway lighting: http://www.rms.
illuminance levels: nsw.gov.au/ (Street Lighting R72).
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3.4 Tool kit - Standard Lighting Palette and
Levels
City of Sydney Lighting Palette
Pedestrian Connections
- Pedestrian Underpasses/Tunnels
- Pedestrian Crossings
- Stairs/Ramps/Footbridges
Parks
Plazas
RMS classified State Road - Eastern Distributor, google search, photographer unknown
AROO
BARANG
MARTIN PLA
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H ST
ST
COLLEGE
ELIZABET
ST
HA
WILLIA
M ST
RGE
RR
IS
O
GEO
XF
ST
O
R
D
ST
Note: This diagram is indicative only. Confirmation of the appropriate lighting palette area is to be decided in consultation
with the City of Sydney on a project by project basis.
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Toolkit Lighting Palette - City Centre Streets and Footways
** Refer to AS1158 for lighting category requirements. Specific lighting levels are subject to evaluation of specific site
conditions, risk of crime and traffic levels and are to be confirmed in consultation with the City of Sydney. In areas of CCTV
locations, 4 lux vertical illumination is to be provided. Consult with the City of Sydney for the latest requirements.
Sydney Lights Public Domain Design Code 31/97
3
AROO
BARANG
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VICTO
ST
ST
ELIZABETH
COLLEGE
GL
ST
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HA
WILLIA
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CENTRAL
CENTRAL STATION
BROADWAY O
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ST
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ELIZABET
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SOUTH
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TI
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BO
ASHMORE
DACEY AV
PRECINCT
GREEN
SQUARE
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BARWON PARK RD
RD
RN CRO
KE
UR
BO
SOUTHE
RD
NA
TA
GARDE
BO
NERS R
D Light Rail Streets
Note: This diagram is indicative only. Confirmation of the appropriate lighting palette area is to be decided in consultation
with the City of Sydney on a project by project basis.
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Toolkit Lighting Palette - Village Centres and Activity Strips
Light Rail The Light rail network S3 General Use Vehicle: V1 Vehicle: 3000K-4000K
Streets will extend along some Catenary Smartpole Pedestrian/Light rail Min Ra80
streets outside the City Range Stops: P7 Pedestrian/Light rail
Centre, i.e. Devonshire stops:
Street, Surry Hills. City Standard 3000K-4000K Min Ra85
Pedestrian Pole
Lighting Range
Village Includes traditional lanes City of Sydney Wall Vehicle and Vehicle and Pedestrian:
Centre service functions and new Mount Range Pedestrian: P1-P3 3000K-4000K Min Ra85
revitalised activated public Note: Lighting level
Laneway spaces with shared zone requirements are to
pedestrian priority func- consider smart light-
tions ing control
Village Centre Shared zones are a dedi- S2 Smartpole Vehicle and Vehicle and Pedestrian:
Shared and cated shared traffic envi- Range Pedestrian: P7 3000K-4000K Min Ra85
ronment for pedestrians,
Pedestrian cyclists and slow vehicle City Standard
Priority movement with specific Pedestrian Pole Top
Zones lighting requirements. Ar- Lighting Range
eas of pedestrian priority
may be closed to vehicu-
lar traffic.
Cycleway Dedicated cycle zone that S2 Smartpole Cycleway: P2 Cycleway: 3000K-4000K
Applications may be part of any of the Range Min Ra85
above street typologies or
that may require specific COS PED Pole
lighting requirements. or
Ausgrid
*For Luminaire Type Performance Specifications and Information, refer to Part 3. Section 3.5 Standard Lighting Palette
** Refer to AS1158 for lighting category requirements. Specific lighting levels are subject to evaluation of specific site
conditions, risk of crime and traffic levels and are to be confirmed in consultation with the City of Sydney. In areas of CCTV
locations, 4 lux vertical illumination is to be provided. Consult with the City of Sydney for the latest requirements.
¹Smartpole Type S2 are to replace Ausgrid poles for Village Main Streets as part of a comprehensive streetscape up-
grade. Replacement of poles it subject to assessment and approval by the City of Sydney. In situations requiring ongoing
maintenance and renewal, the use of the standard AusGrid lighting palette may still be applicable. Consult with the City of
Sydney.
AROO
BARANG
MARTIN PLAC
E
RIA ST
VICTO
ST
ST
ELIZABETH
COLLEGE
GL
ST
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HA
WILLIA
E
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IS
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CENTRAL
CENTRAL STATION
BROADWAY O
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CROWN
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AR
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ASHMORE
DACEY AV
PRECINCT
GREEN
SQUARE
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RD
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BO
SOUTHE
RD
NA
NY
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TA
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BO
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Note: This diagram is indicative only. Confirmation of the appropriate lighting palette area is to be decided in consultation with the City of
Sydney on a project by project basis.
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Toolkit Lighting Palette - Local Streets and Footways
*For Luminaire Type Performance Specifications and Information, refer to Part 3. Section 3.5 Standard Lighting Palette
** Refer to AS1158 for lighting category requirements. Specific lighting levels are subject to evaluation of specific site
conditions, risk of crime and traffic levels and are to be confirmed in consultation with the City of Sydney. In areas of CCTV
locations, 4 lux vertical illumination is to be provided. Consult with the City of Sydney for the latest requirements.
***Use of additional pole subject to direction by the City for Liveable Green Network Priority Routes.
¹In areas with an elevated risk of crime a higher lighting category may be required. Consult with the City of Sydney for
specific street applications and requirements.
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3.4.3 Pedestrian Connections
Various situations in the public domain require additional These connecting elements are often associated
assessment for lighting provision. Elements including with a high risk of crime and require specific lighting
underpasses, pedestrian tunnels, pedestrian crossings, applications to ensure a safe night time environment that
stairs, ramps and footbridges, act as connecting allows for free pedestrian movement.
elements for pedestrians throughout the City of Sydney.
Stairs/ramps/ Stairs, ramps and foot- City of Sydney Stand- Pedestrian: P9 Pedestrian:
footbridges bridges act as connecting ard Pedestrian Pole / Note: Stairs/ramps 3000K-4000K
elements for pedestrians Wall Mounted Lighting leading into un- Min Ra85
throughout the City of Range derground trains
Sydney stations are to be lit
to a P10 category
*For Luminaire Type Performance Specifications and Information, refer to Part 3. Section 3.5 Standard Lighting Palette
** Refer to AS1158 for lighting category requirements. Specific lighting levels are subject to evaluation of specific site conditions, risk of
crime and traffic levels and are to be confirmed in consultation with the City of Sydney. In areas of CCTV locations, 4 lux vertical illumina-
tion is to be provided. Consult with the City of Sydney for the latest requirements.
***Lighting Type Selection to be based on street context and is to be confirmed by the City of Sydney on a case by case basis.
¹Local Road- Traffic Deterred (See Glossary)
²Local Road- Traffic Slowed (See Glossary)
³Speed Limit
Sydney Lights Public Domain Design Code 37/97
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Toolkit Lighting Palette - Parks
Village Centre and Usually surrounded by City Standard Pe- Major Pathways: Pedestrian pathways
Local Area Park residential zones, they destrian Pole Top P2 and
provide through site ac- Lighting Range Minor Pathways: Activity Areas: 3000K-
cess to local streets or vil- P3 4000K Min Ra85
lage centre streets and of- Path Edges¹: P5
ten include programmed Activity Area: P8
activity areas. Larger
parks may have distinct/
recreational amenities
with use by those from a
wide catchment area.
Small Local Usually surrounded by City Standard Pe- Pathways: P3 Pedestrian: 3000K-
Parks residential zones and do destrian Pole Top Path Edges¹: P5 4000K Min Ra85
(No through not provide any through Lighting Range
Site Access) site access. In many
instances they are ad- If sufficient light
equately lit by street light- levels are pro-
ing and additional lighting vided by exist-
is not required. ing surrounding
street lighting then
further lighting
types may not be
required. Consult
with the City of
Sydney
Small Local Parks City Standard Pe- Pathways: P3 Pedestrian: 3000K-
(Through Site Access destrian Pole Top Path Edges¹: P5 4000K Min Ra85
Pathway) Lighting Range
*For Luminaire Type Performance Specifications and Information, refer to Part 3. Section 3.5 Standard Lighting Palette
** Refer to AS1158 for lighting category requirements. Specific lighting levels are subject to evaluation of specific site
conditions, risk of crime and can be confirmed by advice from the City of Sydney. In all locations lighting levels are subject
to consideration of the surrounding lighting levels. In areas of CCTV locations, 4 lux vertical illumination is to be provided.
Consult with the City of Sydney for the latest requirements.
¹Path edges are defined as the area on either side of a major or minor pathway that is the same width as the path itself.
Redfern Oval, Paul Patterson / City of Sydney Redfern Oval, Paul Patterson / City of Sydney
Redfern Oval, Paul Patterson / City of Sydney Prince Alfred Park, Paul Patterson / City of Sydney
40/97
Plazas • Lighting should not be uniform across the site
but should utilise shadow and light to create
Plazas are characterised by pedestrian only activity and focal points and engage the users.
are mainly located in areas with a focus on night time • Sculptures or public art within the plaza may be
activities. They are categorised as: hightlighted.
• Light level requirements for plazas are based on
• City Centre Plazas the level of pedestrian activity, levels of crime
• Village Main Street/ Activity Strip Plazas and CCTV requirements. Where a range of levels
• Plazas in Urban Renewal Areas is provided in the Toolkit, the appropriate level is
to be determined in consultation with the City.
Plazas provide a community meeting zone and a space • The main thoroughfare and through passages
to sit and relax within the urban context of the City. The are to be lit in accrodance with the light level
lighting schemes for such areas need to reflect the higher requirements listed below. Lighting should allow
night-time pedestrian activity and use, and use particular for modulation in perimeter zones and pocket
lighting treatments to distinguish the plazas from the areas.
streetscape and main pedestrian routes at night-time. The • Lighting levels should give consideration to
following is to be considered: amenity impacts relating to groups of people
consuming alcohol including in Alcohol Free
Zones.
Toolkit Lighting Palette - Plazas
*For Luminaire Type Performance Specifications and Information, refer to Part 3. Section 3.5 Standard Lighting Palette
** Refer to AS1158 for lighting category requirements. Specific lighting levels are subject to evaluation of specific site
conditions, risk of crime and can be confirmed by advice from the City of Sydney. In areas of CCTV locations, adequate
vertical 4 lux is to be provided. Consult with the City of Sydney for the latest requirements.
Sydney Lights Public Domain Design Code 41/97
3
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3.4.5 The Public /Private Domain Interface
Key considerations
General
General key considerations for the public private interface
include the following:
• AS4282 ‘Control of the Obtrusive Effects of
Outdoor Lighting’ addresses the minimisation of
light spill and light pollution into the night sky
• All external lighting systems must be energy
efficient and subject to appropriate times of
operation unless they form part of the City’s
lighting strategy.
• LED downlighting is preferred over up lighting to
minimise light pollution
• Extreme contrasts brightness is to be avoided
• Publicly accessible privately owned open spaces
to adhere to AS/NZ 1158 to “P” levels directed
by City staff.
Retail Frontages
The City encourages retail window displays to promote • Attractive retail frontages- The brightness of all
pedestrian and economic security. When lighting Retail light sources, luminous surfaces and lit surfaces
frontages, the following is to be considered: that are visible from the street, including
digital and internally lit signage and billboards,
• Shopfronts provide additional light source on shall be limited to maximum 300 candelas/
retail streets. This spill light is to be taken into square meters. Evidence shall be produced
consideration. from a suitably qualified lighting designer or
• Recesses in ground floor retail frontages are to the manufacturer of the signage element; any
be considered. deviations or areas of higher brightness need
• Ground Floor Interiors have an impact on public to be reviewed by the City of Sydney. (Steensen
domain lighting. Consult with the City of Sydney. Varming to confirm wording)
• Where appropriate, consideration of night-time
controls to reduce or turn off shopfront lighting
after 2am.
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Through Site Links
Lighting to through site links should provide a seamless Lighting provision for through site links is to consider the
extension of adjacent street lighting improving legibility following:
and providing continuity signifying public access.
Lighting should also create an atmosphere that is safe • Provide a seamless extension of adjacent street
and inviting for users. Appropriate light levels and quality lighting.
is to be discussed with the City of Sydney. • Lighting proposals to consider open sightlines
which complement observation/lighting from
For many development proposals the planning adjacent buildings.
controls require the provision of through site links to
limit the length and size of the street blocks to improve
accessibility. The City usually requires that public access
be maintained to the through-site link 24 hours a day, 7
days per week.
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S1 Smartpole
City Centre Village Local Urban Heritage Pedestrian Parks Plazas Light Rail
and Centres / Streets Renewal Areas Connections Streets
Gateways Activity Areas
Strips
S2 Smartpole
City Centre Village Local Urban Heritage Pedestrian Parks Plazas Light Rail
and Centres / Streets Renewal Areas Connections Streets
Gateways Activity Areas
Strips
• •
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S3 Smartpole - Light Rail Range
City Centre Village Local Urban Heritage Pedestrian Parks Plazas Light Rail
and Centres / Streets Renewal Areas Connections Streets
Gateways Activity Areas
Strips
•
The City’s existing Smartpoles are not capable of sup- Range includes:
porting the load of overhead light rail wires. To avoid the • George Street Light Rail Smartpole Range -
need for an intrusive second set of poles in the street, the George Street as a distinctive street will have its
City and HUB are developing a new, stronger pole which own custom designed S3 Smartpoles
can carry lighting, overhead wires, signage and signal- • a General Use Catenary S3 smartpole for streets
ling. other than George Street
Concept designs for S3 Smartpole – verify final design and specification with the City of Sydney
Manufac-
turer: TBC
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Luminaire Luminaire Pole Application Lighting Light Source
Image Distribution
Luminaire: S3 George George Street 180 degree LED module, 1050mA, 3000-3200K
George Street sweep CCT, LED L70 @ 50,000hrs, Colour
Street Pedestrian asymmetric Consistency C3 @50,000hrs
Area Smartpole reflector Luminous Efficacy: 73lumens/W,
Lighting integrated into CRI≥80, 2 step MacAdam Ellipse,
Component pole IP66 rated module
Luminaire: S3 George George Street 360 degree 24 x 2.3W LED modules, Cree, 700mA
George Street sweep housed in integrated enclosure
Street Pedestrian asymmetric 2600-3200K CCT
Pedestrian Smartpole reflector LED L70 @ 60,500hrs
Lighting integrated into Luminous efficacy: 80lumens/W,
Component pole CRI≥85
Manufac-
turer: TBC
City Centre Village Local Urban Heritage Pedestrian Parks Plazas Light Rail
and Centres / Streets Renewal Areas Connections Streets
Gateways Activity Areas
Strips
• •
Generally in locations not designated for Smartpoles the Impact on Street Trees
street and footpath lighting in the City of Sydney is owned
and maintained by the energy supply authority (Ausgrid). Where possible, upgraded lighting designs should use
existing serviceable poles, and avoid trimming of tree
For new streets or streetscape upgrades involving the canopies.
installation of new poles, the pole, luminaire and lamp New pole installations and lighting designs shall be co-
types to be used shall be supported by the energy supply ordinated with street tree locations and other streetscape
authority (Ausgrid), and comply with this Code. elements to avoid conflict.
Refer to Ausgrid Wooden pole con- Local Streets, Refer to Ausgrid Refer to Ausgrid
Ausgrid sists of lighting outreach arm Urban Renewal Standard Standard
Standard attached to timber electricity Areas Luminaire Suite Luminaire Suite
Luminaire transmission pole.
Suite
Range includes various
outreach arm lengths in
response to street width and
tree canopy cover.
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3.5.3 Heritage poles and luminaires
City Centre Village Local Urban Heritage Pedestrian Parks Plazas Light Rail
and Centres / Streets Renewal Areas Connections Streets
Gateways Activity Areas
Strips
City Centre Village Local Urban Heritage Pedestrian Parks Plazas Light Rail
and Centres / Streets Renewal Areas Connections Streets
Gateways Activity Areas
Strips
• • •
(laneways (laneways (laneways
only) only) only)
Wall mounted light installations are most commonly Application of wall mounted luminaires should consider
used for laneways or narrow streets for both street and the urban design impact on the streetscape and mount-
pedestrian lighting where poles cannot be installed. This ing surface (including heritage considerations)
is usually a result of the absence of adequate footpaths
for safe pole installation, the location of major in-ground All instances of wall-mounted lighting installations are to
services that prevent installation of poles and footings, be determined by the City of Sydney.
or as a strategy to reduce clutter of pole elements in the
public domain.
General:
Small (single) Lamp Life L85 at
Module 50,000H, CRI70,
light source efficacy
67lumens/W
Medium
(Double)
Module
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3.5.5 Pedestrian Pole Top Luminaires
City Centre Village Local Urban Heritage Pedestrian Parks Plazas Light Rail
and Centres / Streets Renewal Areas Connections Streets
Gateways Activity Areas
Strips
• • • • • •
The provision of pedestrian pole top lighting is mainly These lighting elements also have street based ap-
used to provide required lighting levels to public spaces plications for situations where additional illumination is
such as plazas and parks. required for pedestrian and cycle priority use as well as
publicly accessible privately owned spaces that have a
similar requirement for provision of adequate pedestrian
lighting.
Pedestrian Pole Top Lighting Palette
Note: Selection of Luminaire made based on required light distribution / performance and to match existing elements, CoS to confirm.
* Selection of pole colour made based to match existing elements / CoS palette, CoS to confirm.
Luminaire: Custom Pole Design City Centre TBC by CoS TBC by CoS
City of Syd-
ney Custom This fitting is
Pole Light* to be used in
high profile/
Manufac- high activity
turer: GE areas as
Lighting directed by the
City. Consult
with the City
of Sydney for
application
confirmation.
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3.5.6 Pedestrain Connecting Spaces Luminaires
City Centre Village Local Urban Heritage Pedestrian Parks Plazas Light Rail
and Centres / Streets Renewal Areas Connections Streets
Gateways Activity Areas
Strips
•
In certain instances, pole lighting may not be a viable
lighting solution. In this instance a catenary floodlight
option may be viable. Consult with the City for
application.
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Chinatown
Approach Direction
Chinatown has a unique identity expressing the vibrancy The significance of this dense community in the City
of Asian Culture and street life in Sydney. Focused on the provides the opportunity to allow for the layered growth of
pedestrianised Dixon Street, small businesses from all the illuminated advertising which has become a hallmark
over Asia owners populate the area in restaurants, food of the contemporary Asian metropolis.
halls, stores, karaoke venues, bars and markets. This
vibrant destination appeals to all age groups, residents The area will offer a lighting destination, distinct in
and visitors during the day and in the evening. that it is not controlled design but ordered chaos. This
allows the community and businesses to help define the
development of their own unique precinct. The Hong
Kong or Shibuja experience being brought to Sydney.
Approach Direction
The Harbour Village North and surrounding areas, offer The lighting strategy in this area is focussing on subtle
a precinct rich with architectural history, typologies and warm building façade lighting to enhance heritage
closely weaved in together expressing the city’s past in a features of the built and landscaped environment. The
dense, reminiscent spatial environment unlike any other façade lighting needs to consider and respect the
in Sydney. The opulence of history witnessed in this built heritage fabric of the buildings, and will be supplemented
environment is prevalent in buildings, ground treatment by street and pathway lighting.
and even immense infrastructural feats. Coupled with
its harbour side location and the precincts role as portal Non heritage buildings may be lit from within to
for international visitors, the Harbour Village North distinguish these from heritage buildings.
has a purely distinct character. This area provides an
unparalleled opportunity to celebrate heritage through The lighting in this area must consider SHFA guidelines
lighting in a means that can tell a story and enhance for the adjacent Rocks area.
Sydney’s historical narrative from the very origin point of
its development. Curated by the City and characterised
by the warmth of illuminated Australian sandstone, this
controlled environment provides a place in the urban
strategy, which can become an evening destination
appealing to a variety of age groups.
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Oxford Street
Approach Direction
Oxford Street describes the rich development of culture The lighting strategy in this area is to consider and
capable within a progressive and active city. This distinct include the following elements
night oriented corridor is home to a highly expressive and • Ability to change lighting scheme or certain
celebrated gay community who alongside the many other features of scheme on a regular (yearly) basis
locals generate a hive of evening activity. The mood of • Use of catenary lighting which includes a
this region is distinct within Australian nightlife populated curated light art element
by a huge diversity of characters growing particularly • Consideration of lighting projections if suitable to
towards later hours of the evening. This segment of the the curated installation
urban strategy looks at a curated, controlled yet highly
expressive and changeable lighting environment. The
environment would be distinct, channelling the vibrancy
and uniqueness inherent in the local community. The
dynamic nature of this region would be further expressed
though changing curatorial roles and a lighting scheme
which is able to respond to the mood of streetscape
across different times of the day/ year.
Kings Cross
Approach
Kings cross is Sydney’s home of illuminated icons. Direction
From known landmarks such as the CocaCola Sign and The lighting strategy for Kings Cross is to respond to the
the El Alamein Fountain to neon signage, exaggeration tone of the night’s activity cycle, helping facilitate active
dominates the senses. This highly accessible, night hours and soften the mood of the area outside these
oriented area while being known as Sydney’s Red light periods.
districts is also the location of countless of evening
destinations which provide an attraction for locals all over The lighting strategy in this area is to combine various
Sydney. lighting elements into a holistic strategy, and should
consider and integrate the use of catenary lighting
installations in specific circumstances, façade lighting
and coloured illuminated signage. The focus of the
overlay should be concentrated along Darlinghurst Road /
Bayswater Road entertainment precincts.
Peter McGregor Llankelly Place Lights, Kings Cross, artist’s impression, McGregor Coxall
2001, Kings Cross 2001, Kings Cross
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Green Square Town Centre
Approach
Green Centre Town Centre will be the focal point of the Direction
Green Square Urban Renewal area. The Green Square Town Centre public domain strategy
provides directions to creative a distinctive character and
The Civic Place (Green Square Plaza) will form the memorable place that will be achieved through elements
heart of the Green Square Town Centre. It will provide a such as iconic built form features, landscape, special
grand civic space offering as the location of the library, street feature and creative lighting applications that could
communal space for play, learning, and cultural events. include use of catenary as well as special pole elements.
Surrounding the civic place is an offer of retail and
restaurants.
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4.3.4 City Centre
Martin Place
Major City Squares / Plazas
Laneways
East-West Connections
George Street
Approach Direction
George Street is the City’s central spine, with priority for A specific lighting strategy and masterplan has been
public transport and pedestrians. This central boulevard developed in 2013. Key aspects include:
connects the major city squares and is to provide a • Consistent lighting techniques along the length
unique experience, differing to the other areas within the of the street, incorporating a custom and
city centre. unique lighting structure to create a strong and
recognisable identity
• Curated architectural lighting/ façade lighting as
background for the night- time environment and as a
contributor to perceived brightness
• Tree lighting to enhance landscaped elements and
the streetscape
• A dynamic lighting layer the follows the movement
of the light rail, contributing to safety and creating a
dimensions of spectacle and engagement
George Street Lighting Concept by Stensen Varming for George Street Lighting Master Plan
70/97
Martin Place
Approach Strategic Direction
Martin Place is a key City Centre Plaza and shared zone In order to create the conditions for unique and specific
for pedestrians and cyclists. The Martin Place Lighting responses within a harmonious context, the following
Masterplan is currently being developed to provide design strategies have been developed:
lighting principles to inform future lighting renovations and
development in the precinct. These principles are to act • Enhancement of the continuity of the pedestrian
as benchmark project for future city centre plaza/square zones spanning the length of the precinct
lighting masterplans. • Conceptualising of the precinct as a collage of
‘moments’
• Specification of unique lighting treatments,
appropriate to the style and scale, to individual
buildings and objects
• Establishment of a luminance hierarchy to
promote way-finding and legibility, and avoid
visual fatigue
• Use of lighting features such as façade lighting
and lighting of monuments and also different
light levels to articulate that the character of
Martin Place is different from the vehicular cross
streets in lighting ambiance.
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Laneways
Approach Strategic Direction
The City Centre laneway revitalisation program provides • Lighting is to respond to the unique character,
the opportunity for special lighting applications to history and features of each laneway.
reinforce legibility of the city and create laneways as a • The lighting strategy in these areas should
destination. utilise light art, catenary lighting, façade lighting
and/or integrated furniture lighting to revitalise
these underused spaces and create a ‘laneway’
culture.
• Lighting should be appropriate for human scale
and human activity.
• Lighting should engage the public and activate
the space.
• Lighting is to provide minimum requirements
for both pedestrians and vehicles. If light art
is used for functional lighting requirements,
the installation is to be approved by a lighting
designer to ensure minimum requirements have
been met.
• Lighting design may utilise a range of different
colour temperatures as long as the base lighting
requirements are met. Coloured lighting is to be
devised in consultation with the City of Sydney.
Light Breezes, ARUP, VIVID installation 2012, Cambridge Street, Sydney Forgotten Songs, Michael Thomas Hill, Angel Place,
The Rocks, City of Sydney Sydney, City of Sydney
4.4.1 Approach
Civic Buildings
Distinctive Accents are considered as unique elements Lighting applications can call attention to distinctive
within the city, which do not qualify as precincts civic buildings and other landmarks that are worthy of
themselves but are integral to the overall legibility of the accentuation to help create reference points and aid in
city and enhance the perception of urban form. way-finding, particularly in areas outside the city centre.
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Monuments
Lighting of selected public monuments within the City of Lighting not considered appropriate:
Sydney can create a sense of prominence and express • Broad indiscriminate floodlighting of monuments
the history of an area. from large light sources located remotely from
the building.
Strategic Directions • Coloured lighting is only to be used in specific
circumstances in consultation with the City of
• Monuments are to be selected for significant Sydney.
public merit and to establish recognisable night
time landmarks.
• Timer controls are to be used to limit the
duration of distinctive lighting applications.
All distinctive lighting is to be non-operable
after 2am to reduce energy consumption and
excessive light pollution.
• Light sources are to be of appropriate colour
temperature to enhance the natural colour,
materiality and texture of the monument.
Consult with the City of Sydney for specific
requirements.
• The lighting design is to accentuate specific
features of interest and is not to floodlight.
• Luminaires should be located so they do not
visually interfere with viewing the monument.
Plazas
City Centre public plazas and squares, act as Strategic Direction
recognisable meeting places and spaces to sit and
relax within the urban context of the City. Plazas provide • Plaza lighting should be designed and
opportunity for community activities, voicing opinions, integrated into the urban fabric and landscape
sitting areas and meeting areas. They provide a pocket of design of the space.
space allowing reprieve from the busy main city streets. • Lighting should respond to and highlight the
Lighting should therefore reflect a more subtle, integrated uniqueness and character of each plaza.
approach, with pedestrian focus. • Luminaires should be concealed from view
wherever possible and the day- time view of the
fittings should be considered and minimised.
A distinctive and creative approach may be taken for • Lighting should not be uniform across the site
specific plazas in consultation with the City of Sydney but should utilise shadow and light to create
focal points and engage the users.
• Sculptures or public art within the plaza may be
highlighted.
• Vertical façade lighting unique and appropriate
to the style and scale of individual buildings
and objects. In some instances façade lighting
to contribute to pedestrian pathway lighting, if
controlled and maintained by CoS.
• Street level lighting to be relative to façade
brightness rather than uniform throughout.
• Tree lighting to enhance landscaped elements
amongst the paved experience
• Lighting to provide a series of pedestrian
‘moments’ throughout the site.
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Parks
Parks that have a unique character or are a night time Strategic Direction
destination have potential to include a creative lighting
overlay. Parks provide an important social function • Meet the basic lighting requirements as defined
within the City both during the day and in enhancing the in the functional lighting palette for a general
night time economy. These areas require an individual park. The lighting types used to achieve these
lighting strategy that is to be developed to align with the levels are open to the designer in conjunction
parameters set out for general parks. with CoS. Luminaires must comply with the
technical requirements outlined in Section Two.
• Heritage parks need to be considered taking
into account existing heritage elements and in
line with relevant heritage conservation plans
and plans of management.
• A creative lighting overlay is encouraged through
use of tree lighting, catenary lighting or furniture
lighting.
• The design of up-light for trees and landscaping
should consider existing site conditions to
ensure limited impact on tree root zones.
• Provision should be made to implement a
holistic lighting strategy for both general use
and ‘event’ use. This may be the case for a park
used for monthly markets. The ‘creative’ lighting
overlay may be turned on for a specific period
each month.
• The lighting scheme for all parks should
consider lighting of the following elements; Main
park entries, park perimeter, main pedestrian
and cycle through pathways and surrounding
areas, selected landscaped areas i.e. trees,
furniture or public art/architectural elements.
• The lighting strategy should utilise both shadow
and light to distinguish the park from the general
streetscape and to provide direction and focus
at night-time.
The Highline New York, google web search, photographer unknown The Highline New York, google web
search, photographer unknown
78/97
Tree Lighting
Public Art
Public Art provides distinctive elements within the city. Strategic Direction
In some instances these are accentuated by lighting
and in other instances, they are lighting elements in • Light art is to be used in specific areas as
their own right. The City’s Public Art Strategy, 2011 and designated by the CoS to activate a space such
the following Green Square Public Art Strategy 2012, as a laneway and create a unique atmosphere.
provide further strategic directions for both temporary and • Where possible light art should provide sufficient
permanent public art installations. lighting to comply with the recommended
AS1158 lighting levels as designated in the
above character areas and pallets. This
should be confirmed by a lighting designer.
If compliance is not achieved other lighting
elements must be considered as part of the
overall lighting scheme.
• Light art will be reviewed on a case by case
basis for specific locations in line with the
specific intent of the artist
• Minimisation of glare and glare sources are
paramount; lighting is not to distract but
enhance the artwork.
• Mounting of luminaires is not to affect viewing of
the artwork during the day time or the night time.
• Collaboration and dialogue with the artist is
encouraged to ensure the lighting design is
appropriate to the artwork and artist’s intent
• Light art to comply with OH&S issues of public
safety
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Temporary Events
Permanent lighting installations can be complemented by Strategic Direction
temporary lighting events. Temporary lighting events can
create theatrical displays for cultural and civic festivities • Lighting is to be designed specifically for an
such as Art and About and Sydney Vivid Festival. event and to be temporary in nature
• OH&S and safety requirements are to be
considered and included in the design, despite
the temporary nature of the installation
• Integrated into lighting structures where practical
to do so
• Consideration and planning of power cable runs
and access points is required
• Use of permanent infrastructure (for mounting
etc) is encouraged, but is to be coordinated with
the City of Sydney.
Richard Goodwin, Russell Lowe, Adrian McGregor, Seven Metre Bar, 2009, Underwood Street, Sydney, Jamie Williams / City of Sydney
Prince Alfred Park, Paul Patterson / Pitt Street Mall, Paul Patterson / City of Sydney
City of Sydney
82/97
4.5.3 Bollards 4.5.4 Furniture Lighting
Bollard lighting is generally not supported by the City for Integrated lighting in furniture is to be used in parks,
use in the public domain. In some cases a bollard may be plazas, pedestrian priority areas and village centre and
considered, where a particular effect is required or where activity strips. Integrated furniture lighting provides an
views and certain proportions need to be maintained. The informal, playful lighting element within a community area.
use is subject to City of Sydney approval.
• Lighting integration is to be seamless
• Light source to be LED, min 65 lumens/watt with
lamp life min 80% at 50,000H. LED CCT may be
selected for site specific application. Consult
with the City of Sydney for approval.
• Light distribution to be appropriate for context
and installation so as to not cause glare or
upward spill light.
• Luminaires to have min IP65 rating and min IK04
rating.
It is recommended that a stage approach to For each identified precinct the preparation of a creative
implementation be undertaken. Staging and timing will lighting masterplan that fully scopes the opportunities and
involve identifying project priorities based on: proposed lighting scheme is vital to ensure co- ordination
with broader public domain proposals for an area.
• Available resources allocated in the City’s capital
works program. A masterplan will also allow the private sector to progress
• Strategic opportunities to link with other existing the development of a lighting scheme for their buildings in
public domain projects and programs such as a consistent and co-ordinated manner.
George Street light rail. In general it will be more
cost effective to implement lighting masterplans Ideally the lighting masterplan should be considered
in conjunction with other projects to achieve as part of an overall Public Domain Plan for a precinct /
efficiencies by co-ordinating with other civil place.
works.
• Contribution a creative lighting application can The lighting masterplan should include:
make to achieve City’s strategic objectives in
Open Sydney, Retail Action Plan, and Tourism • Specific creative lighting masterplan objectives
Action Plan. • Co-ordination with required functional lighting
• Private sector interest to contribute and partner requirements and public domain proposals
with the City to deliver a creative lighting • Guidelines for recommended colour
application. temperature, and approach and directions for
• Capacity to maintain the system to a high level fixtures on buildings and public domain
quality over time. • Implementation strategy
• Energy efficiency considerations
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Wynyard Park
Public lighting asset management is based on the All installations will decrease in effectiveness over time
following principles to guide sustainable management of due to aging lamps and the soiling of the exterior of
infrastructure assets. They are: luminaires and reflectors. Aiming suffers due to factors
such as vibration and poor adjustment after lamp
• Take a lifecycle approach – apply a whole of replacement. These characteristics not only spoil the
life methodology for managing infrastructure designed appearance but also waste energy.
assets including planning, acquisition, operation,
maintenance, renewal and disposal The proposed practice for the maintenance of public
• A manageable portfolio of lighting technologies to lighting is to carry out a bulk replacement of lamps at the
minimise lighting maintenance response times end of the effective lamp lifetime, taking into account the
• Sustainable environmental performance economic and operational characteristics of the lamps.
• Best value – balance financial, environmental and Alternatively the preference is to replace defective lamps
social aspects to achieve best value upon notification of faults.
• Decision support systems and knowledge such as GIS
mapping of lighting assets– core systems will include It is recommended to initiate a new maintenance regime
up to date infrastructure asset information to inform for City owned lights. To control total lighting maintenance
decisions costs, the City will adopt a preventive and predictive
• Service levels – infrastructure asset service levels will maintenance regime for all City owned lights. The City
be clearly defined will conduct or contract to have conducted a regular
• Long-term financial plans – asset practices, plans inspection, cleaning and maintenance (including bulk
and systems will enable the development of long term lamp replacement as appropriate) of all decorative lights.
financial plans for asset classes
• Manage risks associated with infrastructure assets; The inspection, cleaning and maintenance cycle should
and be driven primarily by the bulk lamp replacement and
• Continuous improvement of asset management cleaning requirements for the installations (24 or 36
practices months depending on lamp technology and location).
The tasks should include the following:
The City may also pursue night patrols 3-4 times per
year in areas where there are no natural reporting parties
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5.3 Waste Management Plan and Recycling
(eg park safe city staff or security personnel). Lamp Public lighting produces a number of waste and
replacements could then be conducted in bulk following recyclable streams.
a patrol.
Waste management planning involves recycling of
In addition, development applications that cover the as many materials and components as possible and
illumination of of the public domain must include responsible disposal of the balance.
maintenance plans for approval.
Systematic maintenance using bulk replacement of lamps
In regard to lamp/ light source maintenance it is at end of design life rather than failure allows for better
recommended that bulk lamp replacement be carried out and more effective management of lamp waste and
within sections of the precinct according to the lamp type. maintenance of luminaire performance.
Most luminaires will use LED sources: LED’s generally
have a service life in excess of 50,000 hours at which
point the luminous flux drops below 70% of its original
output. The LEDs will then slowly continue to degrade
and need replacement.
6.0 Appendices
6.1 Appendix 1: Glossary
Colour rendering The effect of a light source on the colour appearance of an object.
Correlated colour temperature The absolute temperature of a black body radiator whose chromaticity most nearly
resembles that of the light source being considered. Unit: Kelvin.
Glare The discomfort or impairment of vision experienced when parts of the field of view
are excessively bright.
Illuminance The luminous flux arriving at a surface divided by the area of the illuminated
surface. Unit: lux
Luminaire Complete lighting units consisting of lamp, control gear (if required), reflector and
housing.
Lumen Unit of luminous flux used to describe a quantity of light emitted by a source
orreceived by a surface. Unit: lumens
Sky Glow Sky glow is the brightening of the night sky that results from the reflection
of radiation (visible and non-visible), scattered from the constituents of the
atmosphere (gaseous, molecules, aerosols, land particulate matter), in the
direction of observation. It comprises two separate components. Natural sky glow
– that part of the sky glow which is attributable to radiation from celestial sources
and luminescent processes in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. Artificial sky glow
– that part of the sky glow which is attributable to manmade sources of radiation
(e.g. outdoor electric lighting), including radiation that is emitted directly upwards
and radiation that is reflected from the surface of the Earth.
Traffic deterred As defined under AS/NZS 1158.3.1:2005 Clause 3.2.6.3. “When the purpose of the
road is such that the intention of traffic management devices is generally to slow
and deter traffic other than vehicles with their origin or destination in that road, the
devices shall be identified to drivers using one of two technologies as follows:”
(a) Using reflectors (Refer to standard for details)
(b) Using roadlighting luminaires including roundabouts and the intended effect of
a traffic management device on a vehicle passing through it is to cause the driver
to reduce speed and maintain a reduced speed while travelling through the device.
(Refer to standard for further details.)
Traffic slowed As defined under AS/NZS 1158.3.1:2005 Clause 3.2.6.2. “Where the purpose of the
road is such that the intention of traffic management devices is generally to slow
traffic and regulate its flow at conflict points but not to deter or reduce the volume
of through traffic, the intended effect of a traffic management device on a vehicle
passing through it is to cause the driver to reduce speed and maintain a reduced
speed while travelling through the device.” Refer to standard for further details.
The Sydney Lights Design Code fits under a broader 6.2.3 Open Sydney
policy and strategic planning directions prepared by City Open Sydney provides a vision for the night time
of Sydney. This includes the following: economy of the City of Sydney and is a guiding factor
in the development of the lighting master plan. Lighting
6.2.1 Sustainable Sydney 2030 activates the night and is crucial in allowing and
Sustainable 2030 Targets that public domain lighting can supporting night time activities.
contribute to include:
The night time vision is based on five goals all of which
Target 1 relate to lighting.
By 2030, the City will reduce greenhouse gas emissions A Global Sydney where Sydney is an internationally
by 50 per cent compared to the 1990 levels, and by 70 recognised night-time city, based on our design, diversity,
per cent compared to 1990 levels by 2050 safety, innovation, creativity, strong economic growth
‘A 10 per cent overall reduction in emissions is and leadership; where we govern our city well through
possible by phasing out incandescent light bulbs with coordinated action.
progressively more efficient lighting technologies.’
A Connected Sydney where businesses connect to
Direction 4 events, to each other and to residents, workers and
visitors; with hubs that activate different city precincts;
A City for pedestrians and cyclists where transport links to outer suburbs; where digital
Objective: ‘Develop a network of safe, linked pedestrian access is fast and free.
and cycle paths integrated with green spaces throughout
both the City and Inner Sydney.’ A Diverse Sydney with later opening hours, and where
more no-alcohol activities attract families and older
Direction 5 people; where new venues and activities emerge in
A lively, engaging City Centre underused spaces, and where traditional spaces by day
Objective: ‘Strengthen the City’s public domain, identify take on new uses at night.
and create more places for meeting, rest and leisure.’
Objective: ‘Support the development of diverse, new An Inviting and Safe Sydney with beautiful design,
bars and restaurants in the including lighting, where spaces for pedestrians
City Centre’ encourage strolling and exploring; where streets are safe
and free of violence, and where there is respect between
visitors and residents.
Direction 9
Sustainable development renewal and design A Responsive Sydney where innovation is encouraged by
Objective: ‘Define and improve the City’s streets, reducing red tape, and where proactive, problem-solving
squares, parks and open space, and enhance their role teamwork with government and industry is the norm, and
for pedestrians and in public life.’ local solutions reflect local character
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6.3 Appendix 3: International Benchmarking
and Positioning Study
Sustainability
A key goal of recent lighting masterplans is to achieve
a target of specific sustainable objectives, focussing
on a reduction of CO2 emissions, a decrease of energy
use, energy costs and minimisation of light pollution.
Advancements in technology, including LED colour quality
and consistency, efficiency, optics and accessibility
provides a viable alternative for City lighting in future
upgrades.
Identity
As an intrinsic part of a city’s day and night-scape,
lighting is used to shape life, place and identity in a city.
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6.4 Appendix 4: Pedestrian Lighting Improvement Plan
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PHASE 1: LGN Priority Network (Pedestrian + Cycle) City Centre and Gateways
note - outside of scope but included
PHASE 2: Citywide Pedestrian Priority Network in CBD granite infill program